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Wild Extend Kirill Kaprizov

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Kirill Kaprizov is staying put and setting the market. The Wild have announced an eight-year extension for their superstar winger that will pay out a record-setting AAV of $17MM through the 2033-34 campaign. That’s a total value of $136MM. He was previously slated to hit the unrestricted free agent market following the 2025-26 season.

All but $8MM of that $136MM figure will come via signing bonuses, Michael Russo of The Athletic reports, along with an expected full no-movement clause for the duration of the deal. His base salary will only be $1MM per season. He will earn an $18.1MM bonus on July 1 from 2026-29 before that number drops to $16MM for 2030, $14.2MM for 2031, and $12.7MM for 2032 and 2033. It doesn’t change the cap picture for the Wild, but it does make the deal essentially buyout-proof, since signing bonus money is not affected by buyouts. Signing bonus money also carries more projectable tax rates since it’s taxed at the rate of a player’s primary residence, whereas base salary is taxed depending on the location of games. As PuckPedia notes, this structure could result in an increased cap hit for Kaprizov in the latter years of the deal since the league minimum salary is expected to increase beyond $1MM past 2030.

It will be the largest deal in NHL history by measure of total value as well, finally breaking the record Alex Ovechkin set with his 13-year, $124MM extension nearly two decades ago. Of course, the institution of an eight-year maximum extension length in the 2013 CBA prevented a deal from eclipsing that total value for quite some time. It’s also a drastic jump in terms of record-setting AAVs. Just over a year ago, Leon Draisaitl’s extension with the Oilers, which carries a $14MM cap hit, set the mark.  That’s a 21.4% increase in the league’s highest AAV in less than 13 months, far greater than the 8.9% increase the salary cap is projected to see next season.

It’s an important resolution after news leaked a few weeks ago that Kaprizov rejected an eight-year, $ 16MM AAV offer from Minnesota, which would have also been the largest contract in league history. While it would have been just a minor setback in talks if it had been contained, the information being made public understandably created an uncomfortable dynamic for both sides entering the season. The Wild had to lay heavy on the damage control front over the past several days as a result, rejecting speculation that they had asked for his trade list (he has an NMC as part of his expiring deal) amid concerns they might lose him for nothing next summer.

Instead, Kaprizov’s camp, led by TMI’s Paul Theofanous, gets the happy ending they hoped for – a scenario they thought out when only negotiating a five-year deal when his entry-level contract expired in 2021. Kaprizov, an age-28 season that sits right at the top of the aging curve, is never going to have a higher market value than he has today. It’s unlikely he would have been able to net much more than $17MM on the open market, either – a deal that would have netted him considerably less guaranteed cash because of the seven-year cap on UFA signings compared to extensions.

While Kaprizov is the lifeblood of Minnesota’s offense and inarguably the best talent in franchise history, it’s a tad jarring to see his name now atop the list of the league’s highest-paid players. He’s an elite scorer and the top left-winger in the game at the moment. Still, his points-per-game production over the past few seasons (1.24 since 2022-23) simply isn’t on par with names like Connor McDavid (1.71), Nathan MacKinnon (1.58), Nikita Kucherov (1.57), or even Draisaitl (1.47). Yet his deal takes up 16.35% of the salary cap at its start, higher than each of those names’ current deals did when they were signed.

It’s nonetheless a necessary price to pay for the Wild, who still have a considerable amount of financial flexibility moving forward and can ensure their top player remains with the club throughout their contention window, which is only just beginning with multiple promising under-25 talents in the organization yet to reach their stride fully. As recent first-rounders like Marco Rossi, Liam Ohgren, Danila Yurov, and Zeev Buium develop into their primes, they’ll be doing so with Kaprizov in his late 20s and early 30s, still at the top of his game.

Kaprizov did not have that same billing. He’s one of the great draft steals of the era, falling to the Wild in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. He spent the following five years developing into a star in his native Russia, earning five consecutive KHL All-Star selections during that period while twice leading the league in goals. He also clinched a gold medal for Russia at the Winter Olympics in 2018. After reaching new heights with a career-high 33 goals and 62 points in 57 games for CSKA Moscow in 2019-20, Kaprizov finally made the jump to Minnesota and kicked off his NHL career with the COVID-shortened 2021 season.

He was an immediate star, posting a 27-24–51 scoring line in 55 appearances to lead the Wild, taking home Calder Trophy honors and finishing 15th in MVP voting. That’s the only season of his five-year NHL career so far where he hasn’t managed to reach the point-per-game mark.

Last season was on pace to be a career-best. If healthy, he would have hit the 100-point mark for the first time since hitting 108 in his sophomore year. Unfortunately, a lower-body injury he sustained around Thanksgiving resulted in him being in and out of the lineup for the remainder of the campaign and eventually going under the knife. He finished with a 25-31–56 scoring line in 41 games, on pace for 50 goals and 112 points if he played a full 82. That would have placed him third in the league in scoring behind Kucherov and MacKinnon.

Playing that full 82 is something Kaprizov has never done, though, and that’s where the most significant risk lies in such a rich bet on his future. After missing only one game each in his first two seasons, Kaprizov has now missed 63 games over the past three years – over a quarter of Minnesota’s games. An upper-body injury caused him to miss seven games in 2023-24, while a leg injury took away 14 games during the 2022-23 campaign.

Even with Kaprizov taking up such a significant amount of space, the Wild still have over $23MM in projected cap space for next season with 16 roster spots already accounted for, per PuckPedia. The quickly-rising cap, plus making it through the most impactful years of the Ryan Suter and Zach Parise buyouts, has left the Wild with enviable flexibility. They have three core pieces – Kaprizov, Matt Boldy, and Brock Faber – signed through at least the end of the decade as well.

ESPN’s Kevin Weekes first broke the news that an extension was imminent. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added that it was an eight-year term with a cap hit north of $16MM. 

