The NHL off-season concluded on October 7, as teams finalized their opening rosters and ensured compliance with the salary cap.

One of the most notable developments leading up to this was the Boston Bruins and their star goalie Jeremy Swayman agreeing to an eight-year, $66 million deal a day prior, which resolved a situation that had the potential to extend into the season.

Teams are continuing to make transactions during the regular season as they aim for the Stanley Cup or plan for their futures. Important dates to keep an eye on include the holiday roster freeze in December, the league’s break for the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, and the trade deadline in early March.

Stay updated on signings, trades, transactions, and other NHL news here this season:

Oct. 10: Hurricanes-Lightning Game Postponed Due to Milton

The Carolina Hurricanes and Tampa Bay Lightning game scheduled for Saturday has been postponed as the area still recovers from Hurricane Milton. The NHL will announce a rescheduled date as soon as possible.

The Lightning are set to play their season opener in Carolina on Friday. Saturday’s matchup was intended to kick off a three-game homestand (with additional games on Tuesday and Thursday).

Amalie Arena weathered the storm well, while Tropicana Field, home to MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays located in St. Petersburg, Florida, experienced significant roof damage.

Oct. 10: Blue Jackets’ Boone Jenner Undergoes Surgery

Jenner has had shoulder surgery to fix an injury sustained during training camp, which could keep him sidelined for up to six months.

“We hope he will be back before the season ends,” said Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Waddell. “His absence will be significant for our team, but we have strong leadership in place, and others will step up in both on-ice and off-ice roles.”

Boone, who scored 22 goals last season and holds the franchise record for most games played, has served as the team’s captain since the 2021-22 season.

Oct. 9: Linus Ullmark and Joey Daccord Sign Extension Deals

Ullmark, who secured the Vezina Trophy with the Bruins in the 2022-23 season, was traded to the Ottawa Senators this offseason to free up space for Swayman’s contract. Ullmark’s deal is a four-year, $33 million contract with an $8.25 million cap, matching Swayman’s cap hit.

In another move, Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord was signed to a five-year, $25 million extension. Daccord stepped in for the injured Philipp Grubauer last season and recorded the NHL’s first shutout in the Winter Classic. Both contracts will commence next season.

Oct. 8: Rangers’ Igor Shesterkin Declines Extension Proposal

According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the New York Rangers extended an eight-year, $88 million offer to Shesterkin, which would average $11 million annually, surpassing Carey Price’s record of $10.5 million. This information was verified by a source familiar with the situation to lohud.com, part of the YSL News Network.

It’s not surprising that the 28-year-old Russian goalie turned it down just before New York’s season opener in Pittsburgh. Recently, another source indicated that the two sides have had significant differences in negotiations, and reaching an agreement before the season started appeared unlikely. However, circumstances could change if Rangers team president Chris Drury increases their offer, but Shesterkin seems willing to wait and bet on himself. – Vincent Z. Mercogliano, lohud.com

In addition: The defending champion Florida Panthers announced after their first victory that forward Carter Verhaeghe had agreed to an eight-year extension worth a reported $56 million.