Hockey

Dallas Stars hope to keep Jason Robertson even after having a deal to trade homegrown forward

Stephen Hawkins, The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 7:08 PM CDT

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jason Robertson remained an unsigned restricted free agent Wednesday, days after the Dallas Stars had a deal in place to trade their high-scoring homegrown forward that they still hope to keep.

General manager Jim Nill said on the first day of NHL free agency that the goal still was to sign Robertson, and that he remained in contact with the forward's representatives.

“Really no update on Jason,” Nill said. “I think everybody needs to understand that this is July 1. The games don't start until September, and this is part of the contract negotiations.”

Nill had acknowledged last Saturday after the conclusion of the NHL draft that the Stars had a sign-and-trade deal in place to send Robertson to Seattle for the seventh overall pick. While Robertson couldn’t veto that trade, he wouldn’t agree to a long-term deal with the Kraken — a reported $120 million over eight years ($15 million a season).

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Hockey

Aggressive Sharks make moves to show they’re all in on becoming a contender

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Aggressive Sharks make moves to show they’re all in on becoming a contender

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

Darnell Nurse knew it was time to go, that his decade-plus-long tenure with the Edmonton Oilers was about to be over, while also having a final say in his next destination.

Initially, the 31-year-old defenseman gave them a very short list of NHL teams to which he would accept a trade. Then Nurse recalled what it was like facing the Sharks last season, playing alongside generational talent Macklin Celebrini with Canada at the world championships and watching as San Jose general manager Mike Grier made aggressive moves to improve his team.

On Wednesday, Nurse joined the Sharks as the latest piece of a puzzle they hope will get them into the playoffs after a lengthy absence. Acquiring Nurse, signing fellow D-man Jacob Trouba and forward Mason Marchment — and drafting more blue-chip prospects to an already talented young core — made it easy to envision San Jose becoming a perennial contender in the not-too-distant future.

“You’re looking at the full picture of the league and the full picture of the players,” Nurse said on a video call with reporters. “Last year, you see the evolution of the game management and doing the right things at the right time. As a player, being in the league for almost 12 years now, you see teams continue to evolve and you see teams and they grow get better and better at the little nuances of the game.”

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Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

Hockey

Zach Werenski reaffirms his future with Blue Jackets after turning down trade

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Zach Werenski reaffirms his future with Blue Jackets after turning down trade

Joe Reedy, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 5:33 PM CDT

Zach Werenski's immediate future with the Columbus Blue Jackets is set.

For now.

The reigning Norris Trophy winner and Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell issued statements on Wednesday to reaffirm that the star defenseman will begin the season with the team after a proposed trade to Dallas fell through.

Werenski has a full no-trade clause in his contract through July 1, 2027, and decided that the Stars wouldn't be the right fit.

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Yesterday at 5:33 PM CDT

Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs land prized free agent, signing goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to 3-year, $21M deal

John Wawrow And Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 6 minute read Preview

Toronto Maple Leafs land prized free agent, signing goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to 3-year, $21M deal

John Wawrow And Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 6 minute read Yesterday at 4:22 PM CDT

Two-time Stanley Cup champion goalie Sergei Bobrovsky signed a three-year, $21 million contract with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, leaving Florida and filling a long-unaddressed need for Toronto hours into the NHL’s free agent signing period.

Bobrovsky on the verge of turning 38 joins an Auston Matthews-led team seeking to transition on the fly under a new coach and new general manager, and coming off a draft in which it selected Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 pick. The Leafs bottomed out last year, finishing last in the Atlantic Division following a nine-year playoff run.

Though nearly a decade removed from winning the Vezina Trophy for a second time as the NHL’s top goalie with Columbus in 2017, Bobrovsky is regarded as an upgrade for the Leafs, who gone through a carousel of goalies, including five last season alone. He reunites with Anthony Stolarz, after the tandem helped the Panthers win the Cup in 2024.

“A sincere thank you to Sergei Bobrovsky for all he did for this organization,” said Panthers general manager Bill Zito, who this past week had traded for goalies Jacob Markstrom and Akira Schmid. "Things happen where decisions get made and people move on. It’s part of our game. We have nothing but appreciation for Sergei.”