Image courtesy of Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images.

Summer Synopsis: New York Islanders

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With training camps now upon us, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team has accomplished this offseason.  Next up is a look at the New York Islanders.

The Islanders are a team in transition at the moment, having missed the playoffs last season and winning the NHL Draft Lottery. The team dealt with numerous injury issues last season, as well as some uneven play from the top players when they were healthy. They didn’t make significant changes this summer on the ice, but off the ice, Mathieu Darche took over general manager duties from Lou Lamoriello. Darche didn’t make any significant additions to the roster, opting for a conservative approach to retooling a veteran team that’s in the midst of a transition. The Islanders enter this season as a major unknown, which could work in their favor as they try to return to the postseason.

Draft

1-1 – D Matthew Schaefer, Erie (OHL)
1-16 – F Victor Eklund, Djurgårdens IF (HockeyAllsvenskan)
1-17 – D Kashawn Aitcheson, Barrie (OHL)
2-42 – F Daniil Prokhorov, HC Dinamo Saint Petersburg (MHL)
3-74 – F Luca Romano, Kitchener (OHL)
4-104 – F Tomas Poletin, Lahti Pelicans (Liiga)
5-138 – D Sam Laurila, Fargo Force (USHL)
6-170 – G Burke Hood, Vancouver (WHL)
7-202 – RW Jacob Kvasnicka, U.S. NTDP (USHL)

The Islanders weren’t expected to make much impact in the first round after drafting Schaefer; however, the Noah Dobson trade with the Montreal Canadiens generated a lot of buzz and earned New York two extra first-round picks, which they used to select Eklund and Aitcheson. This move could effectively reset the Islanders’ core for years to come.

Schaefer is expected to join the NHL roster this season and is seen as a potential franchise defenseman. He is intelligent with the puck, agile, and performs well both defensively and during transitions. He dealt with some injuries last season and might need to have his playing time limited in his first NHL year.

Eklund was a draft steal and could be a valuable pick for the Islanders at 16. Some scouts ranked Eklund in their top five a month before the draft, or at least in the top 10, but he fell to the middle of the first round and will likely have a chip on his shoulder as he tries to prove his critics wrong. Eklund’s size is a concern, but he plays bigger than he is and has no issues initiating contact, as he’s a relentless forechecker who plays well below the goal line, making good use of his puck-handling skills.

Aitcheson is another prospect who isn’t afraid of physical play and enjoys mixing it up. He’s not overly tall at 6’1”, but he can fight, battle in the corners, and clear the front of the net. He’s also capable offensively, as he likes to jump into the rush and is a solid puck carrier who can lead the play in transition.

In the second round, the Islanders picked Prokhorov, whose size stands out every time he’s on the ice. He’s tough to compete against at 6’6” and 209 lbs, but he has some defensive weaknesses, as he occasionally drifts out of position and lacks strong anticipation skills when not in possession of the puck. Offensively, his shot is decent but could use more accuracy. He also shows a bit of a lack of vision when handling the puck, which limits his options. All the necessary tools are there for Prokhorov, but he’ll be a project for the Islanders.

Outside of the first two rounds, it’s hard to gauge what the Islanders have. Romano probably has the most upside among the players picked in later rounds, but he will need to add size and strength if he hopes to be an everyday NHLer. Romano is mobile and a great puck-handler, which should create opportunities to play with skilled teammates. He’s also defensively responsible and could potentially be a penalty killer since he’s unafraid to battle in the corners and do the dirty work if needed. If he adds size, the Islanders will have found a steal in the third round.

Trade Acquisitions

LW Emil Heineman (from Montreal)

The Islanders acquire Heineman from the Canadiens along with two first-round picks for defenseman Dobson. In the short term, it’s clearly a big boost for the Habs, but the Islanders did well to get everything they did in the trade. Heineman isn’t a throw-in and should develop into a solid middle-six NHLer. He has a fantastic shot and can use it from various angles. His skating is also an asset, as he has a quick first step and can create separation from opponents to open up passing lanes for his teammates. His skating also helps him bother opponents while he’s on the forecheck, and he isn’t afraid to lay a hit on opposing defensemen.

While he has some strong offensive tools, Heineman isn’t going to carry the play on his own, and his passing leaves something to be desired. He isn’t likely to rack up many primary assists, which could limit his point production. He also experienced some inconsistency in his rookie season, but the Islanders are hopeful he can find stability with them and become a reliable contributor.

Heineman works hard and is quite strong on the opposite side of the puck. However, he sometimes overworks himself in the D zone, which leads to overcommitting and losing his position. With proper coaching, this can be fixed, but for now, his enthusiasm may work against him if he gets too eager when defending the zone.

UFA Signings

D Ethan Bear (one year, $775K)*
D Tony DeAngelo (one year, $1.75MM)^
F Jonathan Drouin (two years, $8MM)
F Matthew Highmore (one year, $775K)*
D Cole McWard (one year, $775K)*
G David Rittich (one year, $1MM)

*-denotes two-way contract
^-denotes re-signing

The Islanders didn’t make any big moves this offseason, but they did strengthen their forward group by adding Drouin, who is a good buy-low candidate. Drouin’s defensive game wasn’t strong for most of his career until 2023-24, when he simplified his offensive approach while playing with Colorado and became much more disciplined defensively. His numbers reflected that change, but his defensive play regressed to his norm last season, possibly due to injuries. Drouin has excellent vision and playmaking skills and should continue to rack up points as long as he stays healthy.

The risk in signing Drouin is that his simplified game was mainly due to his playing alongside top players in Colorado. There’s a chance his weaknesses could be exposed with the Islanders if he can’t perform with their top forwards. At the very least, he should produce .5 points per game, and if he can improve his defensive game to match his 2023-24 performance, he’ll be a valuable signing at $4MM a year.

