Capitals goalie Logan Thompson secures six-year extension. Keep updated on the latest NHL transactions.

The NHL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, with less than six weeks remaining.

Up to this point, 18 trades have taken place (including a significant January deal between the Colorado Avalanche and the Carolina Hurricanes), four coaching changes have occurred, and extensions have been signed by players such as Igor Shesterkin, Jake Oettinger, Logan Thompson, Alexis Lafreniere, Linus Ullmark, among others this season. Notable players like Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Brock Boeser still qualify for extensions, along with recently traded Mikko Rantanen.

More trades are anticipated as teams gear up for a run at the Stanley Cup or make strategic decisions for the future. The trade deadline is set for March 7.

Stay updated here throughout the season for information on contracts, trades, and all NHL-related news:

Jan. 27: Logan Thompson of the Capitals signs six-year extension

The Capitals’ goaltender Logan Thompson has signed an extension that will average $5.85 million, a significant jump from his current cap hit of $766,667. Thompson has been exceptional this season since joining the team during the offseason, boasting a record of 22-2-3, a goals-against average of 2.09, and a .925 save percentage. He ranks high in MoneyPuck’s stats for goals saved above expected. At 27 years old, he has primarily split playing time with Charlie Lindgren (11-9-2), who will soon become an unrestricted free agent. This duo has propelled the Capitals to achieve the best record in the league. Capitals general manager Chris Patrick remarked, “With his size (6-4) and outstanding athletic ability, we believe this signing enhances a crucial position on our roster as he enters the prime of his career.”

Jan. 27: Islanders trade for Scott Perunovich from Blues

The New York Islanders have traded a conditional fifth-round pick for 2026 to acquire Scott Perunovich to help bolster their defense after Ryan Pulock was placed on the injured list due to an upper-body injury. This season, Perunovich has recorded six points across 24 games with the St. Louis Blues. Recently, the Islanders also secured free agent defenseman Tony DeAngelo to cover for Noah Dobson, who is sidelined with a lower-body injury.

Jan. 26: Rangers ink Will Borgen to five-year deal

Rangers defenseman Will Borgen, who joined the team via the Kaapo Kakko trade, has signed an extension averaging $4.1 million, as reported by ESPN. Since arriving in New York, Borgen has contributed three points, alongside 29 hits and blocked shots.

Also: The Vegas Golden Knights announced that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo will not participate in the 4 Nations Face-Off to address a health issue and prepare for the remainder of the season with Vegas. Team Canada must announce a replacement prior to the tournament slated for Feb. 12-20.

Jan. 24: Mikko Rantanen traded in high-profile deal

The Colorado Avalanche have resolved their concerns regarding pending free agent Mikko Rantanen’s salary cap space by trading him to the Carolina Hurricanes. In exchange, they received Martin Necas, Jack Drury, a second-round pick in 2025, and a fourth-round pick in 2026. The Hurricanes also acquired Taylor Hall from the Chicago Blackhawks, who are covering 50% of Rantanen’s salary.

With the Avalanche committed to paying MVP Nathan MacKinnon $12.6 million annually, it likely capped their ability to retain Rantanen. While losing a high-scoring player is significant, Necas, a top scorer for the Hurricanes, is under contract through next season, and Drury’s contract runs until 2025-26 and will be a restricted free agent.

In the previous year, the Hurricanes had also been proactive ahead of the deadline but were eliminated in the second round and could not re-sign Jake Guentzel.

Jan. 24: Jacob Markstrom sidelined with knee sprain

New Jersey Devils goalie Jacob Markstrom is expected to be out for four to six weeks due to a knee sprain, missing the lead-up to the 4 Nations Face-Off, according to the team. This timeline might also prevent him from competing in the international tournament scheduled for Feb. 12-20. To fill the gap, the Devils have called up Isaac Poulter to support Jake Allen in the net.

Jan. 17: Oilers sign John Klingberg to one-year deal

The Edmonton Oilers have bolstered their defense by signing veteran John Klingberg for the rest of the season, with details of the contract remaining undisclosed.

Klingberg, 32, underwent season-ending hip surgery in November 2023 and is recognized for his skills in puck movement and power play effectiveness. Over his career, he has accumulated 412 points across 633 games, including 39 points in 63 playoff matchups.

The 2024 Stanley Cup finalists parted ways with Cody Ceci and chose not to match an offer sheet for Philip Broberg during the off-season.

