NHL Player News

Benson signed a seven-year, $52.5 million contract extension with the Sabres on Wednesday.

This deal keeps Benson with the Sabres as part of the team's core while on an affordable deal. He had 13 goals and 43 points over 65 regular-season outings in 2025-26. At just 21 years old, he still has time to grow on offense, though expectations will be higher moving forward with his new contract. Expect Benson to fill a top-six role regularly in 2026-27.

Kampf and a 2027 third-round pick were acquired by the Sabres from the Capitals on Wednesday in exchange for Alex Tuch.

The Sabres will have a brief exclusive negotiating window with Kampf if they so desire. He is eligible for unrestricted free agency at the beginning of July. The 31-year-old had six points in 40 outings between the Canucks and Capitals in 2025-26. Kampf projects as a bottom-six forward at best, regardless of whether he signs with Buffalo or heads elsewhere.

Pinelli signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Kings on Wednesday.

The deal is worth $850,000 at the NHL level. Pinelli is coming off the end of his entry-level contract. He had a career-high 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) over 65 regular-season outings for AHL Ontario last year, and he followed up with two points in five playoff games. Pinelli has yet to make his NHL debut, but he could do so if he shows a little more offense in the AHL in 2026-27.

Valimaki signed a one-year, $900,000 contract with the Hurricanes on Wednesday.

Valimaki signed a two-year deal in the SHL on Tuesday, but it appears the Hurricanes were able to lure him back to North America. He had 23 points in 27 AHL regular-season games as well as 14 points in 21 playoff outings. Valimaki could be some experienced insurance on the blue line after reports emerged Wednesday that the Hurricanes might dangle Alexander Nikishin on the trade market. That said, Valimaki would likely spend at least part of 2026-27 in the AHL again, which would require him to pass through waivers.

Capobianco signed a two-year, $1.75 million contract with the Stars on Wednesday.

Capobianco's deal is a one-way contract in both seasons, giving him stable money even if he ends up in the AHL at some point. He is the eighth blueliner the Stars have under contract for 2026-27 at this point in the offseason. The 28-year-old logged five points, 18 shots on net, 27 blocked shots and 12 hits over 33 regular-season appearances in 2025-26, but he didn't play during the Stars' first-round playoff exit against the Wild.

L'Heureux was traded along with Fedor Svechkov to Colorado from Nashville on Wednesday in exchange for Jack Drury, Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick.

L'Heureux had four goals, five points, 21 PIM and 64 hits in 25 regular-season appearances with Nashville in 2025-26. The 23-year-old also had 14 goals, 28 points and 65 PIM in 30 regular-season outings with AHL Milwaukee. Although his physical play gives him the potential to be a great source of PIM and hits, L'Heureux might have to compete for a regular role in Colorado's bottom six.

Svechkov was traded along with Zachary L'Heureux to Colorado from Nashville on Wednesday in exchange for Jack Drury, Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick.

Svechkov recorded four goals, 17 points, 22 PIM and 60 hits in 70 regular-season outings with Nashville in 2025-26. The 23-year-old probably isn't going to get anything better than a bottom-six role as part of Colorado's strong forward corps.

Bradley was traded along with Jack Drury and a 2029 third-round pick to Nashville from Colorado on Wednesday in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux, Pierre LeBrun of TSN reports.

Bradley had nine goals, 12 points and 46 PIM in 42 regular-season appearances with AHL Colorado in 2025-26. He also had five goals and 10 points in 17 playoff outings with the minor-league squad. The 24-year-old might get a serious look during training camp, but he's likely to start 2026-27 in the minors.

Drury was traded along with Chase Bradley and a 2029 third-round pick to Nashville from Colorado on Wednesday in exchange for Fedor Svechkov and Zachary L'Heureux, per Pierre LeBrun of TSN.

Drury had 10 goals, 27 points, 31 PIM and 46 hits in 82 regular-season appearances with the Avalanche in 2025-26. The 26-year-old is likely to center either the third or fourth line in Nashville.

Rosen signed a two-year, $1.85 million contract with the Jets on Wednesday.

Rosen had six goals, 10 points, 35 shots, 17 hits and 20 blocks in 37 regular-season appearances between Buffalo and Winnipeg in 2025-26. He also recorded 25 goals and 43 points in 37 regular-season outings with AHL Rochester. The 23-year-old will be in the mix for a middle-six spot on Winnipeg's Opening Day roster.