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Yesterday at 4:22 PM CDT

Hockey

Darnell Nurse (centre) in action for the Oilers against the Anaheim Ducks in Edmonton on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan

Oilers trade defenceman Darnell Nurse to Sharks, sign blueliner Ryan Shea

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Oilers trade defenceman Darnell Nurse to Sharks, sign blueliner Ryan Shea

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:16 PM CDT

EDMONTON - Darnell Nurse is done in Alberta's capital.

Edmonton traded the defenceman to the San Jose Sharks for fellow blueliners Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zack Sharp as part of a chaotic opening to NHL free agency Wednesday.

Selected seventh overall at the 2013 draft by the Oilers, Nurse has 88 goals and 236 assists for 324 points to go along with 725 penalty minutes in 798 regular-season games.

The 31-year-old from Hamilton has added 29 points (seven goals, 22 assists) in 100 playoff games, including Edmonton's two trips to the Stanley Cup final in 2024 and 2025.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:16 PM CDT

Winnipeg Jets

GENE J. PUSKAR / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILES
‘My expectation is to bring my absolute best game day in and day out, grab that consistency, and run,’ says goaltender Stuart Skinner.

Skinner signing adds to Winnipeg Jets goalie intrigue

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Preview

Skinner signing adds to Winnipeg Jets goalie intrigue

Ken Wiebe 8 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 9:31 PM CDT

Stuart Skinner made no bold proclamations about his expected workload, nor did he provide any hints about whether or not he expected to be part of a tandem with Connor Hellebuyck, given the noise that has surrounded the Winnipeg Jets starting goaltender.

After agreeing to terms of a two-year deal with an AAV of US$3.75 million, Skinner showcased his trademark accountability and humility when asked about his expected role come this fall.

“To be honest, it wasn’t too much of a conversation because we don’t know too much,” said Skinner, when asked directly about Hellebuyck. “Obviously, there’s rumors out there. As far as my experience, rumours are just rumours until something happens.

“As of right now, me and Helle are teammates, which is so exciting. I mean, he’s the best goalie in the world, so it’s a great opportunity for me. I think, again, with the thought process of growing my game and just becoming a better goalie and the type of culture that Winnipeg brings, it’s extremely exciting.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 9:31 PM CDT

Hockey

Dillon Dube signs with Blues, rejoins Carter Hart in the NHL after being acquitted of sexual assault

The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Dillon Dube signs with Blues, rejoins Carter Hart in the NHL after being acquitted of sexual assault

The Associated Press 3 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 4:51 PM CDT

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Dillon Dube signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Blues on Wednesday, making him the second of five players acquitted in the Canada 2018 world junior sexual assault case to get an NHL deal since the trial ended just under a year ago.

Dube was signed for $850,000 for next season on a one-way contract, which means he gets paid that salary whether he's in the NHL or the American Hockey League. He played 58 games this past year for the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds after agreeing to a professional tryout in December with St. Louis' top minor league affiliate.

"We’ve gotten to know him a lot better through that time frame," said general manager Alexander Steen, who added the organization was well aware of the situation and spoke to coaches and teammates about how Dube was in Springfield.

“He wants to be a positive influence. He’s had a positive influence on (that team) or a positive impact,” he added. "He approaches it with a sincerity and humility. Since I got here in St. Louis, the organization has always been a second-chance organization and this is Dillon’s opportunity and we feel confident in giving it to him — to fight for a spot on our team next year.”

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Updated: Yesterday at 4:51 PM CDT

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Hockey

New Jersey Devils re-sign captain Nico Hischier for $58.5 million over 5 years

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

New Jersey Devils re-sign captain Nico Hischier for $58.5 million over 5 years

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 3 minute read Yesterday at 2:05 PM CDT

With just three playoff appearances and one series victory to show for his first nine seasons in the NHL with the New Jersey Devils, Nico Hischier had some questions this spring about the direction of the organization.

“There were just a lot of talks, and obviously I was curious what the plan is,” Hischier said.

Those talks with new general manager Sunny Mehta on the future led to Hischier signing up to stay for the long term. The Devils on Wednesday agreed to terms with their captain on a five-year extension worth $58.5 million, a salary cap hit of $11.7 million annually from when the deal kicks in for the 2027-28 NHL season through 2032.