Jan. 15: Penguins place goalie Tristan Jarry on waivers

Following a 4-2 defeat against the Seattle Kraken, the Pittsburgh Penguins have placed goalie Tristan Jarry on waivers. In the game, he conceded three goals on 17 shots, including a short-handed goal that slipped by him in the first period, and Seattle managed to score twice in a swift span during the third period to come from behind.

Jarry, a two-time All-Star veteran, was previously sent to the American Hockey League in late October and was recalled on Nov. 9. He is currently in the second year of a five-year contract with a $5.375 million cap hit, sporting a goals-against average of 3.32 and a .886 save percentage.

“He’s always shown up to work, and that’s never been in question,” said general manager Kyle Dubas. “It just hasn’t translated into the desired performance on the ice. At this level, we need to make decisions that are best for both him and us.”

Jan. 14: Emil Heineman of Canadiens out due to accident

Montreal Canadiens forward Emil Heineman will be sidelined for three to four weeks after he was involved in an accident while crossing a street in Utah. The team reported that the incident happened on Monday and Heineman sustained an upper-body injury. Coach Martin St. Louis stated, “He got hurt crossing the street yesterday. It wasn’t a high-speed accident, but it was enough to cause some harm. It’s unfortunate.” The Canadiens are currently in Salt Lake City for a matchup against the Utah Hockey Club. Heineman, 23, scored 17 points in 41 games this season, ranking third among NHL rookies with 10 goals.

Jan. 10: Evander Kane of Oilers undergoes knee surgery

Evander Kane will need more time before making his season debut after undergoing knee surgery on Thursday. The Edmonton Oilers announced that he would require four to eight weeks for recovery, interrupting his rehabilitation from September’s abdominal surgery. Kane, 33, scored 24 goals last season, contributing eight points during the Oilers’ Stanley Cup Final run, but he missed the last five games of that series due to a sports hernia. He has one more year left on his contract with a cap hit of $5.125 million.

Also: The Ottawa Senators have signed forward Ridly Greig to a four-year, $13 million contract extension.

Jan. 6: Rangers claim Arthur Kaliyev off waivers from Kings

Arthur Kaliyev, 23, has recorded back-to-back seasons with double-digit goals.

goals, although he recorded only seven goals last season. Due to an injury, he hasn’t played in the NHL this season but completed a five-game conditioning assignment. The former second-round draft choice averages around 12 minutes of ice time per game. Following the Rangers’ trade of Kaapo Kakko, he is expected to take on a bottom-six position.

Jan. 5: Ducks re-sign Frank Vatrano for three years

The Anaheim Ducks, typically known for selling players before the trade deadline, have extended a three-year contract to their third-highest scorer, Frank Vatrano. Had the Ducks made him available, he would have attracted considerable attention. According to TSN’s Pierre LeBrun, this deal is valued at $18 million, but with deferred payments, the cap impact is reduced to $4.57 million. Vatrano netted 37 goals last season and has already accumulated 20 points this season, notably scoring three points on the night the contract extension was announced.

Jan. 3: Bruins re-sign Mark Kastelic

The tough forward has signed a contract that averages $1.567 million annually. He was tied for the team lead in penalty minutes with 76 and recorded 151 hits.

Dec. 28: Nashville Predators, Colorado Avalanche make trade

The Nashville Predators have recalled Vinnie Hinostroza, the leading scorer in the AHL, and subsequently traded Juuso Parssinen to the Colorado Avalanche. The Avalanche also received a seventh-round pick in 2026, while the Predators received Ondrej Pavel and a third-round pick in 2027.

Hinostroza, an NHL veteran with 374 games to his name, signed a two-year contract with the Predators in the offseason but spent the entirety of the season in the AHL. The same applies to Pavel. Parssinen contributed five points across 15 games with Nashville this season. Earlier in the season, the Predators and Avalanche made a trade involving backup goaltenders.

Dec. 27: Avalanche give extension to Mackenzie Blackwood

Following his acquisition through trade, the Colorado Avalanche have awarded goalie Mackenzie Blackwood a five-year contract extension just 18 days later. While specific details weren’t disclosed, reports suggest the annual value is $5.25 million, an increase from his current $2.35 million cap hit that concludes this summer.

The Avalanche’s goaltending faced challenges at the beginning of the season, leading to the trade of Justus Annunen to the Nashville Predators for Scott Wedgewood on Nov. 30. Additionally, Alexandar Georgiev was sent to the San Jose Sharks on Dec. 9 in exchange for Blackwood.

Since his arrival, Blackwood has a record of 3-1, holding a goals-against average of 2.03 and a save percentage of .931.

