NHL Hockey 3 Days

Last updated: July 8, 2026, 2:32 AM ET

NHL Free Agency & Player Moves

The Ottawa Senators secured a veteran presence Tuesday, re-signing veteran forward Claude Giroux to a one-year contract worth $2 million for his 20th NHL season. Giroux, proved his enduring value by scoring a career-high 35 goals in his first season with the club. In a surprising move that will undoubtedly stir the rivalry, Senators legend Daniel Alfredsson departed to join the Toronto Maple Leafs as an associate coach, a development announced Tuesday. Meanwhile, Alex Ovechkin has not committed to this being his final season, with his wife suggesting he may play one, possibly two, more years, according to reports.

Calgary Flames defenseman Simon Nemec inked a significant long-term deal Monday, agreeing to a five-year contract valued at $36.25 million. The Nashville Predators also made a substantial commitment, signing center Mavrik Bourque to a six-year, $33 million contract on Saturday. Bourque, was acquired from the Dallas Stars as a restricted free agent. The Anaheim Ducks managed to avoid an offer sheet by re-signing restricted free agent defenseman Pavel Mintyukov to a five-year extension worth $36 million, a deal that will keep him with the club through the 2028-29 season.

In other player transactions, forward Chase Stillman, has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Detroit Red Wings, with a potential salary of $850,000. On the arbitration front, Dallas Stars leading scorer Jason Robertson filed for salary arbitration Sunday, a move that comes after he reportedly declined a long-term contract offer from the Seattle Kraken. The Washington Capitals, meanwhile, have been busy this offseason, signaling their intent to contend, with a social media video confirming the return of Alex Ovechkin, though their broader offseason strategy had been in motion well before that announcement.