“I want turn the ship around here and ... I want be part of the solution,” Hischier said on a video call with reporters. “I still do believe we have a great team. We have great foundation pieces.”

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Yesterday at 2:05 PM CDT

Hockey

FILE - Buffalo Sabres defenseman Bowen Byram (4) controls the puck against Boston Bruins right wing David Pastrnak (88) during Game 3 of a first-round NHL hockey Stanley Cup playoff series, April 23, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram agrees to a $75 million, 6-year extension

Jay Cohen, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram agrees to a $75 million, 6-year extension

Jay Cohen, The Associated Press 4 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Bowen Byram has agreed to a $75 million, six-year contract extension with his new team.

The deal was announced Wednesday, the first day that Byram was eligible to sign an extension. It runs through the 2032-33 season and would make him the NHL’s highest paid defenseman with an average annual salary of $12.5 million — surpassing Pittsburgh's Erik Karlsson ($11.5 million).

The deal was announced Wednesday, the first day that Byram was eligible to sign an extension. It runs through the 2032-33 season.

The 25-year-old Byram was acquired in a trade with Buffalo on June 23. The Blackhawks sent the No. 4 and No. 45 selections in the NHL draft and defenseman Louis Crevier to the Sabres for Byram and forward Jordan Greenway.

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Updated: Yesterday at 6:05 PM CDT

Hockey

Canadiens sign Demidov to eight-year extension; Jets add Skinner in free agency

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

Canadiens sign Demidov to eight-year extension; Jets add Skinner in free agency

Daniel Rainbird, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: Yesterday at 8:24 PM CDT

Ivan Demidov glanced around a dressing room filled with young core players already signed for years to come.

The skilled Russian forward quickly decided he wanted to join them.

On the first day he was eligible, Demidov inked an eight-year, US$73.2-million contract extension with the Montreal Canadiens, helping the franchise lock in another key piece of its foundation as NHL free agency opened Wednesday.

"I mean, just take a look at our team," Demidov told reporters in Brossard, Que. "We have a good core and everyone is a similar age. Everyone wants to win the (Stanley Cup) and everyone is hungry.

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Updated: Yesterday at 8:24 PM CDT

Hockey

Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) sprays water on his face during against the New York Rangers in Miami on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

‘Sends a message’: Maple Leafs sign Sergei Bobrovsky on first day of NHL free agency

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Preview

‘Sends a message’: Maple Leafs sign Sergei Bobrovsky on first day of NHL free agency

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 6 minute read Updated: 12:25 AM CDT

Sergei Bobrovsky twice broke the hearts of his new team.

The Maple Leafs are hoping the veteran goaltender will now help get their tortured franchise back on track.

Toronto signed the two-time Stanley Cup winner to a three-year contract worth a reported US$21 million as NHL free agency opened Wednesday.

"Sergei's a real game-changer for us in terms of the stability, the consistency, the durability," Maple Leafs general manager John Chayka said of the two-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league's top netminder on a video conference call with reporters. "The resume speaks for itself — possibly ends up being the best in that position of all time.

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Updated: 12:25 AM CDT

Winnipeg Jets

CASSIDY DANKOCHIK / THE CARILLON FILES
Forward Kevin He is likely to start next season with the Manitoba Moose after another Jets training camp in September.

‘Can’t wait to get going’: Childhood duo of He, Walton raring for Moose season

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Preview

‘Can’t wait to get going’: Childhood duo of He, Walton raring for Moose season

Ken Wiebe 6 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

They’ve been on mostly parallel paths for the longest time, dating back to their time as minor hockey teammates in the Greater Toronto Area with the Toronto Red Wings.

For Kevin He and Kieron Walton, the intersection of their shared dream is about to graduate to the next step: full-time professional hockey players.

It was wild enough that the Winnipeg Jets chose both forwards at the 2024 NHL Draft, with He going in the fourth round and Walton following him in the sixth.

