NHL Hockey 24 Hours

Last updated: July 22, 2026, 5:30 AM ET

NHL Player Contracts and Signings

The NHL offseason continues to be busy with significant player movement and contract extensions. Center Cole Perfetti and the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a five-year, $30 million deal, avoiding salary arbitration agreed to terms. Defenseman Jamie Drysdale has also secured his future, signing a four-year, $26 million contract with the Philadelphia Flyers. In St. Louis, forward Connor McMichael was signed to a substantial six-year, $40.5 million contract by the Blues was signed. Meanwhile, forward Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars settled on a $12 million deal, allowing Robertson to avoid an arbitration hearing after leading the team with 96 points last season settled on a deal.

Front Office Moves and Team News

Beyond player transactions, significant front office changes are also shaping the league. Steve Yzerman has abruptly stepped down as the general manager of the Detroit Red Wings stepped down. In Utah, defenseman John Marino has inked an eight-year, $54 million extension with the Mammoth, solidifying their blue line for the long term has inked. The NHL will be taking over television production for several teams this coming season, including the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, and St. Louis Blues. Chicago Blackhawks star Connor Bedard expressed his desire for winger Patrick Kane to return to the team he started his career with.