Dec. 26: Red Wings fire coach Derek Lalonde, hire Todd McLellan

The Detroit Red Wings dismissed coach Derek Lalonde after more than two seasons and hired veteran Todd McLellan as his replacement to help improve their performance this season.

McLellan, aged 57, was part of the Red Wings team that won the Stanley Cup in 2008 as an assistant coach. He has signed a multi-year contract and becomes the franchise’s 29th head coach. His coaching record stands at 598 wins, 412 losses, and 134 overtime losses over 16 seasons with the Los Angeles Kings, Edmonton Oilers, and San Jose Sharks, leading teams to the playoffs nine times. McLellan had served with the Red Wings from 2005 to 2008, departing after their championship win to join the Sharks.

Alongside this change, associate coach Bob Boughner was also let go, with Trent Yawney taking over as an assistant. The Red Wings had faltered, losing nine out of their last 12 games, placing them seventh in the Atlantic Division.

Dec. 19: Bruins waive forward Tyler Johnson

The Boston Bruins have placed forward Tyler Johnson on unconditional waivers in order to terminate the one-year contract he signed in November, enabling him to seek opportunities elsewhere. Johnson managed two points in nine games this season, a move that follows the Bruins claiming Oliver Wahlstrom off waivers.

Dec. 18: Rangers trade Kaapo Kakko to Kraken

The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko, the second overall pick from 2019, to the Seattle Kraken in a deal that brought back defenseman Will Borgen along with third- and sixth-round picks in 2025. This trade occurred shortly after Kakko expressed frustration about being scratched from the lineup. “It’s just easy to take the young guy and put him out,” he commented.

At 23 years old, Kakko has yet to meet the expectations associated with his high draft status, recording just 40 points in his best season (2022-23) and 14 points this season, although he was called up to represent Finland at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

This trade marks the second significant change for the struggling Rangers, who had already dealt captain Jacob Trouba to the Anaheim Ducks on Dec. 6. Borgen, selected by the Kraken during the expansion draft, has achieved more than 20 points and an average of nearly 200 hits in recent years but only has two points and a minus-13 rating this season.

In other trades that took place on Wednesday:

The Montreal Canadiens and Nashville Predators exchanged defensemen, sending Alexandre Carrier (28) to Montreal in return for Justin Barron (23). Carrier provides the Canadiens with a seasoned right-shot defenseman. He signed a three-year contract in the offseason while the Predators save $2.6 million in cap space.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman P.O. Joseph from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for future considerations, adding depth while Marcus Pettersson is injured. Joseph played his first four NHL seasons with Pittsburgh.

Dec. 18: Justin Schultz retires after 12 NHL seasons

Justin Schultz, a 34-year-old defenseman, announced his retirement after a lengthy 12-season career with four NHL teams, having won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Drafted by the Anaheim Ducks in 2008, he failed to come to terms with them and instead joined the Edmonton Oilers as a free agent in 2012, earning a spot on the all-rookie team. Schultz was traded to the Penguins in 2016 and secured championships in both that season and the next. He later played two seasons each with the Washington Capitals and Seattle Kraken, concluding his NHL tenure with 71 goals and 324 points over 745 games. Schultz had signed to play in Switzerland this season but stepped away after just eight appearances.

Dec. 14: Blues acquire Ducks’ Cam Fowler in trade

To enhance their roster, the St. Louis Blues traded minor league defenseman Jeremie Biakabutuka and a second-round pick in 2027 to acquire Cam Fowler, a 33-year-old defenseman who spent his entire NHL career with the Anaheim Ducks. The Blues also received a fourth-round pick in 2027 while the Ducks are retaining about 38.5% of Fowler’s remaining salary.

With Torey Krug sidelined this season due to an ankle injury, the Blues needed a reliable veteran who averages over 21 minutes of ice time. Fowler’s trade occurred eight days after the Ducks obtained defenseman Jacob Trouba.

“This was a difficult trade to make considering what Cam has meant to this organization,” remarked general manager Pat Verbeek. “He has been a valuable and respected member of our team for 15 seasons, representing the Ducks with ultimate class.  After several discussions with Cam in recent months, we both recognized it may be time for a change.”

Also: The Boston Bruins have claimed forward Oliver Wahlstrom off waivers from the New York Islanders. The Maine native previously played for Boston College during the 2018-19 season.

