Chris Johnston: ” feels like a gold rush in the NHL: The introduction of more restrictive contract rules at midnight and the expectation of a surging salary cap for years to come is creating a bonanza for young players with talent and a willingness to lock into a guaranteed payday.”
Pierre LeBrun: (after Ryan Leonard signed his eight-year extension) “Yet another 8-year max deal done before expiry of old CBA tonight. What’s so interesting is that it’s the league that pushed to curb max deals back down a year in new CBA but it’s the teams more than the players pushing to get 8-year deals done before tonight. Rising cap/salaries effect.”
The Anaheim Ducks sign Cutter Gauthier for six years
Puck Pedia: The Anaheim Ducks sign 22-year-old forward Cutter Gauthier to a six-year contract with a $13.5 million salary cap hit. In the final year of the deal, Gauthier will have a 10-team no-trade clause. The deal buys one year of unrestricted free agency.
2026-27: $850,000 salary, and a $18.651 million signing bonus
2027-28: $900,000 salary, and a $13.755 million signing bonus
2028-29: $950,000 salary, and a $10.761 million signing bonus
2029-30: $1 million salary, and a $10.711 million signing bonus
2030-31: $5.855 million salary, and a $5.855 million signing bonus
2031-32: $2 million salary, and a $9.711 million signing bonus
The New Jersey Devils extend Luke Evangelista for five years
Puck Pedia: The New Jersey Devils signed forward Luke Evangelista to a five-year contract extension with a $7.25 million salary cap hit.
In the third year of the deal, he’ll have a seven-team no-trade clause, then a five-team no-trade clause in year four, and a three-team in the final year.
2027-28: $900,000 salary, and a $8.8 million signing bonus
2028-29: $950,000 salary, and a $7.31 million signing bonus
2029-30: $1 million salary, and a $5.12 million signing bonus
2030-31: $4.08 million salary, and a $2 million signing bonus
2031-32: $1.4 million salary, and a $4.685 million signing bonus
Some players who might hit waivers that might be worth a claim
The Carolina Hurricanes extend Jordan Staal for a year
Elliotte Friedman: The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Jordan Staal to a one-year contract extension for the 2027-28 season with a $4.9 million salary cap hit.
He’ll carry a $900,000 salary with a $4 million signing bonus and up to $5.1 million in performance bonuses.
Cory Lavalette of the North State Journal: The 38-year-old could make up to $10 million for the 2027-28 season. This season will be his 21st season on the NHL.
“Jordan is not only our captain, he’s the bedrock of the culture we’ve established in this organization,” Hurricanes GM Eric Tulsky said in a press release announcing the deal. “His leadership and on-ice performance throughout last season and especially in the playoffs was a primary factor in bringing the Stanley Cup back to Raleigh.”
The Hurricanes still have over $8 million in salary cap space for this season and need to sign RFA defenseman Alexander Nikishin.
The Washington Capitals extend Justin Sourdif for eight years
Puck Pedia: The Washington Capitals sign forward Justin Sourdif to an eight-year contract extension with a salary cap hit of $6.35 million. The 24-year-old forward will have a 15-team no-trade clause for the third through fifth year, and then a no-trade clause for the final three years.
2027-28: $1 million salary, $7.3 million signing bonus
2028-29: $1 million salary, $7.3 million signing bonus
2029-30: $1 million salary, and a $6.2 million signing bonus
2030-31: $4 million salary, and a $2 million signing bonus
2031-32: $3.5 million salary, and a $2 million signing bonus
2032-33: $5.5 million salary
2033-34: $5 million salary
2034-35: $5 million salary
Sammi Silber: “Justin Sourdif’s story is also inspiring. His Mom’s from Ghana, and he grew up watching the Caps and Black players like Joel Ward. Just signed an 8-year deal and is now a role model himself.”
“It means a lot to know that (young players will) want to try to aspire to be like me.”
NHL Rumors: Edmonton Oilers, Connor McDavid and the Montreal Canadien
The Montreal Canadiens extend Alex Newhook and sign Arber Xhekaj
Puck Pedia: The Montreal Canadiens sign forward Alex Newhook to a four-year contract extension with a $5.55 million salary cap hit. There is no trade protection.
2027-28: $5.75 million salary and a $1.5 million signing bonus
2028-29: $4.7 million salary and a $1.5 million signing bonus
2029-30: $4.4 million salary
2030-31: $4.35 million salary
Puck Pedia: The Montreal Canadiens signed 25-year-old defenseman Arber Xhakej to a one-year, $1.5 million deal. He’ll be owed a $1.575 million qualifying offer and would then be a year away from being a UFA.
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