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Last updated: July 7, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

NHL Offseason Moves and Player Decisions

The NHL offseason continued its brisk pace with significant contract signings and player movements across the league. The Ottawa Senators managed to retain veteran forward Claude Giroux, re-signing him to a one-year contract worth $2 million for his 20th NHL season Giroux re-signs Sens. However, the team also saw a franchise legend depart, as Daniel Alfredsson is leaving his role with the Senators to join the rival Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach Alfredsson leaves join Leafs.

In other defensive signings, the Calgary Flames secured defenseman Simon Nemec with a five-year deal valued at $36.25 million Flames sign Nemec. The Nashville Predators inked center Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million contract Preds give new forward, while the Anaheim Ducks reached an agreement with defenseman Pavel Mintyukov on a five-year extension worth $36 million Ducks re-sign Mintyukov. Forward Chase Stillman, a 2021 first-round pick, signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings worth $850,000 at the NHL level Stillman signs one-year deal.

Meanwhile, contract stalemates persist for some key players. Dallas Stars leading scorer Jason Robertson filed for salary arbitration Stars' top scorer Robertson, indicating a potential tough negotiation ahead after he declined a long-term offer from the Seattle Kraken. In Washington, Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin has not committed to retirement, with his wife suggesting he may play for one to two more seasons Ovi sure about end. Despite these ongoing talks, the Capitals organization has been active in bolstering their roster, with social media signaling Ovechkin's return and other moves indicating a busy offseason for the team How Capitals won offseason.