NHL Player News

Zadorov agreed to terms on a six-year, $30 million contract with the Bruins on Monday, Chris Johnston of The Athletic reports.

Zadorov split his 2023-24 season between the Flames and Canucks, playing in a total of 65 regular-season contests. In those outings, the 29-year-old defenseman notched 20 points, reaching that threshold for the third consecutive campaign. He figures to serve primarily as a shutdown defensive option in a bottom-four role with minimal power-play minutes -- though he should still be able to chip in 20-25 points.

Slavin signed an eight-year, $51.69 million contract extension with the Hurricanes on Monday.

Slavin had six goals, 37 points, a plus-21 rating, 55 hits and 120 blocked shots in 81 regular-season appearances in 2023-24. He has one season remaining on his existing seven-year, $37.1 million deal before the new agreement begins. Slavin is currently a great top-four defenseman, but he's also 30 years old, so the blueliner might undergo a significant decline over the second half of his new contract.

Cole signed a one-year, $3.1 million contract with Utah on Monday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Cole produced two goals, 11 points, 61 PIM, 61 shots on net, 166 blocked shots and 83 hits in 78 regular-season games for Vancouver in 2023-24. Utah has been busy this offseason with defense changes, and Cole will provide some additional depth.

Pesce (lower leg) inked a six-year, $33 million contract with New Jersey on Monday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Pesce missed the Hurricanes' final nine postseason contests after suffering a fractured fibula in Game 2 of their first-round series with the Islanders. This past season was a low point offensively for the 29-year-old defenseman, as he posted a career-low 13 points in 70 regular-season contests, a far cry from the 30 he put up the year before. Clearly, the Devils are hoping to rediscover the 2022-23 version of Pesce, though he may be hard-pressed to secure power-play minutes with his new club, assuming Dougie Hamilton (pectoral) is healthy to start the new campaign.

Ekman-Larsson signed a four-year, $14 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Monday, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Ekman-Larsson had nine goals, 32 points, 76 PIM, 105 hits and 70 blocked shots in 80 regular-season contests with the Panthers in 2023-24. He also recorded two goals, six points, 24 PIM, 65 hits and 18 blocks across 24 playoff contests this year in Florida's successful pursuit of the Stanley Cup. The 32-year-old might serve primarily on the third pairing in Toronto with the possible top-four grouping being Morgan Rielly, Timothy Liljegren, Jake McCabe and Chris Tanev. However, even if that's the case, Ekman-Larsson is still likely to see time on the second power-play unit.

Skjei agreed to terms on a seven-year, $49 million contract with Nashville on Monday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Skjei is the third big signing for the Predators on the first day of free agency, joining Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault in the Music City. Last season, the 30-year-old Skjei set new personal bests with 47 points and 12 power-play points in 80 regular-season games. While Roman Josi won't be giving up his spot on the No. 1 power-play unit, Skjei could be tasked with quarterbacking the second group, which should bolster his fantasy value heading into the 2024-25 campaign.

Hollowell signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Penguins on Monday, per agent Dan Milstein.

Hollowell had three goals, 44 points and 63 PIM in 64 regular-season contests with AHL Hartford in 2023-24. The 25-year-old is expected to spend most, if not all, of the 2024-25 campaign in the minors.

Martinez signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Chicago on Monday, Danny Webster of the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports.

Martinez compiled four goals, 17 points, 72 shots on net and 165 blocked shots in 55 regular-season contests with Vegas in 2023-24. He can log over 19 minutes per game but will likely serve as a veteran depth defender for the Blackhawks in 2024-25.

Jensen was acquired by the Senators from the Capitals on Monday along with a 2026 third-round draft pick in exchange for Jakob Chychrun.

Jensen had a goal, 14 points, 62 hits and 123 blocked shots in 78 regular-season contests with the Capitals in 2023-24. While Jensen might earn a top-four role with Ottawa, he shouldn't be expected to come close to replacing Chychrun's offensive contributions. The 33-year-old Jensen has two seasons left on his three-year, $12.15 million deal.

Chychrun was traded to the Capitals from the Senators on Monday in exchange for Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick.

Chychrun impressed this past season with 14 goals and 27 assists, including 16 power-play points, in 82 regular-season contests. It was just the second time in the blueliner's career that he was able to reach the 40-point threshold, having last done it back in 2020-21 with the Coyotes. Chychrun should offer more offensive upside for the Caps than the departing Jensen while also taking on a role with the No. 2 power-play unit.