Bear signifies a strong value signing after putting up excellent offensive numbers in the AHL last season. He will likely serve as a depth option for the Islanders this season but could be called upon to join the NHL lineup if injuries arise, similar to last year. Bear hasn’t played in the NHL since the 2023-24 season, but he was a reliable puck-moving defenseman during his time with the Edmonton Oilers.

DeAngelo returned to the Islanders after signing mid-season last year. He did what he usually does on the ice and posted good offensive numbers (four goals, 15 assists in 35 games), but performed poorly in the defensive zone. He received plenty of ice time in limited games, averaging over 23 minutes a night, which the Islanders will likely try to reduce if they have a healthy defensive core. If DeAngelo can stay disciplined and on the ice, his contract should be beneficial and offer good value to New York. However, if he reverts to some of his old habits, the Islanders are only on the hook for the season and can easily waive him without any long-term consequences. It’s a worthwhile gamble for the Islanders at this stage of their retool.

Rittich wasn’t very good last season, but he managed to secure an NHL contract with a $1MM guarantee. He posted a -11.4 goals saved above expected over 34 games with Los Angeles, but the Islanders probably won’t play him that much. Chances are, he will see limited NHL action since the Islanders have a reliable backup in Semyon Varlamov, who had injury issues last season. This is an insurance signing for New York, and it’s okay, even if Rittich’s game has some flaws; he’s suitable as a third-string option.

RFA Re-Signings

F Liam Foudy (one year, $775K)*
F Marc Gatcomb (one year, $900K)
RW Julien Gauthier (one year, $775K)*
F Emil Heineman (two years, $2.2MM)
RW Simon Holmström (two year, $7.25MM)
D Travis Mitchell (one year, $775K)*
D Alexander Romanov (eight years, $50MM)
F Maxim Tsyplakov (two years, $4.5MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The extension to Romanov will be interesting to watch as he ages. The 24-year-old hits hard and blocks a lot of shots, but he was also responsible for many turnovers last season. Some might argue that he’s a good puck mover, but it’s worth questioning how much of that was him simply finding Dobson in a good spot and letting his partner do the work. Romanov will face a more challenging situation moving forward, and if he continues on his current path, this contract could prove to be a steal. However, if turnovers persist and he regresses without Dobson, the contract could ultimately prove to be a bad deal.

Holmstrom’s re-signing was a smart move, as he is the type of forward coaches appreciate. Holmstrom plays a cautious, consistent game and doesn’t take many risks or create numerous opportunities for his teammates. That said, he’s a reliable finisher when chances arise and is a strong enough forechecker to be disruptive.

Tsyplakov had a strong first season in the NHL and should have every chance to be the Islanders’ third-line center this year. His two-way game suits the role, and his ability to drive play could eventually help him move into the top six if he continues to adapt to the North American style of play. There’s a lot to like about the 27-year-old’s game, especially if he can improve his finishing and tidy up his penalty habits, as he took far too many penalties. His two-year deal offers plenty of value, and he could be a key contributor for the Islanders throughout the contract.

Departures

D Samuel Bolduc (signed with Los Angeles, one year, $775K)*
F Cal Clutterbuck (retired)
D Noah Dobson (traded to Montreal)
F Hudson Fasching (signed with Columbus, one year $775K)*
D Grant Hutton (unsigned UFA)
F Fredrik Karlström (signed in SHL)
F Matt Martin (retired)
D Mike Reilly (signed with Carolina, one year, $1.1MM)
G Jakub Skarek (signed with San Jose, one year $775)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Islanders created a significant gap in their lineup when they traded Dobson to the Canadiens. Still, they were in a position to do so after winning the draft lottery and selecting Schaefer first overall. Obviously, his development and play this season will determine how much they’ll miss Dobson, but the Islanders seem confident that he can help fill some of the void the trade left.

Outside of Dobson, the Islanders didn’t lose much from their lineup this summer. Clutterbuck and Martin’s retirements open up some roster spots on the fourth line for some of New York’s prospects to compete for, while Reilly had become an afterthought on the Islanders’ backend and didn’t play much last season, dressing in just 18 games.

Some leadership will be lost with Clutterbuck and Martin leaving, but Martin stayed with the franchise in other roles, and the Islanders have plenty of other veterans who can step up and serve as voices in the dressing room.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Islanders are unexpectedly close to the NHL salary cap, with only $1.625MM remaining and one spot open on the 23-man roster, which will likely go to Schaefer. This leaves them little room to manoeuvre if they face injuries like last season or want to make significant changes during the season. It seems the Islanders are taking a wait-and-see approach before deciding on their retooling strategy, and with limited flexibility, that probably makes the most sense.

Key Questions

Will Schaefer be ready to make an impact in the NHL this season?

This will be an interesting question to see answers to eventually. Not every first overall pick is ready to play in the NHL right away. Many are, but defensemen tend to take longer to develop, and the Islanders might not want to push Schaefer too hard, too quickly. That said, the Islanders didn’t make any active moves to shield him in the lineup, which suggests they believe he’s ready to make an impact this year. The difference between him being prepared or being sent back down could make or break the Islanders’ season, which will put some severe pressure on the rookie.

Can they improve their special teams?

Last year, the Islanders ranked second-worst in the NHL for both power play and penalty kill. If they had improved even slightly in either area, their season could have been very different. Moving to this year, all eyes are on the team to see if they can boost their special teams. New York made significant changes behind the bench by bringing in Ray Bennett, who was the Colorado Avalanche’s power-play coach, along with former NHL defenseman Bob Boughner, who was the Detroit Red Wings’ penalty kill coach. The personnel on the ice will also shift, with Dobson gone, but newcomers Schaefer and Drouin could both see time on the man advantage and provide a boost. Drouin has consistently scored double-digit points with the man advantage in his career, and his passing and playmaking should be a welcome addition to the Islanders’ power play unit.

What’s the goalie situation & depth behind Ilya Sorokin?