Dec. 13: Islanders waive Oliver Wahlstrom, Pierre Engvall

The New York Islanders have placed forwards Oliver Wahlstrom and Pierre Engvall on waivers, as reported by Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman. This decision was made following the return to practice of injured forwards Mat Barzal and Anthony Duclair. Engvall had signed a seven-year contract in 2023 but will now be subject to waivers.

Wahlstrom was claimed off waivers earlier this season and has participated in six games in the American Hockey League. Currently, he has accrued six points in 20 games. Wahlstrom, selected 23rd overall in the 2018 draft, has recorded four points in 27 games.

Additionally: The Minnesota Wild acquired defenseman Travis Dermott off waivers from the Edmonton Oilers. Following an injury where defenseman Jake Middleton was struck by a puck on Thursday night, the Wild have placed him on long-term injured reserve. Meanwhile, the Vegas Golden Knights have extended forward Keegan Kolesar’s contract for three years at $7.5 million.

Dec. 12: Canucks’ J.T. Miller returns from personal leave

J.T. Miller, a forward for the Vancouver Canucks, announced his return from personal leave and played on Thursday night against the Florida Panthers. The team revealed his absence on November 19. During his time away, the Canucks achieved a record of 5-3-2.

Miller, who has tallied 16 points in 17 games this season after surpassing 100 points last season, declined to comment on the reasons for his absence.

“I’m thrilled to be back on the ice,” he expressed. “Facing the defending champions is always exciting. I’m just glad to be back with the team and am looking forward to tonight’s game.”

He played over 14 minutes, contributed two assists, and won 60% of his faceoffs.

While he was away, Miller was selected for Team USA for the upcoming February 4 Nations Face-Off.

Also: Anaheim Ducks forward Trevor Zegras underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee and is predicted to be sidelined for six weeks. Additionally, the Utah Hockey Club claimed defenseman Dakota Mermis off waivers from the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Dec. 10: Kevin Shattenkirk announces retirement

Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk declared his retirement on Tuesday, bringing an end to his 14-year NHL career with seven teams. He won a Stanley Cup in 2020 with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Drafted 14th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2007, he also played for the St. Louis Blues (notably achieving five 40-point seasons), Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Anaheim Ducks before concluding his career with the Boston Bruins in the 2023-24 season.

At 35 years old, Shattenkirk’s career stats include 103 goals, 381 assists, and 484 points over 952 games, plus an additional 48 points in 91 playoff games. Notably, he scored in overtime during Game 4 of the 2020 Stanley Cup Final.

Dec. 9: Avalanche land Mackenzie Blackwood in goalie trade with Sharks

Following a 32 points as a rookie in 2021-22.

Nov. 24: Blues part ways with coach Drew Bannister, bring in Jim Montgomery

In an unexpected move, the St. Louis Blues fired Drew Bannister on Sunday, just months into his coaching tenure, and appointed former Boston Bruins coach Jim Montgomery as his replacement.

Blues president and general manager Doug Armstrong made the announcement following a poor start, with the team losing 13 out of their first 22 games this season. Bannister had taken over from Stanley Cup-winning coach Craig Berube last year, officially removing his interim status at the end of the last season.

Montgomery, who previously served as an assistant to Berube, boasts a coaching record of 180 wins, 84 losses, and 33 overtime losses with Boston and Dallas. He was recently dismissed by the Bruins after they struggled with 12 losses in their first 20 games. – Steve Gardner

Nov. 22: Golden Knights extend Brett Howden’s contract for five years

Forward Brett Howden has signed a five-year contract extension, averaging $2.5 million per year. He currently plays on the lower lines for the Vegas Golden Knights and has contributed eight goals this season.

In the wake of losing key free agents like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson from their 2023 Stanley Cup-winning roster, the Golden Knights are prioritizing early contract extensions. Defensemen Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb have also recently signed extensions, while goalie Adin Hill and forward Keegan Kolesar remain unrestricted free agents from that championship team.

Nov. 19: Canucks’ J.T. Miller takes indefinite leave for personal reasons

Vancouver Canucks forward J.T. Miller is taking an indefinite leave of absence for personal matters, according to the team’s announcement.

“Our main concern is ensuring that J.T. feels the full support of the entire organization,” general manager Patrik Allvin stated. “We won’t be making further comments, respecting J.T.’s privacy.”

Miller is the second-highest scorer on the Canucks, with 16 points in 17 games, and he had an impressive 103 points last season.

Nov. 19: Boston Bruins let go of coach Jim Montgomery

The Boston Bruins terminated Jim Montgomery, marking him as the first coaching casualty of the 2024-25 NHL season, just under two seasons after he was honored as coach of the year.

