NHL Player News

McLeod signed a four-year, $20 million contract with the Sabres, the team announced Tuesday.

McLeod entered the free agency period as one of a few key restricted free agents that the Sabres had yet to lock in, so this is a big piece of business to get done. After being acquired by Buffalo from Edmonton in July 2024, the 25-year-old had, by far, his best season as a pro, posting 20 goals and 33 assists across 79 games. With his new contract in hand, the 6-foot-3 pivot will continue to play an important middle-six role with the Sabres.

LaBate signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Canucks, the team announced Tuesday.

LaBate has rejoined the team that gave him his NHL start back in 2016-17, but he likely won't begin his second stint with the organization in the NHL. The 32-year-old will probably instead start with AHL Abbotsford. Last year in the AHL with Cleveland, the Blue Jackets' affiliate, he scored eight goals and 13 assists in 51 regular-season games.

Groulx has signed a two-year, $1.625 million contract with the Maple Leafs, the team announced Tuesday.

Groulx has a little bit of NHL experience, but none since the 2023-24 season, when he was with the Ducks. For his career, the 25-year-old has one goal and four assists in 65 NHL regular-season games. He will likely start this coming season in the minors.

Boyd signed a one-year, $775,000 contract with Toronto on Tuesday.

Boyd collected 22 goals and 53 points in 63 regular-season contests with AHL Iowa in 2024-25. The 31-year-old forward has 47 tallies and 118 points in 299 NHL regular-season appearances, but he could spend most of the 2025-26 campaign in the minors.

Toninato signed a two-year, two-way contract with Chicago on Tuesday.

Toninato was limited to just five regular-season outings with the Jets last season, instead playing the bulk of his games in the minors with AHL Manitoba. With the Moose, the 31-year-old Duluth native notched 18 goals and 18 helpers. Considering the Hawks are still rebuilding their roster, Toninato should have a decent chance at making the Opening Night roster this fall.

Lundestrom signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract with Columbus on Tuesday, per Pierre LeBrun of TSN.

Lundestrom registered four goals, 15 points, 60 shots on net, 68 blocked shots and 48 hits in 79 regular-season outings for Anaheim in 2024-25. As a member of the Blue Jackets, the 25-year-old forward will likely occupy a bottom-six role.

Gaudette agreed to terms on a two-year, $4 million contract with San Jose on Tuesday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Gaudette was reportedly close to staying with Ottawa but evidently found better terms in San Jose. This will be the 28-year-old center's fifth NHL team in his eight-year NHL career. The Massachusetts native fell one goal shy of reaching the 20 mark last year over 81 regular-season games, and he could be in contention to challenge that threshold again in 2025-26 if he can earn a middle-six role.

Dowling signed a two-year, $1.55 million contract with the Rangers on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.

Dowling contributed two goals, five assists, 34 shots on net, 22 blocked shots and 51 hits in 52 regular-season appearances with New Jersey in 2024-25. He will battle for a depth spot on the Rangers during training camp.

Granlund signed a three-year, $21 million contract with Anaheim on Tuesday, according to Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

Granlund compiled 22 goals, 66 points and 169 shots on net across 83 regular-season games between Dallas and San Jose in 2024-25. He was a productive player during his time with the Sharks, despite the team's scoring struggles, and should make an impact with the Ducks if he's a prominent piece in the lineup.

Eller landed a one-year, $1.25 million contract from Ottawa on Tuesday.

Eller started the 2024-25 campaign with the Penguins before being traded back to the Capitals. Overall, the veteran center played in 80 regular-season contests while racking up 10 goals and 12 helpers. The Senators have decent center depth, which means Eller could find himself filling a fourth-line role unless the team opts to move Dylan Cozens or Shane Pinto to the wing.