When Sorokin is playing at his best, he ranks among the top five goaltenders in the NHL. Last season, he wasn’t at his best but was far from being the main reason the Islanders struggled. Sorokin remained consistent even as the team around him faced significant injuries, including his backup Varlamov, who played only ten games last year and wasn’t near his usual level. The 37-year-old Varlamov has dealt with hip issues before, but is now recovering from knee surgery and reportedly isn’t close to returning to practice with the team. This makes signing Rittich a necessary insurance policy, as he could take over as the regular-season backup if Varlamov stays out for an extended period.

Photo by Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Evening Notes: Chinakhov, Oilers, Golden Knights, Stevenson

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Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reported that Yegor Chinakhov has not been happy with his role of late. The tantalizing 24-year-old has been skating on the Jackets’ fourth line, with no attention on the power play either. When asked about the role, Chinakhov said, “No comment.” 

Portzline also mentioned Head Coach Dean Evason’s thoughts on the situation. The Jackets’ bench boss complimented the Russian forward’s play, but emphasized the team’s forward depth. 

The remark is interesting, considering that Chinakhov requested a trade over the summer, only to backtrack just 10 days ago, saying he had reached an understanding with Evason and was open to staying with the Blue Jackets. 

Columbus’ first-round choice in 2020 (21st overall), Chinakhov has flashed his high skill, lighting up the AHL in short stints, but has yet to put everything together in the NHL. The emergence of other forwards such as Dmitri Voronkov and Kirill Marchenko has had Chinakhov on the outside looking in. It appears the former top prospect is at a crossroads that many have found themselves at: accepting a lesser role for the greater good to stick in the NHL, or finding a home elsewhere. 

Elsewhere across the league:

  • In Edmonton, Tony Brar of Oilers TV reported that Jake Walman, who has had rumblings of an extension lately, is day-to-day, but is expected to be ready for opening night. Vasily Podkolzin is expected to resume skating on Wednesday, after the tragic loss of his father.
  • SinBin.vegas noted that two Golden Knights, Pavel Dorofeyev and Jeremy Lauzon, are both progressing, per Head Coach Bruce Cassidy. They will remain sidelined tomorrow and are questionable for the Knights’ remaining preseason games. Dorofeyev was an 82-game player last year, breaking out with an eye-popping 35 goals, while Lauzon only notched 28 games in Nashville due to injury, before an offseason trade to Vegas.
  • Having been mentioned by Kevin Weekes last week, Elliotte Friedman echoed that the Capitals will likely lose goaltender Clay Stevenson on waivers, as reported by Russian Machine Never Breaks. The undrafted 26-year-old has yet to make a sizeable NHL impact (just one game played) but has caught the eye of many clubs, and could be the latest under-the-radar goaltender to burst onto the scene. Interestingly, Friedman noted the Rangers as a possible suitor, saying they pursued the Alberta native as a college free agent before the Capitals won out. Such a claim would especially be a blow to the marquee AHL franchise, the Hershey Bears. With Weekes pointing it out and Friedman following suit, Stevenson will be a name to watch closely.

Training Camp Cuts: 9/29/25

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Eight days remain until the beginning of the regular season. After a weekend of heavy roster trimming, most clubs are down to their last few rounds of targeted cuts. We’re keeping track of today’s moves here at Pro Hockey Rumors.

Buffalo Sabres (per team announcement)

D Zachary Jones (to AHL Rochester, pending waivers)
F Jake Leschyshyn (to AHL Rochester, pending waivers)

Chicago Blackhawks (per team announcement)

G Drew Commesso (to AHL Rockford)
D Ashton Cumby (to AHL Rockford)
F Nick Lardis (to AHL Rockford)
F Samuel Savoie (to AHL Rockford)
F A.J. Spellacy (to OHL Windsor)
F Aidan Thompson (to AHL Rockford)
F Dominic Toninato (to AHL Rockford)
G Mitchell Weeks (released from PTO to AHL Rockford)

Colorado Avalanche (per team announcement)

F Taylor Makar (to AHL Colorado)
G Isak Posch (to AHL Colorado)

Edmonton Oilers (per team announcement)

G Matt Tomkins (to AHL Bakersfield, pending waivers)

Florida Panthers (per team announcement)

G Evan Cormier (released from PTO to AHL Charlotte)
G Kirill Gerasimyuk (to AHL Charlotte)
D Ludvig Jansson (to AHL Charlotte)
D Evan Nause (to AHL Charlotte)

Minnesota Wild (per team announcement)

F Nicolas Aube-Kubel (to AHL Iowa, pending waivers)
F Caedan Bankier (to AHL Iowa)
D Ben Gleason (to AHL Iowa, pending waivers)
G Samuel Hlavaj (to AHL Iowa)
F Ben Jones (to AHL Iowa, pending waivers)
D Matt Kiersted (to AHL Iowa, pending waivers)
F Rasmus Kumpulainen (to AHL Iowa)
D Carson Lambos (to AHL Iowa)
G Riley Mercer (to AHL Iowa)
D Wyatt Newpower (released from PTO to AHL Iowa)
D David Spacek (to AHL Iowa)

Nashville Predators (per team announcement)

F Daniel Carr (to AHL Milwaukee)
G Magnus Chrona (to AHL Milwaukee)
F David Edstrom (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Dylan Gambrell (to AHL Milwaukee)
D Andrew Gibson (to AHL Milwaukee)
G Ethan Haider (to AHL Milwaukee)
D Zack Hayes (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Kalan Lind (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Kyle Marino (to AHL Milwaukee)
D Jack Matier (to AHL Milwaukee)
D Chad Nychuk (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Cole O’Hara (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Isaac Ratcliffe (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Austin Roest (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Ryder Rolston (to AHL Milwaukee)
G T.J. Semptimphelter (to AHL Milwaukee)
D Ryan Ufko (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Oasiz Wiesblatt (to AHL Milwaukee)
F Joey Willis (to AHL Milwaukee)

