The Sports Outsider

Check out this ever-updating post, which provides all of the latest contract extensions and free agent signings from around the NHL. We will include the details on each deal along with our up-to-date analysis and grades.

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• TOR: C: John Tavares (UFA)

4-year contract—$4.38 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A

Johnny Toronto is staying home. For the first time in forever, a star player takes a discount to remain with the Maple Leafs. Despite the negotiation lasting longer than expected, John Tavares gets to, in all likelihood, finish his career in Toronto.

This is an amazing deal for Brad Treliving and the Toronto Maple Leafs. Tavares potted 38 goals and 74 points in just 75 games last season and could have easily gotten close to $7 million in AAV on the open market. Instead, they leverage his desire to stay home and keep him for four more years at $4.38 million. Even the back half of this contract will look fine as the salary cap increases. This honestly could have been worthy of an A+.

• DAL: C/LW: Jamie Benn (UFA)

1-year contract—$1 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A

Jamie Benn takes a big pay cut to remain with the only team he’s ever known. It would have been shocking to see the Stars captain sign anywhere other than Dallas, so even such a discount is no surprise.

The organization and fan base have to be thankful that Benn was willing to settle for just $1 million in AAV to continue pursuing a cup in Dallas. Despite his age, the soon-to-be 36-year-old can still produce around 50 points while providing leadership and physicality. This is a great deal for everyone involved, even with the potential signing bonuses.

• UTA: RW: JJ Peterka (RFA)

5-year contract—$7.7 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A-

The final step in the blockbuster trade between the Sabres and Mammoth sees JJ Peterka sign a longish-term extension in Utah. As a pending RFA, we knew that a contract had to be in place wherever Peterka was dealt, and here it is.

This feels like a perfect AAV for the Mammoth to sign Peterka as the salary cap continues to rise. However, given that he’s already forced his way out of Buffalo after just three seasons, more term would have been nice. Either way, five years still locks him in for a large portion of his prime to see how it all gels in Utah.

• VGK: LW/RW: Reilly Smith (UFA)

1-year contract—$2 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A-

Reilly Smith stays where he belongs, in Vegas, on a discount deal. After spending a few up-and-down years elsewhere, the veteran winger returned to the team he never wanted to leave in the first place and is extending his stay.

Re-signing Smith for just $2 million is great for Kelly McCrimmon and the Golden Knights, who are always tight to the salary cap. You may have preferred a two-year deal so that a contract wouldn’t need to be handled again next offseason, but that’s just nitpicking at this point. All around, it’s a good move for both sides.

• NYR: LW: Adam Edstrom (RFA)

2-year contract—$975,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

The New York Rangers extend their other young giant opposite of Matt Rempe in Adam Edstrom. The 6’7″, 241-pound forward entered the league alongside Rempe and is another physical force who has shown a decent enough skill set to be a good fourth-liner in the NHL.

Edstrom gets the exact same contract as Rempe, which makes perfect sense. Once again, given the Rangers’ salary cap constraints, having effective, intimidating players for cheap in the bottom six is much needed.

• BOS: D: Mason Lohrei (RFA)

2-year contract—$3.2 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B

Boston extends its best young defenseman, Mason Lohrei, to a two-year contract following his first full season in the NHL. Lohrei has shown glimpses of the skating ability and offensive potential that had him drafted in the second round back in 2020 (58th overall). He should continue to develop into a nice piece on the Bruins blue line.

The $3.2 million AAV over two years is a bit more than you’d like, given the defensive struggles and turnovers he’s demonstrated at times, particularly in 2024-25. However, it’s only a slight overpay at worst and will be no issue with the rising cap in the coming years.

• DAL: C/RW: Mavrik Bourque (RFA)

1-year contract—$950,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

One of the most speculated offer sheet targets is off the board as Mavrik Bourque re-signs with the Stars for one year. Many, including myself, thought Bourque would either be traded or sign an offer sheet, ending his time in Dallas. The 23-year-old had a very nice rookie campaign, producing 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists) in limited ice time.

For the 2025-26 season, this is a tremendous deal for Dallas. They retain one of their best young players for less than $1 million while in a Stanley Cup window. The only problem is the one-year term means this same contract issue will arise next offseason.

• DAL: D: Nils Lundkvist (RFA)

1-year contract—$1.25 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Dallas re-signs pending RFA Nils Lundkvist as they continue to use the money freed up by trading Mason Marchment. The 24-year-old missed a majority of the season and playoffs after having shoulder surgery but should be ready to go to start 2025-26. He’s been relatively good in a bottom pairing role since being acquired from the Rangers in 2022.

The $1.25 AAV is necessary for a Stars team with very limited salary cap space to fill out its roster. If Lundkvist can stay healthy and be a regular in the lineup, then this contract should turn out just fine.

