NHL Player News

Stolarz (groin) has fully recovered from his groin injury and is expected to be the starter heading into training camp, according to general manager John Chayka, per Luke Fox of Sportsnet on Thursday.

Stolarz being deemed the starting goalie by Chayka shouldn't come as a huge surprise after the club traded away Joseph Woll in mid-June. The 32-year-old Stolarz was limited to just 26 regular-season appearances due to injuries this year, posting a 10-10-3 record and 3.28 GAA. That injury history should be a red flag for fantasy managers, especially considering he has reached the 30-game mark only once in his NHL career.

Cardwell signed a one-year, two-way contract with San Jose on Thursday.

Cardwell saw action in just seven regular-season games for the Sharks last season in which he tallied one goal, six shots and nine hits while averaging 11:56 of ice time. The 23-year-old winger was slightly more productive in the minors, generating seven goals and eight assists in 24 regular-season games with the Barracuda. Still, the 2021 fourth-round pick figures to remain a fringe roster player for San Jose heading into the 2026-27 campaign.

Lapierre was traded to the Penguins from the Capitals on Thursday in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

Lapierre will be a restricted free agent July 1, and Washington already has over $50 million committed to its forward group, which doesn't include a new deal for Alex Ovechkin if he returns. Selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, the 24-year-old Lapierre will likely be viewed as a reclamation project for the Penguins, especially considering he managed just four goals and 12 assists in 74 regular-season games last year. Even with having to give the Quebec native a new contract this summer, it's likely a low-risk move for the Penguins to bet on Lapierre having a career resurgence with a change of venue.

Hathaway and a 2026 sixth-round pick were traded to the Panthers on Thursday from the Flyers in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round pick and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Hathaway is under contract for one more season at a modest $2.4 million AAV, so this isn't exactly a salary dump for the Flyers, though it could clear a lineup spot for one of their younger players. In Florida, Hathaway figures to slot into a fourth-line role, which could mean the club allows some combination of Vinnie Hinostroza, Tomas Nosek or A.J. Greer to hit the open market July 1.

Scott signed a two-year, two-way contract extension with the Stars on Thursday.

Scott hasn't yet made his NHL debut, but he performed well during his first full season with AHL Texas during the 2025-26 campaign, recording 18 goals, 14 assists and 38 PIM across 72 regular-season appearances. He'll likely spend most of his time in the minors during the 2026-27 season.

Gard will join Michigan State University starting with the 2027-28 campaign, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports Thursday.

Gard is expected to remain with WHL Seattle next season before making the jump to the collegiate ranks. With the Thunderbirds this last season, the 2025 second-round pick notched 11 goals and 12 helpers in 32 regular-season tilts. Unless the 19-year-old center's offensive game improves drastically, he likely will spend a couple of seasons with the Spartans before getting a shot at the NHL.

Benson signed a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Sabres on Wednesday.

This deal keeps Benson with the Sabres as part of the team's core while on an affordable deal. He had 13 goals and 43 points over 65 regular-season outings in 2025-26. At just 21 years old, he still has time to grow on offense, though expectations will be higher moving forward with his new contract. Expect Benson to fill a top-six role regularly in 2026-27.

Kampf and a 2027 third-round pick were acquired by the Sabres from the Capitals on Wednesday in exchange for Alex Tuch.

The Sabres will have a brief exclusive negotiating window with Kampf if they so desire. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency at the beginning of July. The 31-year-old had six points in 40 outings between the Canucks and Capitals in 2025-26. Kampf projects as a bottom-six forward at best, regardless of whether he signs with Buffalo or heads elsewhere.

Pinelli signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Kings on Wednesday.

The deal is worth $850,000 at the NHL level. Pinelli is coming off the end of his entry-level contract. He had a career-high 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) over 65 regular-season outings for AHL Ontario last year, and he followed up with two points in five playoff games. Pinelli has yet to make his NHL debut, but he could do so if he shows a little more offense in the AHL in 2026-27.

Valimaki signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Valimaki signed a two-year deal in the SHL on Tuesday, but it appears the Hurricanes were able to lure him back to North America. He had 23 points in 27 AHL regular-season games as well as 14 points in 21 playoff outings. Valimaki could be some experienced insurance on the blue line after reports emerged Wednesday that the Hurricanes might dangle Alexander Nikishin on the trade market. That said, Valimaki would likely spend at least part of 2026-27 in the AHL again, which would require him to pass through waivers.