New Jersey Devils (per team announcement)

F Tag Bertuzzi (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
G Tyler Brennan (to AHL Utica)
G Jeremy Brodeur (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Alexander Campbell (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Brian Carrabes (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
D Jimmy Dowd (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Josh Filmon (to AHL Utica)
D Jeremy Hanzel (to AHL Utica)
G Jakub Málek (to AHL Utica)
F Jack Malone (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Matyas Melovsky (to AHL Utica)
D Luke Reid (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Ryan Schmelzer (to AHL Utica, pending waivers)
F Cam Squires (to AHL Utica)
D Jackson van de Leest (released from PTO to AHL Utica)
F Dylan Wendt (to AHL Utica)

New York Rangers (per team announcement)

F Jaroslav Chmelar (to AHL Hartford)
D Jackson Dorrington (to AHL Hartford)
D Case McCarthy (to AHL Hartford)
D Andrej Sustr (released from PTO)
F Adam Sykora (to AHL Hartford)
F Kalle Vaisanen (to AHL Hartford)

Pittsburgh Penguins (per team announcement)

F Callahan Burke (released from PTO to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
F Atley Calvert (released from PTO to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
D Finn Harding (to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
F Aaron Huglen (released from PTO to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)
F Nolan Renwick (released from PTO to AHL Wilkes-Barre/Scranton)

San Jose Sharks (per Curtis Pashelka of Bay Area News Group)

F Filip Bystedt (to AHL San Jose)
F Igor Chernyshov (to AHL San Jose)

Toronto Maple Leafs (per team announcement)

G Kenneth Appleby (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
G Artur Akhtyamov (to AHL Toronto)
F Brandon Baddock (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Matthew Barbolini (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Travis Boyd (to AHL Toronto)
D Noah Chadwick (to AHL Toronto)
F Gunnarwolfe Fontaine (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Luke Grainger (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Benoit-Olivier Groulx (to AHL Toronto)
F Luke Haymes (to AHL Toronto)
F Reese Johnson (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Marc Johnstone (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Ben King (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Ryan Kirwan (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Braeden Kressler (to AHL Toronto)
F Vinni Lettieri (to AHL Toronto)
D Ryan McCleary (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Alexander Nylander (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Cédric Paré (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
D Rhett Parsons (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
G Vyacheslav Peksa (to AHL Toronto)
D John Prokop (to AHL Toronto)
F Jacob Quillan (to AHL Toronto)
F Nick Rhéaume (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
D Chas Sharpe (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Logan Shaw (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Marko Sikic (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Landon Sim (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
D Blake Smith (to AHL Toronto)
F Sam Stevens (released from PTO to AHL Toronto)
F Ryan Tverberg (to AHL Toronto)
F Borya Valis (to AHL Toronto)
D Cade Webber (to AHL Toronto)

Vancouver Canucks (per team announcement)

D Parker Alcos (to WHL Edmonton)
F Vilmer Alriksson (to AHL Abbotsford)
D Joe Arntsen (released from PTO to AHL Abbotsford)
F Danila Klimovich (to AHL Abbotsford)
D Nikolai Knyzhov (released from PTO to AHL Abbotsford)
G Aku Koskenvuo (to AHL Abbotsford)
D Kirill Kudryavtsev (to AHL Abbotsford)
F Joseph LaBate (to AHL Abbotsford, pending waivers)
D Jayden Lee (released from PTO to AHL Abbotsford)
F Mackenzie MacEachern (to AHL Abbotsford, pending waivers)
F Ty Mueller (to AHL Abbotsford)
G Jiri Patera (to AHL Abbotsford, pending waivers)
F Anri Ravinskis (to AHL Abbotsford)
D Jimmy Schuldt (to AHL Abbotsford, pending waivers)
F Chase Stillman (to AHL Abbotsford)
F Chase Wouters (released from PTO to AHL Abbotsford)
G Ty Young (to AHL Abbotsford)

Winnipeg Jets (per Murat Ates of The Athletic)

F Phillip Di Giuseppe (to AHL Manitoba, pending waivers)
F Mason Shaw (to AHL Manitoba, pending waivers)
F Danny Zhilkin (to AHL Manitoba)

Mammoth Notes: AHL Franchise, Peterka, Cooley, McBain

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Cole Bagley of KSL Sports reports that Utah Mammoth owner Ryan Smith has discussed bringing an AHL team to Utah; however, it is likely years away. In the process, Smith said he and Smith Entertainment Group have considered the best locations in Utah for the franchise, and that somewhere “up north” stands out; perhaps Salt Lake City or St. George. 

With the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies (West Valley City) reaching 20 years in the state, the prospect of Utah continuing to grow the game with an additional professional team is an exciting concept. Hypothetically, they would join an exclusive club (California, New York, and Pennsylvania) as the only states to hold a team in all three of the top North American hockey leagues. 

Such news may raise a few eyebrows of those within the Tucson Roadrunners, the Mammoth’s current AHL affiliate, but only time will tell what the future may hold. 

AHL or not, Smith has his eyes on growing the game in Utah, akin to markets such as Dallas, Nashville, and Vegas, which have become youth hockey hotbeds after the NHL came to town. Bagley added that Smith’s offer to help build more rinks in Utah has been well received, as he says he has heard from 20 different communities that have shown interest. 

Finally, Bagley provided injury updates for the club as they wind up for their second season. Key offseason acquisition JJ Peterka returned to the ice today, per Bagley, having missed Saturday’s practice. The 23-year-old looks to build off a 68-point campaign in Buffalo last year and star for the Mammoth. 

Logan Cooley and Jack McBain remain sidelined, Head Coach Andre Tourigny told Bagley. Neither is expected out long term, but they will not play tomorrow vs the Kings.

Goalie Notes: Dostal, Vasilevskiy, Hellebuyck

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The Anaheim Ducks announced today that young starting netminder Lukáš Dostál will be day-to-day with a lower-body injury. 