Associate coach Joe Sacco, previously head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, will step in as interim head coach.

This decision followed a heavy loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. Montgomery, in the final year of his contract, was dismissed with the team holding a record of 8-9-3 and struggling statistically.

Nov. 18: Islanders’ Mike Reilly to undergo heart procedure

New York Islanders defenseman Mike Reilly is set to have a heart procedure on Tuesday, leading to an indefinite absence from the team.

General manager Lou Lamoriello informed the media that a pre-existing heart condition was identified during routine concussion testing that had already sidelined him since Nov. 1.

“It’s probably a blessing in disguise,” Lamoriello commented. “Something that often goes unnoticed was detected during this process.”

He added that Reilly has been cleared concerning his concussion.

Nov. 15: Avalanche’s Valeri Nichushkin returns from suspension

Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin made his return on Friday after serving a six-month suspension. His suspension began during the playoffs last May under Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. He had also participated in the program for about two months earlier during the 2023-24 season and missed part of the 2023 playoffs due to personal matters. Nichushkin had a total of 28 goals in 54 games last season. Injured forwards Jonathan Drouin and Miles Wood also returned that night.

Additionally: The Vegas Golden Knights extended defenseman Brayden McNabb, the franchise’s games played leader, with a three-year contract averaging $3.65 million annually.

Nov. 13: Sabres acquire goalie James Reimer via waivers

The Buffalo Sabres have claimed goaltender James Reimer off waivers, bringing him back to where he initially signed a free agent deal this summer. The Anaheim Ducks had claimed him earlier this season after the Sabres attempted to send him to the American Hockey League. Following the return of injured goalie John Gibson, the Ducks placed him on waivers. Reimer, who is under a one-year, $1 million contract, recorded a 4.50 goals-against average in two games with Anaheim. No. 1 Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen was injured in Monday’s game but hasn’t been ruled out for Thursday.

Additionally: Boston Bruins defenseman Hampus Lindholm is expected to be out for “weeks” due to a lower-body injury sustained from blocking a shot, as stated by coach Jim Montgomery.

Nov. 12: Capitals acquire Lars Eller from Penguins

Center Lars Eller, 35, is back with the Washington Capitals after previously playing there from 2016 to 2023 and winning a Stanley Cup in 2018. He is known for his penalty-killing abilities and solid performance in faceoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins, on the other hand, received a third-round draft pick in 2027 and a fifth-round pick in 2025 as part of the trade, indicating possible changes to the roster after a disappointing start. This move will provide more playing time for younger players. Eller is set to become an unrestricted free agent.

Additionally: The Winnipeg Jets claimed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen from the Colorado Avalanche off waivers and loaned him out to their American Hockey League team. They had previously lost him to the Avalanche on waivers last month.

Nov. 11: Flames’ Anthony Mantha to undergo season-ending surgery

Calgary Flames forward Anthony Mantha is scheduled for season-ending ACL surgery on Thursday, the team announced on Monday. He suffered the knee injury on Nov. 5. After signing a one-year contract in the offseason, Mantha had registered seven points this season. Had he remained healthy, he could have been a target for trades after being moved at previous deadlines.

Additionally: The Colorado Avalanche placed goalie Kaapo Kahkonen on waivers after previously claiming him from the Winnipeg Jets the month before.

Nov. 9: Penguins bring back veteran goalie Tristan Jarry from the minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins have recalled two-time All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry from his conditioning stint in the American Hockey League. Jarry was loaned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton on Oct. 26 after struggling with a 5.37 goals-against average and .836 save percentage. During his AHL stint, he boasted a 2.16 goals-against average and .926 save percentage.

Additionally: The Philadelphia Flyers made rookie Matvei Michkov a healthy scratch for the second game in a row.

Nov. 8: Kraken acquire Daniel Sprong from Canucks

The Seattle Kraken traded for Daniel Sprong, a former player, in exchange for future considerations. The Kraken have faced challenges in scoring this season, while Sprong previously netted 21 goals for them two seasons back. He has achieved double-digit goals five times in his career and had one goal during his current stint with Vancouver this season.

Oct. 30: Sharks trade for Timothy Liljegren from Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs received defenseman Matt Benning, along with a third-round pick in 2025 and a sixth-round pick in 2026. At 25, Liljegren had participated in just one game for Toronto this season, as the team recently chose to commit to defenseman Jake McCabe with a five-year contract extension. However, Liljegren is expected to integrate nicely with the San Jose team, which is focusing on cultivating younger talent. Both Benning, who is 30, and Liljegren are under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season.