• WPG: C: Jonathan Toews (UFA)

1-year contract—$2 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A–

Welcome back to the NHL, Jonathan Toews! After two years away from the game, the 3X Stanley Cup champion is making a return to the show, signing a one-year deal with his hometown team, the Winnipeg Jets. The 37-year-old hasn’t played since his farewell to Chicago at the end of the 2022-23 season.

While the potential for rust and Toews’ age are concerns, I love this signing by Winnipeg. For one year at $2 million, it’s a low-risk move with high reward potential. The bonuses are a bit much, but if they do hit, that only means good things are happening for the Jets. It’s certainly something that will be interesting to track throughout the 2025-26 campaign.

• CAR: LW: Eric Robinson (UFA)

4-year contract—$1.7 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A-

Eric Robinson signs a longer-term deal to remain in Carolina after a career-best season with the Canes. After a brief stint in Buffalo, the 30-year-old signed a one-year deal in Carolina and found a very nice fit in the Hurricanes system as a bottom-six forward flexible to move up and down the lineup.

Robinson takes slightly less in AAV in order to secure four years of term. I like this contract a lot for both parties. 15 goals, 30 points, and 100+ hits for just $1.7 million is great value for Eric Tulsky as the cap increases.

• DAL: C/RW: Matt Duchene (UFA)

4-year contract—$4.5 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B

The Dallas Stars find a way to keep one of their own veteran UFAs, re-signing Matt Duchene. Duchene has been a perfect fit in Dallas since being bought out by Nashville, piling up 65- and 82-point seasons with the Stars. His previous one-year deals at $3 million AAV were absolute bargains, so we knew it was time for a raise.

Duchene still takes a slight discount from an AAV standpoint but gets four years of term, which will bring him until age 38. I do think he’ll be worth that $4.5 million throughout the duration of the contract. However, his playoff performance has been really concerning, and I’m not sure that will get better with age. This now leaves the Stars with under $50k in cap space to work with this summer…

• OTT: LW/RW: Fabian Zetterlund (RFA)

3-year contract—$4.275 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Ottawa re-signs Fabian Zetterlund after prying him out of San Jose at the trade deadline. Zetterlund was a part of the return the Sharks received for Timo Meier and put together two really strong years with the organization. It was pretty surprising to see him traded again this season; credit to the Senators for taking advantage.

The contract itself isn’t great, but it certainly isn’t bad. I would have preferred more term given the $4.275 AAV, but Zetterlund should provide good value over those 3 years. He’s flexible to play anywhere in the top 9 and brings a nice element of physicality.

• CHI: C/LW: Ryan Donato (UFA)

4-year contract—$4 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A

Ryan Donato gets a well-deserved contract extension after a career year in 2024-25. Donato has always been a solid player that produced even in reduced minutes. He got ample opportunity this past season in Chicago and made it count, racking up 62 points (31 goals, 31 assists) in 80 games.

I love this contract for the Blackhawks; Donato certainly could have made more on the open market. His $4 million AAV for the next 4 years will look great with the rising cap, even if he slides into a middle-six role (which he probably should eventually).

• NYR: RW: Matt Rempe (RFA)

2-year contract—$975,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Fan favorite Matt Rempe is staying in the Big Apple for another two years. Despite just 59 career games of NHL experience, Rempe has become a polarizing player around hockey. The 6’9″, 255-pound forward stands out unlike any other and has shown to be effective when remaining disciplined.

Some felt Rempe could be an offer sheet casualty, but Chris Drury made sure to get ahead of that. The two-year deal at less than $1 million in AAV is good for both sides, particularly with how cap-strapped the Rangers are.

• PIT: LW: Bokondji Imama (UFA)

1-year contract—$775,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A-

This isn’t too notable of a signing, but as a follower of the Penguins, you have to love seeing Imama get re-signed. He may not play very often, but he’s a great locker room presence and is always willing to stand up for his teammates and mix it up. These kinds of players are few and far between in Pittsburgh right now.

For one year at the league minimum, of course there are no issues with the contract. Hopefully Kyle Dubas will add more grit and snarl to a team that’s been far too easy to play against in recent years.

• CGY: RW: Adam Klapka (RFA)

2-year contract—$1.25 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Calgary extends Adam Klapka after he provided some value in his first season with the team. Not many will be too familiar with the 6’8″, 235-pound winger, but he made a good impression in 31 games as a Flame in 2024-25. He’s a massive man who does have some skill, a good bottom-six option.

The $1.25 AAV might be a tad higher than I’d like, though that’s really nitpicking at this point. Getting the extra year of term likely increased the AAV, which in the end works out for both parties.

• COL: C: Brock Nelson (UFA)

3-year contract—$7.5 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B–

Somewhat of a surprise to see Brock Nelson re-signing in Colorado before even getting to free agency. All signs had been pointing to Nelson walking on July 1, so good on the Avs to retain him after the haul they gave up at the deadline. Nelson is a solid 2C that will hopefully find his fit with the team.