The 25-year-old is a major key for the Ducks this season, fresh off signing a five-year contract in July. Having made additional offseason moves that affirm the team is pushing for a step forward, much will ride on Dostál and his ability to fill the void left by stalwart John Gibson, who was finally dealt over the summer. Anaheim has steadily developed the talented goaltender, with a workload that has gradually increased year by year. 

Now, with Gibson moving on, Dostal is the undisputed #1, with a fellow Czech, veteran Petr Mrázek in waiting. The Ducks have another notable former Red Wing in their goaltender room as well, in Ville Husso. Yet the 30-year-old, who once flashed serious potential, is likely set to hold things down for AHL San Diego, barring any setbacks from Dostál. 

Additional goaltender notes:

Metro Notes: Miller, Ovechkin, Milano

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A concerning story emerged out of New York today, as J.T. Miller left practice after an apparent leg injury. The new Rangers captain was seen lunging after a loose puck and came up favoring his leg, in a video posted by Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic.

Fortunately, Peter Baugh of The Athletic updated this evening that Miller is expected to be fine, a few days missed at worst. The 32-year-old will be relied on heavily in his second stint with the Rangers, as they seek a big turnaround this season, as outlined earlier today.

Meanwhile, the Capitals had a pair of key updates on their forward core today. Bailey Johnson of The Washington Post confirmed Alex Ovechkin has been fully cleared for contact and was a regular participant in practice. Head coach Spencer Carbery told Johnson that the legend had no setbacks and looked the part. 

Carbery does not expect Ovechkin to appear in tomorrow’s preseason tilt against the Blue Jackets, but he could do so in the last two tune-up games for the Capitals. 

Johnson also noted that Sonny Milano is sidelined with an upper-body injury, which is unrelated to the ailment that cost Milano almost the entirety of last season. It is unfortunate timing for the 29-year-old former top prospect as he looks to return to the Capitals lineup, having carved a role as a solid contributor in the last few seasons.

Buffalo Sabres Injury Updates

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With 10 days remaining until their opening game of the 2025-26 season, the Buffalo Sabres are dealing with injuries on multiple fronts of their roster. Earlier today, the Sabres provided updates on several injured players, including Bowen Byram, Mattias Samuelsson, Jiri Kulich, Jordan Greenway, and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen.

Fortunately, aside from Samuelsson, it doesn’t appear that any player is expected to miss opening night, though there is some cause for concern. Byram, who the team shares is dealing with an undisclosed injury, is expected to practice with the team tomorrow. However, he’ll miss their preseason contest against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Luukkonen, who is the de facto top netminder in Buffalo, has only recently returned to practice after suffering a lower-body injury toward the end of his offseason training. The Sabres expect Luukkonen to play in Buffalo’s contests on Wednesday and Thursday this week, and there’s no doubt in the organization that he’ll play opening night. It will be an important year for Luukkonen’s trajectory, as he followed up a promising 2023-24 campaign with a disappointing effort last season.

Kulich (undisclosed) and Greenway (middle body) are expected to return to practice either this week or next, though the latter has yet to practice with the team at all this preseason. Although Greenway, who signed a two-year, $8MM extension with the Sabres last season, may be healthy enough to play on opening night, Buffalo may wait a week or two to allow him time to ramp up after missing several weeks already.

Unfortunately, Samuelsson, who has dealt with injury concerns every season of his professional career, may not start the season on time due to an upper-body injury suffered last week. Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff said that Samuelsson is expected to miss multiple weeks, which would take his recovery timeline beyond Buffalo’s opening night contest on October 9th. The update is becoming a theme with Samuelsson, who played in a career-high 62 games last season. He has five years and $21.43MM remaining on his contract.

Waivers: 9/29/25

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Teams are continuing to lean on the waiver wire as they make their final rounds of training camp cuts. All 23 players placed on waivers yesterday have cleared, but 22 more names are on the wire on Monday, captured by hockey insider Frank Seravalli.

Carolina Hurricanes

F Skyler Brind’Amour
D Ronan Seeley

Minnesota Wild

F Nicolas Aube-Kubel
D Ben Gleason
F Ben Jones
D Matt Kiersted

Nashville Predators

D Kevin Gravel
F Jake Lucchini
G Matt Murray
F Navrin Mutter
D Jordan Oesterle

New York Rangers

F Anton Blidh
F Justin Dowling
F Trey Fix-Wolansky
D Derrick Pouliot

Philadelphia Flyers

D Helge Grans

Vancouver Canucks

F Joseph Labate
F Mackenzie MacEachern
G Jiri Patera
D Jimmy Schuldt

Winnipeg Jets

F Phillip Di Giuseppe
F Mason Shaw

Summer Synopsis: New York Rangers

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With training camps underway, the bulk of the heavy lifting has been done from a roster perspective.  Most unrestricted free agents have found new homes, the arbitration period has come and gone, and the trade market has cooled.  Accordingly, it’s a good time to take a look at what each team has accomplished this offseason.  Next up is a look at the Rangers.

A triumphant President’s Trophy-winning campaign in 2023-24 preceded a jarring nosedive in Manhattan last year. It was the second time in franchise history the team missed the playoffs entirely after having the best regular-season record in the trophy’s existence and just the fourth time it’s happened altogether. That resulted in some drastic in-season trades and some notable offseason movement as well as the Rangers aim to return to playoff contention in 2025-26.

