On the New York Islanders …
Arthur Staple: The Islanders and forward Ryan Strome are still talking contract. As of now, there are no issues with either the Isles or Strome.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Mike Harrington: The deadline for RFAs to accept their qualifying offers passed yesterday. The Sabres and Rasmus Ristolainen are working on a long-term deal. Zemgus Girgensons situation remains unclear.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: Talked to the agents for Coyotes RFAs Tobias Rieder and Connor Murphy yesterday. Both agents said that new contracts are not imminent.
Craig Morgan: Murphy’s agent Brian Bartlett: “I hope we are close. Still have a gap to bridge, but confident we will get it done eventually.”
On the Dallas Stars …
Mike Heika: The Stars have signed captain Jamie Benn to an eight-year contract extension with a salary cap hit of $9.5 million.
James Mirtle: With the tax rate in Texas, Benn may now clear more than any other player per season.
NHL Numbers: The Stars have a cap hit of $22.75 million committed to Benn, Tyler Seguin and Jason Spezza for 2017-18 and 2018-19.
Mike Heika: Stars GM Jim Nill said that Benn suffered a core muscle injury while he was training. More of a stomach muscle than a sports hernia.
On the Buffalo Sabres …
Mike Harrington: Alex Nylander signed a three-year entry-level deal with a $1.775 million AAV – $925,000 salary with $850,000 in bonuses.
On the San Jose Sharks …
Renaud Lavoie: The Sharks signd Matt Nieto to a one-year, $735,000 contract.
On the Arizona Coyotes …
Craig Morgan: RFAs Tyler Gaudet and Stefan Fournier accepted their qualifying offers from the Coyotes.
On the Vancouver Canucks …
CapFriendly: Michael Carcone signed a three-year entry-level contract with a $675,000 cap hit.
On the New York Rangers …
CapFriendly: Robin Kovacs signed a three-year entry-level contract with a $803,333 cap hit.
On the Colorado Avalanche …
Duncan Siemens: The Avs signed Duncan Siemens to a one-year, two-way deal with $875,125 in the NHL, $70,000 in the AHL.