Being able to keep the term to just three years is a win for the Avalanche, though $7.5 million per season is pretty steep. I do like the player, but the cap hit is a bit high for a guy turning 34 in October.

• VAN: D: Derek Forbort (UFA)

1-year contract—$2 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B

Vancouver re-signs Derek Forbort on the heels of a solid debut season with the team. After a bit of an up-and-down tenure as a Boston Bruin, the veteran defenseman found his role with the Canucks last year. The 33-year-old knows what he is at this point in his career and plays a simple game.

A one-year deal at $2 million is relatively low risk for Vancouver. However, making that money, you do have to hope that Forbort is a regular in bottom pairing and penalty-killing duties in 2025-26.

• PHI: C: Noah Cates (RFA)

4-year contract—$4 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Another good move from Danny Brière to retain one of his own RFAs. Cates is a really strong defensive center who can handle matchups against the opposition’s best. He’s never going to light it up offensively, but 30-40 points to go with strong two-way play makes him an ideal 3C.

I’ve seen some complain about the $4 million AAV, but this is not an overpay. We must remember that the cap is set to increase significantly in the coming years, so this will be the going rate for middle-six forwards… potentially even less than that.

• TBL: C/W: Yanni Gourde (UFA)

6-year contract—$2.33 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Interesting extension for Yanni Gourde to stay in Tampa this time around. Gourde probably never wanted to leave after winning back-to-back Cups with the Lightning, but the Seattle Kraken expansion draft changed his plans.

The six-year term here is dicey, taking him until age 39. But with the salary cap spiking in the seasons to come, a $2.33 million AAV for a guy who can play almost anywhere in the lineup is great value. The money offsets the term to make this a solid deal for Tampa Bay.

• OTT: D: Tyler Kleven (RFA)

2-year contract—$1.6 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A

Love this move for the Ottawa Senators. Tyler Kleven was an absolute beast in the playoffs this year, proving to be a legitimate shutdown defenseman. He played mean and physical while always making the right play. I think he has a very bright future ahead of him.

Given his small NHL sample size, the contract comes in at a low price. Kleven at $1.6 million for the next two seasons is awesome for Ottawa, and they can extend him again, holding his RFA rights when the deal expires.

• MIN: C/W: Marcus Johansson (UFA)

1-year contract—$800,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A

This signing really flew under the radar. A steal for Minnesota to extend Johansson for almost the league minimum. He just put up 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists) at 34 years old, and it’s pretty safe to bank on similar production next season.

I would imagine he could’ve earned potentially $2+ million in AAV on the open market, so this pay cut to remain with the Wild is great. Johansson has clearly found a home and feels comfortable in Minny.

• NYI: RW: Kyle Palmieri (UFA)

2-year contract—$4.75 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B

The Islanders keep another one of their guys… It shouldn’t be surprising to see it, but after making changes in the front office and winning the draft lottery, I thought things would be different on the Island.

The contract itself is actually quite solid and less than what Palmieri could’ve gotten in free agency. He should continue to be a consistent 40-50 point scorer throughout the next two years with obvious familiarity in this situation.

• SEA: D: Josh Mahura (UFA)

2-year contract—$907,500 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

Seattle brings back Josh Mahura for some depth on the blueline. After a few strong years down in Florida, Mahura had a solid first season with the Kraken. He’s an ideal 6/7 on a defense corps who comes at little to no cost.

The two-year term provides a nice little bit of extra security for both the player and the team. Not much to complain about from either side on this one, good move all around.

• NYI: D: Adam Boqvist (RFA)

1-year contract—$850,000 AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B+

The eighth overall pick from the 2018 draft was once one of the most promising prospects in hockey and a key piece in the Chicago Blackhawks’ rebuild. Years later, he’s bounced around the league and is already on the fourth team of his career in New York.

Adam Boqvist was actually pretty good after being claimed off waivers by the Islanders partway through the 2024-25 season. He’s a good puck mover with strong offensive instincts, well worth retaining at $850k.

• PHI: RW: Tyson Foerster (RFA)

2-year contract—$3.75 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: A-

Great signing by the Flyers. I really like what I’ve seen from Tyson Foerster through his first two full NHL seasons. He already has the makings of an elite goal scorer in the league with a wicked release that can beat goalies from anywhere.

The $3.75 million cap hit is a bargain for the next two years. My only gripe is that I would’ve liked to see more term on the deal. Foerster could cash in big when his contract expires after 2026-27.

• SJS: D: Shakir Mukhamadullin (RFA)

1-year contract—$1 million AAV

Sports Outsider Grade: B

Solid deal for San Jose to sign the main piece of the trade package they got from New Jersey for Timo Meier. Mukhamadullin got a little bit of experience towards the end of last season and should be penciled in as a full-time player on the Sharks in 2025-26.

The contract is low risk for both sides, as the 23-year-old will once again become an RFA next summer. His development and play this upcoming season will determine what his next deal looks like.