Draft

2-43 – F Malcolm Spence, Erie (OHL)
3-70 – D Sean Barnhill, Dubuque (USHL)
3-89 – D Artyom Gonchar, Magnitogorsk (MHL)
4-111 – F Mikkel Eriksen, Färjestad (Sweden U20)
5-139 – D Zeb Lindgren, Skellefteå (Sweden U20)
6-166 – F Samuel Jung, Kärpät (Finland U20)
6-171 – D Evan Passmore, Barrie (OHL)
7-203 – D Felix Färhammar, Örebro (Sweden U20)

The Rangers held the No. 12 pick in the draft but needed to pick between sending this year’s or next year’s first-round pick to the Penguins to complete the conditions they attached when they sent the pick to the Canucks for J.T. Miller (Vancouver flipped the pick to Pittsburgh in the Marcus Pettersson deal). They opted to retain the unprotected 2026 selection and part ways with a lottery pick in what was viewed as a weaker 2025 class.

Nonetheless, they managed to snag a player in Spence that many prognosticators believe has first-round talent anyway. The physical winger was once viewed as a potential top-10 selection and saw his stock tumble somewhat, but most still had him as a top-25 choice – or at least a late first – heading into the draft. He was among the Otters’ top scorers last year with a 32-41–73 line in 65 appearances and is now heading to the University of Michigan. He already slots in as the No. 4 prospect in their system, according to NHL.com.

The Rangers’ depth picks had a European slant to them aside from a pair of big North American defenders. Barnhill was a combine standout and fits New York’s ethos of drafting for size – the righty clocks in at 6’6″ and 214 lbs. The Arizona native only had 12 points in 54 USHL games last year, but projects solely as a shutdown threat at the NHL level anyway. Like Spence, he’s making the jump to a Big 10 school and will suit up for Michigan State this fall. Passmore has nearly the exact same frame and is also a righty.

Gonchar, the nephew of longtime NHL star Sergei Gonchar, headlines the European contingent. He’s comparatively undersized at 6’0″ and just 157 lbs but was the first left-shot rearguard the Blueshirts took. He had a 7-18–25 scoring line in 50 Russian junior games last year, his first real showing at the country’s top U20 flight, and has already made the jump to North America with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves for 2025-26.

Eriksen was one of two Norwegians taken in the draft and was the country’s top player at the Division 1A World Juniors last year, also posting 43 points in 40 Swedish junior league games. Lindgren is a mobile 6’1″ lefty who’s already off to a great start back in juniors with Skellefteå this year, recording five assists through his first five games. Jung is a Polish-born Czech national who checks in at 6’3″ and 172 lbs and went undrafted in 2024. He transitioned from Finland’s U18 league to its U20 one last year and will remain with Kärpät’s junior program for 2025-26, already notching a 4-4–8 line through seven games. Färhamar, a 6’1″ lefty, also looks like a promising depth puck-mover and has four assists through his first four games this year.

None outside of Spence are legitimate needle-movers in the Blueshirts’ pool, but it was among the better classes they’ve roped in over the past few years among its depth contingent.

Trade Acquisitions

D Scott Morrow (from Hurricanes)
F Carey Terrance (from Ducks)

The Rangers didn’t pick up any bona fide NHLers via trade this summer but did land Morrow, who’s trending toward a spot on the opening night roster, as the principal piece of the return from Carolina for K’Andre Miller. The 2021 second-rounder was offensively dominant during his time in college with UMass and looked mostly comfortable in the pro environment last year, his first after three years in school.

He has just 16 NHL games to his name, 14 coming in multiple call-ups with Carolina last year. He already looked like a capable third-pairing piece and power-play option with six points while averaging 15:48 per game. Whether his defensive game develops enough for him to be a top-four piece remains to be seen, but the Rangers don’t really need him to be one with Adam Fox, William Borgen, and Braden Schneider all chewing up time on the right side for the near future.

Terrance was the only other player who changed hands in the Chris Kreider deal, which also included a pick swap. His two-way game down the middle made him the No. 7 prospect in the organization after his pickup, per Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. He’s already under contract and will jump to the pro level with AHL Hartford this year. The New York native captained the OHL’s Erie Otters last year, skating with Spence, and had a 20-19–39 line in 45 games.

UFA Signings

F Justin Dowling (two years, $1.55MM)*
F Trey Fix-Wolansky (one year, $775K)*
D Vladislav Gavrikov (seven years, $49MM)
D Derrick Pouliot (two years, $1.55MM)*
F Taylor Raddysh (two years, $3MM)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Rangers were already close to the contract limit with existing deals entering 2025-26, so their number of signings was understandably limited. They did have one of the largest-magnitude deals of the UFA period by landing Gavrikov, who was the top defenseman to actually reach the market on July 1, to a max-term deal. The 29-year-old has been a quality two-way piece since entering the league six years ago but broke out in a big way with the Kings last year, averaging north of 23 minutes per game while Drew Doughty missed significant time. Those were high-quality minutes too, with Gavrikov churning out 30 points and a +26 rating with a 53.7% Corsi share at even strength in heavy defensive deployment.

Gavrikov will serve as the best partner Fox has ever had on his left flank, a significantly more stable and offensively capable option than his longtime partner Ryan Lindgren. He’s the clear No. 1 ahead of a rather thin left side behind him and will see a similar workload in 2025-26, with greater potential for point production playing with one of the league’s best offensive threats from the blue line in Fox.

Raddysh was the only other pickup with a seven-figure cap hit. The 27-year-old was a 20-goal threat with the Blackhawks a couple of years ago but has fallen on harder times since. He skated in 80 games with the Capitals last year, averaging 12:22 per game and contributing 27 points. He’s brought in as a higher-ceiling bottom-six piece than some of the other names they already had and could challenge for a consistent top-nine role depending on how many minutes New York’s younger wingers push for.

Dowling, Fix-Wolansky, and Pouliot are all AHL depth, although the former could work his way onto the roster as a veteran fourth-liner or press box fodder.

