The contract is worth a reported $5.85 million, according to Bob McKenzie of TSN. That works out to a salary cap hit of $1.95 million through to the end of 2019-20.
Kassian was set to become a restricted free agent, and earned a measure of job security after registering seven goals and 17 assists in 79 games last season, while playing on a one-year deal worth $1.5 million.
He also chipped in three goals in 13 playoff games.
Kassian came to Edmonton via Montreal after the Canadiens dealt him upon being reinstated from suspension and a stint in the NHL's substance abuse program. He was originally drafted 13th overall by Buffalo in 2009.
Lindell is coming off his entry-level contract and was poised to become a restricted free agent July 1.
"Esa displayed great composure during his first season in the NHL and we look forward to his continued development as a top player on our defense," general manager Jim Nill said in a release.
The 2016-17 campaign was Lindell's first full season in the league, and saw him post six goals and 18 points in 73 games.
This new deal is one-way in nature, meaning he'll be a permanent fixture in the Lightning lineup for at least the next two seasons after quite a journey to get to this point.
"It's really special," Gourde said of his new deal, per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times. "Most people know my story, I've been to (the ECHL). At that point, it was pretty hard, and I wouldn't believe that I would ever get a one way like that when I was down in Kalamazoo (ECHL). But now this is happening. It feels amazing. I'm ready."
Gourde appeared in 20 games for Tampa Bay last season after joining the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2014, recording six goals and eight points. Five of those goals came in the final eight games of the season, as the Lightning made a failed push for a playoff spot.
He was sent back to the AHL at the end of the NHL season, and helped the Syracuse Crunch reach the Calder Cup finals, with nine goals and 27 points in 22 postseason games.
The news comes after general manager Jim Nill stated on Friday that he planned to get rid of a goaltender this week.
Niemi has one year left remaining on his contract, but with Ben Bishop now in the fold and set to be the club's No. 1, the team needed to make room with Kari Lehtonen also signed through next season at $5.9 million.
The 33-year-old had a miserable season finishing last among all goaltenders with at least 25 games played with a 3.30 goals-against average and second-last with a .892 save percentage.
The right-handed defenseman appeared in 80 games for the Lightning last season, registering three goals and 11 assists, while averaging 17:35 of ice time per game.
Sustr was set to become a restricted free agent, and earns a $500,000 raise over his 2016-17 salary.
Don't sweat it if you are upset about who the Vegas Golden Knights plucked from your favourite team, they could still return.
NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed with TSN's Pierre LeBrun that teams can make trades with the Golden Knights to re-acquire the players they lost to the club during the expansion draft.
So, for example, as it relates to Marc Methot: there is no rule prohibiting the Senators from trying to trade back for him this week...
Daly confirmed the league had to feel confident a deal between teams wasn't worked out prior to the draft in a bid to sidestep rules. However, there is still a rule in place that players traded to other teams in advance of the expansion draft can't be traded back before Jan. 1.
Topping the list - especially after the signing of T.J. Oshie on Friday - is defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. The 28-year-old is in his prime and has become one of the premiere offensive defensemen in the league over the last couple seasons.
He should garner a raise from his previous $4.25-million annual average, but who stands the best chance at landing the right-hander? Let's take a look.
Tampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning look to be among the teams getting ahead of the game, making their pitch to Shattenkirk.
On the first day of the negotiating window with potential free agents, the Lightning reportedly reached out to Shattenkirk. The Lightning certainly fit the bill as a potential landing spot for the veteran D-man.
They have over $23 million in cap space and, as they sit on Monday, have just three defensemen locked up to deals. Joining Victor Hedman and Anton Stralman would certainly help further bolster the club's blue line.
The Lightning had the sixth-most potent power play this past season, but with Shattenkirk at their disposal, they could challenge for top spot.
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers right away appear to be the front-runner to land Shattenkirk.
The team has the need for Shattenkirk and his services, while it has also become known around the league that the former Washington Capitals defender would like to play in the New York area to be closer to home. In fact, a quick glance at Shattenkirk's Twitter profile will tell you just how special that would be to him.
The Rangers recently freed up a bunch of cap room by buying out Dan Girardi's contract and by shipping both Derek Stepan and Antti Raanta to the Arizona Coyotes. They have the space and after Rick Nash's $7.8 million comes off the books following the 2017-18 season things will fit even nicer.
New Jersey Devils
Just a short skip across the pond is New Jersey, another club that would certainly fit the bill for Shattenkirk.
The New Jersey Devils would provide Shattenkirk that close-to-home prospect, while Shattenkirk would also be able to walk in as the team's undisputed No. 1 D-man.
Shattenkirk's 56 points this season were 25 more than Damon Severson, who led all Devils blue-liners with 31 points. The Devils also possessed the 22nd-ranked power play, a spot where Shattenkirk and his 27 power-play points could also lend a hand.
Columbus Blue Jackets
If the Columbus Blue Jackets could swing Shattenkirk it could help give them one of the stronger defense corps in the league.
That being said, their defense could use another right-handed defenseman and Shattenkirk is just that. His offense would certainly be a welcome, but on a young back end, Shattenkirk could also be a nice veteran addition.
Up front the Blue Jackets are pretty solid - especially with the acquisition of Artemi Panarin. Meanwhile, Sergei Bobrovsky manning the back isn't bad either. Adding Shattenkirk could make the Blue Jackets a serious contender in the East.
Buffalo Sabres
The Buffalo Sabres are close to New York and they are in desperate need of some help on defense, so of course Shattenkirk makes sense.
Outside of Rasmus Ristolainen the Sabres' defense lacks any real offensive threat. Meanwhile, their back end as a whole remains largely inexperienced.
What could also bode well for both parties is that - surprisingly - the Sabres led the league in power-play proficiency last season with a 24.5 percent success rate and Shattenkirk should only make them better.
It's also worth noting that the Sabres have the most cap space available of any team.
"Derek proved he belonged in the NHL last season," Francis said. "He brings skill and versatility to our lineup and sets an example for our younger players with his character and determination off the ice."
The 30-year-old registered career highs in goals (11), assists (18), and points (29) last season, and was a finalist for the Masterton Trophy, awarded to the player who best exemplifies qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to the game.
Ryan was not drafted by an NHL club, and didn't crack the league until 2015 after signing with the Hurricanes as a free agent. Immediately prior to that, he was named MVP of the Swedish Hockey League (SHL) in 2014-15.
After being selected first overall by the New Jersey Devils at the NHL Entry Draft, there's no one better to talk to than the franchise's all-time leader in goals, assists, and points.
That's the opportunity that was presented to Nico Hischier, who dined with Patrik Elias on Sunday.
It was a table for two last night! Our #1 all-time leading scorer joined our #1 pick for dinner. #N1COpic.twitter.com/8L4mAzy2NQ
Elias, who announced his retirement late last season, registered 408 goals, 617 assists, and 1,205 points as a Devil, and also helped the club win two Stanley Cups.
That's quite a bar to reach for Hischier, but the Devils clearly believe he's a player to build around.
