NHL Player News

Vilen inked a one-year, two-way contract with New Jersey on Wednesday.

Vilen appeared in two regular-season games last year in which he posted one block and a plus-1 rating while averaging 15:28 of ice time. Even with a new contract in hand, the 23-year-old blueliner will be hard-pressed to break into the NHL full time next year. As such, he figures to be a relative non-factor in fantasy contests.

Seeley agreed to terms on a one-year, two-way contract with Carolina on Thursday, Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet reports.

Seeley made his NHL debut last season, appearing in the regular-season finale against the Islanders. The 23-year-old defenseman logged 15:12 of ice time in that game while producing two blocks. While Seeley could see a little more action this year, he's unlikely to be a mainstay on the Canes' blue line, making him a relative non-factor in fantasy contests.

Psenicka signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Utah on Thursday.

Psenicka spent the bulk of 2025-26 playing in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks, logging eight goals and 22 assists in 53 regular-season contests. The 19-year-old blueliner eventually featured in two games with AHL Tucson and could be the organization's under-20 designated player for the upcoming AHL season.

Hovorka signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Panthers on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.

Hovorka just completed his entry-level deal in 2025-26. He logged 18 points in 57 regular-season outings for AHL Charlotte last year, as well as one assist in four games with the Panthers. He will likely spend most of 2026-27 in the AHL.

Marino signed an eight-year, $54 million contract extension with the Mammoth on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.

Marino's new deal will begin in 2027-28. The 2015 sixth-round pick set new career highs in 2025-26 with 32 assists, 36 points and a plus-42 rating over 80 regular-season games. While he's certainly more of a shutdown defenseman, if Marino can even somewhat replicate his production from last season, he will be a solid depth option for fantasy managers in deeper formats. However, his lack of all-around contributions caps his ceiling in smaller leagues.

Drysdale signed a four-year, $26 million contract with the Flyers on Friday, per Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet.

Drysdale was a restricted free agent who would have gone to arbitration if he had been unable to agree to terms with Philadelphia. He had eight goals, 32 points, 33 PIM, 16 hits and 94 blocks in 78 regular-season outings with the Flyers in 2025-26. The 24-year-old matched his previous career high of 32 points from the 2021-22 regular season. He should serve in a top-four capacity and receive significant power-play minutes next season, which puts him in a great position to get at least 30 points again if he stays healthy.

Attard inked a one-year, two-way contract with the Red Wings on Monday.

Attard spent this past year with AHL Colorado, contributing three goals, 17 points and a plus-3 rating over 44 regular-season games. The 2019 third-round pick hasn't appeared in an NHL game since the 2023-24 campaign, when he was with the Flyers. Attard will provide the Red Wings with organizational depth for the 2026-27 season.

Schneider signed a one-year, $5.5 million contract with the Rangers on Monday, Vince Z. Mercogliano of The Athletic reports.

Schneider was a restricted free agent to begin the offseason, but he'll avoid arbitration with the Rangers by agreeing to his one-year deal. He appeared in all 82 regular-season games last year, recording two goals, 16 assists, 163 hits, 140 blocked shots and 26 PIM while averaging 20:27 of ice time.

Oesterle announced his retirement from playing hockey Monday.

Oesterle had 23 goals and 96 points in 409 career NHL regular-season appearances. He played for Arizona, Edmonton, Detroit, Nashville, Chicago, Boston and Calgary across 12 campaigns. He spent most of 2025-26 with AHL Milwaukee, where he collected 14 goals and 46 points in 69 regular-season outings.

Ottavainen signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Kraken on Friday.

Ottavainen had three goals, 17 points and 71 PIM in 53 regular-season outings with AHL Coachella Valley in 2025-26. He didn't play in the NHL last season, but he did register an assist in one regular-season appearance with Seattle in 2024-25. Ottavainen will probably open the upcoming campaign in the minors.