NHL Player News

Martin signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Nashville on Wednesday.

Martin, who was selected by the Preds with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, figures to spend another year with OHL Soo, furthering his long-term development. Last year, the 18-year-old center notched an impressive 33 goals and 39 assists in 57 regular-season contests before adding four points in five playoff tilts. With his contract in place, Martin could get a look during training camp before returning to juniors.

General manager Bill Armstrong said Thursday that Desnoyers underwent successful wrist surgery and is expected to miss approximately 12 weeks.

Desnoyers was selected by the Mammoth with the fourth overall pick in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft, but his procedure means that he'll get a delayed start to his NHL career. The 18-year-old will presumably be sidelined until at least late October, and it seems unlikely that he'll join the Mammoth once he's healthy. Desnoyers has spent the past two seasons with QMJHL Moncton, recording 55 goals and 85 points over 116 regular-season appearances.

Bemstrom is set to sign a one-year deal with Swiss club SC Bern, per AHL Insider Tony Androckitis on Tuesday.

Bemstrom played in 14 games for the Penguins last season in which he notched one assist, 12 hits and three blocks while averaging just 8:20 of ice time. At 26 years of age, it's not impossible that the Swede makes an eventual return to the NHL, though he'd need to impress while in Europe.

Vrana signed a two-year contract with Linkoping HC of the SHL on Friday.

Vrana has bounced around three different teams over the last three years. In 2024-25, he posted a total of 14 points over 39 games between the Capitals and the Predators. Considering he went over a month of free agency without finding a two-way deal or tryout agreement, it makes sense the winger will look to continue his career overseas. While unlikely, Vrana could give the NHL another go if he plays well with Linkoping over the next two seasons.

McQueen committed to Providence College ahead of the 2025-26 season.

McQueen was selected with the 10th overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, so it's hard to imagine he will spend a full four seasons in the NCAA. Still, it's a strong addition for the Friars as long as the 18-year-old center can avoid any additional back problems. When healthy, McQueen offers strong offensive upside, racking up 10 goals and 10 assists in just 17 regular-season games for WHL Brandon last year.

Washe inked a two-year contract with the Ducks on Friday, according to Derek Lee of The Hockey News. The contract is a two-way agreement for 2025-26 but becomes one-way in 2026-27.

Washe had 16 goals and 38 points in 42 appearances with Western Michigan University in 2024-25. He also logged two games with Anaheim, recording two shots and four hits while averaging 7:44 of ice time. Washe will fight for a bottom-six spot on Anaheim's Opening Night roster. However, the Ducks have some depth up the middle after adding Ryan Poehling and Mikael Granlund over the summer, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Washe begin the campaign in the minors.

Lauko inked a contract with HC Dynamo Pardubice of the Czech Extraliga on Friday, Czech hockey writer Jan Eichler reports.

Lauko became an unrestricted free agent July 1, as Boston did not give him a qualifying offer. The 25-year-old generated five goals and six assists across 56 regular-season games with the Bruins and Minnesota in 2024-25. Lauko will join former NHLer Martin Kaut in Pardubice.

Pospisil agreed to terms on a three-year, $7.5 million contract extension with Calgary on Tuesday, PuckPedia reports.

Pospisil ended the 2024-25 campaign mired in a 24-game goal drought during which he managed just five helpers. The 25-year-old center set a new personal best with 25 points in 81 regular-season tilts and saw time with the No. 2 power-play unit. Still, Pospisil will likely struggle to secure anything more than a bottom-six role next season, which makes him a mid-range fantasy target at best.

Poturalski signed a one-year contract with Avangard Omsk of the KHL on Sunday.

During the 2024-25 regular season, Poturalski had one assist in three NHL outings with the Sharks. He also amassed 30 goals and a league-leading 73 points across 59 regular-season appearances for AHL San Jose last campaign.

Bordeleau (concussion) signed a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey on Thursday.

The 23-year-old was dealt earlier in the month from San Jose in exchange for Shane Bowers. Bordeleau played 44 regular-season games with the Sharks across four seasons, scoring six times and adding 12 assists. He spent most of last season with AHL San Jose, tallying 14 goals and 24 assists across 59 regular-season appearances. He will likely spend most of the 2025-26 campaign with AHL Utica, barring a slew of injuries up front for the Devils.