RFA Re-Signings

G Talyn Boyko (one year, $775K)*
F Brendan Brisson (one year, $775K)*
F William Cuylle (two years, $7.8MM)
F Adam Edstrom (two years, $1.95MM)
G Dylan Garand (one year, $775K)*
F Juuso Pärssinen (two years, $2.5MM)
F Matt Rempe (two years, $1.95MM)
D Matthew Robertson (two years, $1.55MM)*

*-denotes two-way contract

While the Rangers had a few NHL-caliber RFAs to re-up, none of them reached the magnitude of Cuylle, who many feared might have been at risk for an offer sheet. While it wasn’t a long-term marriage, they did get that all-important bit of business done right on July 1 to keep that from looming over either side’s heads over the summer, understandable as they looked for a drama-free offseason to lead into a calmer regular season.

A 2020 second-round pick, Cuylle emerged as a true top-nine piece and potential long-term top-six fixture in 2024-25. In his second full NHL season, he managed 20 goals and 45 points in 82 games to tie for fifth on the team in scoring while racking up 301 hits, fourth in the league and the most by a Rangers player since the stat started being tracked in 2005. He’s back for two more years at an extremely team-friendly $3.9MM cap hit and could be in line to at least double that in 2027 if his current trajectory continues.

Edstrom, Pärssinen, and Rempe were the other notable RFA skaters in need of new deals. They all received cap hits in the $900K-$1.25MM range but all project to play bottom-six roles for the club on opening night. Edstrom and Rempe are towering fourth-line wingers who averaged under 10 minutes per night last year but combined for 17 points, 211 hits, and 94 PIMs. Pärssinen was a late-season trade pickup from the Avalanche and closed out the year with five points in 11 games. He’ll look for more consistent time in the lineup this year, potentially starting the season as the club’s third-line center.

Boyko and Garand will comprise the Blueshirts’ primary AHL tandem in Hartford this year. Brisson and Robertson slot in as organizational depth as well, although the former was a first-round pick by the Golden Knights in 2020 and requires waivers to head to the minors.

Departures

F Nicolas Aubé-Kubel (signed with Wild, one year, $775K)*
D Calvin de Haan (signed with Rögle, SHL)
D Zachary Jones (signed with Sabres, one year, $900K)*
F Arthur Kaliyev (signed with Senators, one year, $775K)*
F Chris Kreider (traded to Ducks)
D K’Andre Miller (sign-and-trade with Hurricanes)
D Chad Ruhwedel (retired)

*-denotes two-way contract

The Rangers spent much of the season trading away big-name talent in hopes of a locker room refresh. That continued into the summer with Kreider, who spent 13 years and nearly 900 games in New York. A nightmarish 2024-25 campaign saw the three-time 30-goal scorer manage only 22 tallies and eight assists for 30 points in 68 appearances, though, and the Rangers weren’t keen on keeping him at $6.5MM per season for two more years after that. He’ll look for a resurgence in Anaheim while the Rangers opened up flexibility to retain younger names like Cuylle, sign Gavrikov, and graduate younger forwards to meaningful minutes.

Miller is also a considerable departure. He’d been their second-pairing lefty for quite some time, essentially stepping into the role out of the gate in 2020 after being a first-round pick two years prior. He was coming off an underwhelming 7-20–27 scoring line in 74 games, though and, with questions around his individual defensive skills looming over what might have been a considerable payday as an RFA this summer, the Blueshirts opted for a sign-and-trade with Carolina. The Canes get Miller locked in long-term on an eight-year deal with a $7.5MM cap hit as a result.

All the other names were fringe pieces who wouldn’t have had an impact on their 2025-26 opening night lineup had they stayed in the organization. Jones was once a promising puck-mover but never advanced beyond a No. 7 role in parts of five NHL seasons. Ruhwedel, de Haan, and Kaliyev spent most of their time in the press box last year while Aubé-Kubel was in the AHL after getting picked up from the Sabres at the trade deadline.

Salary Cap Outlook

The Rangers are very nearly in forced emergency recall range, with their projected 23-man opening night roster projected to leave them with $778K in cap space, per PuckPedia. That’s enough for a league-minimum recall in the event of an IR placement, but nothing else, at least to start the campaign while their cap space slowly accrues.

Key Questions

Can Igor Shesterkin Return To Form?

Shesterkin signed an eight-year, $92MM extension midway through last season, the largest deal ever handed out to a goalie. That was given to him during the worst campaign of his six-year NHL career by a considerable margin. His numbers were only slightly above average at a .905 SV% and 2.86 GAA, leading to him not receiving any Vezina consideration despite starting a career-high 61 games. Advanced numbers were much kinder to him, attributing a good portion of his decline to woeful team defense in front of him. His 21.6 goals saved above expected, per MoneyPuck, still ranked seventh in the league but didn’t quite reach the heights of his two-year window of utter dominance from 2021-23. With question marks still around the Rangers’ depth on the blue line behind Gavrikov and Fox, he might need to build on that GSAx figure again to get New York back in the playoff picture.

What Will A Full Season Of J.T. Miller Bring?

Only Artemi Panarin had more points per game for the Rangers last year than Miller, whose second stint in Manhattan began with a blockbuster trade in January. His 35 points in 32 games to close the season worked out to 1.09 per game, much closer to the level of offensive production he’s set as his expectation over the last few years in Vancouver. Now newly minted as the club’s captain, a full season of that production ahead of the aging Vincent Trocheck and Mika Zibanejad could get the Rangers’ offense back into top-10 range and help along names like Cuylle and Alexis Lafrenière to resurgences.

Is Gavrikov A One-Hit Wonder?

The Rangers committed a lot of resources to Gavrikov, and the pressure is on him to perform like a true top-pair talent for a second straight season. But aside from last year in L.A., Gavrikov’s untested with that kind of responsibility and always played a more sheltered second-pairing role. He also played in a much more adept defensive system with the Kings, although a new head coach in Mike Sullivan might address a good portion of those woes for the Rangers. Nonetheless, there could be a significant swing in the team’s results depending on if Gavrikov repeats his standout, first-pair play from last year or is simply an average-to-above-average complementary piece for Fox.

Photo courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.

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