In all likelihood, He and Walton are now set to start next season with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League after attending Jets training camp in September.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

Hockey

Star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky headlines NHL free agency after 2 Stanley Cup runs

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Star goalie Sergei Bobrovsky headlines NHL free agency after 2 Stanley Cup runs

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

The goaltender known as “Bob” is on the verge of changing places once more in his illustrious NHL career.

Sergei Bobrovsky is the most intriguing player available when free agency opens Wednesday after backstopping the Florida Panthers to Stanley Cup championships in 2024 and ‘25. Also a two-time Vezina Trophy winner as the league’s top goalie, Bobrovsky turns 38 just before next season begins and could be the final piece for a contender looking for help at the most important position in hockey.

Florida in two days traded for Akira Schmid from Vegas and Jacob Markstrom from New Jersey to fill its needs in the crease and pave the way for Bobrovsky's exit. Bobrovsky is expected to have no shortage of suitors, with the Devils, reigning champion Carolina Hurricanes and the Edmonton Oilers — who lost to him and the Panthers in each final — all looking for help in net.

With the salary cap getting another record increase to $104 million per team, price tags will be high.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

NHL

Cassidy Dankochik / THE CARILLON FILES
An invitation to the Winnipeg Jets development camp reinforces Adam Vigfusson’s (15) belief that there is more than one path to developing as a player.

Vigfusson vying to impress at Jets development camp

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Preview

Vigfusson vying to impress at Jets development camp

Mike McIntyre 5 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

You’ll forgive Adam Vigfusson for having a bit of a “kid in a candy store” mentality these days.

The 20-year-old Gimli product is truly living his best life, fresh off winning a Manitoba Junior Hockey League title, a Centennial Cup championship, Most Valuable Player honours at the national tournament and earning a scholarship to St. Cloud State University that begins this fall.

This week, you’ll find him at Hockey For All Centre, skating alongside the likes of Viggo Bjorck, Brayden Yager, Colby Barlow and the other top prospects in the Winnipeg Jets organization. Vigfusson could hardly believe it when the Jets recently extended an invitation to their annual rookie development camp.

“I got the call asking if I wanted to come and it was like, ‘Oh my goodness, that’s something I never thought would happen.’ Just super excited to be here,” Vigfusson told the Free Press following Tuesday’s skate.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

Hockey

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Rasmus Andersson controls the puck against the Stars in Dallas on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

NHL free agency set to open Wednesday as GMs prep for annual Canada Day dash

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

NHL free agency set to open Wednesday as GMs prep for annual Canada Day dash

Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

NHL free agency opens Wednesday for the annual Canada Day sprint. This year's crop is thin on elite talent — especially when it comes to younger players — but there are still plenty of options as general managers look to build or round out rosters.

The Canadian Press looks at some of the names set to hit the open market at 12 p.m. ET.

RASMUS ANDERSSON (2025-26 SALARY CAPT HIT: US$4.55 MILLION)

The right-shot defenceman should be a hot commodity in unrestricted free agency after getting acquired by the Vegas Golden Knights from the Calgary Flames ahead of March's trade deadline. The 29-year-old registered 17 goals and 30 assists for 47 points in 81 games last season. Andersson added six assists in 22 playoff contests.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

Hockey

Buffalo Sabres hire longtime former player Milan Lucic as a pro scout

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

Buffalo Sabres hire longtime former player Milan Lucic as a pro scout

John Wawrow, The Associated Press 3 minute read Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Former NHL player Milan Lucic has gone from being a one-time Buffalo Sabres' antagonist to landing a job as a pro scout, the team announced as part of a series of hirings and promotions on Tuesday.

Lucic joins the Sabres weeks after announcing his retirement in ending a 17-year NHL career. The 38-year-old spent his first eight seasons with Boston, where Lucic won a Stanley Cup in 2011.

And it was with the Bruins where Lucic drew the ire of the Atlantic Division-rival Sabres and their fans. He was particularly vilified for bowling over Sabres goalie Ryan Miller during a game in Boston in November 2011.

Miller missed several weeks with a neck injury and, following the game, called the 240-pound Lucic as “gutless,” for hitting a player 50 pounds lighter. Meantime, Sabres players were criticized for not stepping in to defend their star goalie.

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Tuesday, Jun. 30, 2026

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