The Montreal Canadiens have signed defenceman Maksymilian Szuber to a one-year, two-way contract.
School's still out, but for NHL clubs, it's report card season. Emily Sadler looks back at the summer that was, and starts things off with the Metropolitan Division, the home of the reigning champs.
Inks one-year contract.
Signed a one-year, two-way contract.
Analysis: Szuber produced 11 goals, 27 points and 67 PIM across 65 regular-season appearances for AHL Tucson in 2025-26. The 23-year-old Szuber will probably begin the 2026-27 campaign with AHL Laval after the Canadiens acquired him from Utah on June 29 in exchange for Joshua Roy.
Leg, leaves summer game.
Sustained an apparent left leg injury while playing for Canada on Saturday at the World Junior Summer Showcase.
Analysis: There was no update on Desnoyers' status after the game. The 19-year-old forward's injury will be at least a mild concern until Canada or the Mammoth can produce a status update. Desnoyers is likely a long shot to make Utah's Opening Night roster, but he signed his entry-level deal back in March.
The San Jose Sharks re-signed forward Collin Graf to a three-year, $12.75 million contract on Friday.
Returning to Czechia.
Signed a contract with HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga.
Analysis: Nosek came up through Pardubice's system during his developmental years. That led to him playing in 514 career NHL regular-season games, earning 47 goals and 73 assists, as well as 17 points in 68 playoff contests. Nosek was a Stanley Cup champion in 2025 with the Panthers. While he'll continue playing in his native Czechia, the 33-year-old is unlikely to make his way back to the NHL in the future.
Jason Bukala takes a look at some of the top prospects to watch at this year’s Hlinka Gretzky Cup tournament, highlighted by projected No. 1 pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, Landon DuPont.
Inks three-year deal.
Signed a three-year, $12.75 million contract extension.
Analysis: Graf was a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. He reached an agreement with the Sharks two days after linemate Macklin Celebrini signed a long-term extension. Graf made a career-high 81 regular-season appearances with San Jose in 2025-26, logging 21 goals, 25 assists, 88 hits, 48 blocked shots and 12 PIM while averaging 16:27 of ice time per game.
JD Bunkis caught up with Maple Leafs rookie Gavin McKenna to share their stories growing up in Whitehorse, what it means to represent the Yukon as the NHL’s top overall draft pick, his whirlwind summer, and more.
Secures three-year extension.
Agreed to terms on a three-year, $13.95 million contract extension.
Analysis: With his extension, Novak will be locked up with the Penguins through the 2029-30 season while carrying an annual cap hit of just $4.65 million. The 29-year-old winger was a little hot and cold last year, racking up 31 points in the first 56 games, but struggled after the Olympic break, managing just 13 points in the final 32 contests, including the playoffs. Additionally, Novak ended the year having scored just once in 22 outings during that stretch. Still, Novak is set to step into the second-line center role for the Penguins ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, though youngster Ben Kindel figures to be knocking on the door for a spot in the top six.
A Swedish Hockey League team is cutting ties with one of the five former Hockey Canada players acquitted of sexual assault charges in a high-profile trial last summer.
Will be healthy at start of 2026-27.
Healthy and has been able to undergo his usual offseason training, Kristy Flannery of The Hockey News reports.
Analysis: Pesce is participating in the Shoulder Check Showcase, which further proves he's feeling healthy. The defenseman was limited to a career-low 37 games in 2025-26, posting just seven points with 45 shots on net and 80 blocked shots over 37 appearances. Pesce should fill a shutdown role in the Devils' top four to begin 2026-27, but he's now missed the 20-point mark in three straight years, so he doesn't carry much offensive upside.