Earns four-year contract.
Signed a four-year, $36.5 million contract.
Analysis: Zegras is coming off a career year after posting 26 goals and 67 points in 81 regular-season games in 2025-26. The 25-year-old forward is expected to continue filling a top-six role with a spot on the first power-play unit in 2026-27. Zegras should continue to be a reliable fantasy forward regardless of if he's able to stick at center or ultimately moves to the wing later in the contract.
After a breakout 2025-26 campaign, Trevor Zegras is staying put in Philadelphia.
Elliotte Friedman joins Jesse Fuchs on Sportsnet Central to break down Steve Yzerman’s decision to step down from the Detroit Red Wings’ general manager role.
Ailish Forfar and Justin Cuthbert discuss Steve Yzerman’s decision to step down as general manager of the Detroit Red Wings and break down how his time in the front office could impact his overall legacy with the franchise.
Gets five-year contract.
Signed five-year, $30 million contract.
Analysis: Perfetti was a restricted free agent. He had 12 goals, 32 points, 20 PIM, 54 hits and 33 blocks in 68 regular-season appearances with Winnipeg in 2025-26. That was down from 50 points during the 2024-25 regular season, but it was also his fourth consecutive campaign with at least 30 points. He's still just 24 years old and has the potential to establish himself as a solid top-six forward.
Agrees to entry-level deal.
Signed a three-year, entry-level contract.
Analysis: Smits had six goals and 13 points in 38 regular-season appearances with Jukurit of the Finnish league in 2025-26. The Rangers took him with the No. 5 overall pick of the 2026 NHL Draft. It remains to be seen if Smits will immediately transition to North American hockey, but he could at least get a long look during the Rangers' training camp.
Pens entry-level deal
Secured a three-year, entry-level contract.
Analysis: Hakansson split his 2025-26 campaign between multiple levels in Swedish hockey. He logged two assists in 22 regular-season games in the SHL with Lulea HF. Even with his first NHL contract in hand, Hakansson should be considered a long-term project who will continue to develop overseas for now.
Inks entry-level contract.
Analysis: Nordmark had an assist in eight regular-season appearances with Djurgardens IF of the SHL in 2025-26. He also had 14 goals and 38 points in 25 regular-season outings with Djurgardens' U20 club. Anaheim selected him with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft. Nordmark will likely remain in Sweden for the 2026-27 campaign.
Signs entry-level deal
Analysis: Piiparinen had three assists in 29 regular-season appearances with Tappara of Finland's Liiga in 2025-26. He'll probably continue to play in Finland for now, but he does have the potential to develop into a defenseman who could see regular time with the Golden Knights. Vegas selected him with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft.
Signs entry-level contract
Analysis: Los Angeles selected Hermansson with the 19th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Entry Draft. While he's a talented goal scorer and passer, he won't attend training camp with the Kings in the fall and will play for MoDo Hockey of Sweden's HockeyAllsvenskan in 2026-27. Across 38 regular-season appearances with the Swedish club last year, he recorded 11 goals, 10 assists and 22 PIM.
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Agrees to two-year deal.
Signed a two-year, two-way contract.
Analysis: Tuch had nine goals, 14 points and 82 PIM in 68 regular-season appearances with AHL Laval in 2025-26. Columbus acquired him from Montreal on June 25 in exchange for Hunter McKown. While a fresh start with a new franchise might help Tuch, he is expected to begin the upcoming campaign in the minors.