This marks the second day of NHL trading since the North American season began, with no trades occurring before this.

Oct. 29: Utah hockey team signs Olli Maatta from the Red Wings

The Utah Hockey Club has traded a third-round draft pick to procure defenseman Olli Maatta, as they are in urgent need of a seasoned defense player. With Sean Durzi and John Marino sidelined for an extended period due to surgery, Utah has struggled defensively during a four-game losing streak, which included squandering a 4-1 lead late in a game against the previously winless San Jose Sharks. Maatta brings solid defensive skills and nearly 700 games of NHL experience to the team.

Oct. 28: Maple Leafs extend Jake McCabe’s contract for five years

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially extended defenseman Jake McCabe’s contract for five years, with an average annual value of $4.51 million. According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, the contract includes some deferred payments. McCabe, 31, joined the team from the Chicago Blackhawks in a trade back in February 2023. He has been an essential player, ranking fourth for average ice time this season. In nine games, he has tallied three assists and leads the team with a plus-6 rating.

In addition: The New York Rangers have called up forward Matt Rempe from the American Hockey League, following his participation in two games there. The Rangers are set to face the Washington Capitals on Tuesday in a match that has become notably competitive.

Oct. 26: Penguins assign goalie Tristan Jarry to minors

The Pittsburgh Penguins have assigned two-time All-Star goalie Tristan Jarry to their AHL affiliate for a conditioning stint, following a rough start to the season. After struggling significantly, he was sent home from the team’s road trip to work on his skills, having posted a 5.47 goals-against average and .836 save percentage over three games. Jarry was pulled from his most recent game on October 16 after conceding six goals.

Currently in his second season of a five-year contract with a $5.375 million cap hit, rookie Joel Blomqvist has been the main goaltender for the Penguins this season, with Alex Nedeljkovic recently returning from injury.

In addition: The New York Islanders have signed forward Matt Martin for the remainder of the season after he participated in training camp on a tryout basis, having spent 13 of his 15 seasons with the team.

Oct. 25: Rangers’ Alexis Lafreniere signs seven-year extension

Alexis Lafreniere of the New York Rangers has reached a seven-year contract extension as he continues to build on his impressive performance from last season. The 2020 top draft pick will earn an average of $7.45 million under this new deal, according to lohud.com, part of the YSL News Network, marking an increase from his current $2.325 million cap hit. Lafreniere, 23, had an outstanding season last year, scoring 28 goals and amassing 57 points, followed by contributing eight goals and 14 points during the playoffs. This season, he has maintained a point-per-game average through his first seven games and scored his fourth goal on Thursday. He is now signed through the 2031-32 season.

Oct. 24: Golden Knights’ Shea Theodore signs seven-year deal

Shea Theodore, defenseman for the Vegas Golden Knights, has signed a seven-year contract extension with an average value of $7.425 million, which will commence next season and last until 2031-32. Securing this deal is critical for the Golden Knights, particularly after losing players like Jonathan Marchessault and Chandler Stephenson from their 2023 Stanley Cup-winning team during the summer.

At 29, Theodore stands as the franchise’s top-scoring defenseman with a total of 296 points and has begun this season with seven points across six games. The Golden Knights’ top three defensemen (along with Alex Pietrangelo and Noah Hanifin) are now signed through at least the 2026-27 season.

Oct. 22: Panthers coach Paul Maurice receives contract extension

Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice has earned a multi-year contract extension due to his unmatched success in the playoffs. The specifics of the deal remain undisclosed.

Maurice, who began coaching the Panthers in the 2022-23 season, made an impressive debut by leading the team to the Stanley Cup Final in his first year and ultimately winning it last season. His playoff win record of 29 is the highest in franchise history.

With 98 regular-season victories with the Panthers, Maurice also ranks fourth in the NHL all-time for career wins, tallying 873.

In addition: The St. Louis Blues have signed forward Jake Neighbours to a two-year contract extension worth $7.5 million.

Oct. 17: Stars’ Jake Oettinger signs eight-year extension

The Dallas Stars have awarded goaltender Jake Oettinger an eight-year contract extension valued at $66 million, effective next season. This deal features an $8.25 million cap hit, aligning with the recent contracts of Jeremy Swayman from the Bruins and Linus Ullmark from the Senators.

Oettinger has been instrumental in guiding the Stars to the Western Conference Final in the last two seasons.