NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 5:31 PM ET

NHL Free Agency & Player News

The Ottawa Senators have secured veteran forward Claude Giroux for another year, agreeing to a one-year contract with a $2 million salary. Giroux, who turns 38 this season, is set to play his 20th NHL campaign after scoring a career-high 35 goals in his debut season with Ottawa Giroux re-signs. In other team news, Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson is departing the organization to join the rival Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach Alfredsson joins Leafs. Meanwhile, the Calgary Flames have locked up defenseman Simon Nemec with a five-year, $36.25 million extension Flames sign Nemec, and the Anaheim Ducks have retained defenseman Pavel Mintyukov on a five-year deal worth $36 million, effectively dodging any potential offer sheet bids Ducks re-sign Mintyukov.

Dallas Stars leading scorer Jason Robertson has filed for salary arbitration as contract negotiations continue Robertson files arbitration. The Mammoth also moved to retain forward Barrett Hayton, matching an offer sheet from the Devils and signing him to a one-year, $4.775 million contract Mammoth match offer.

Injury Updates & Team Outlooks

The Chicago Blackhawks are facing a significant setback as star center Connor Bedard is expected to miss the start of the season following surgery on his left shoulder Bedard to miss season. The injury, which will sideline him for approximately four months, adds another obstacle to the Blackhawks' rebuild Bedard's shoulder injury. Alex Ovechkin, the Capitals' captain, remains undecided on his future beyond the upcoming season, with his wife suggesting he might play for one or two more years Ovechkin unsure of end.