Connor Bedard celebrated his 18th birthday in style by agreeing to terms on a three-year, entry-level pact with the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday, sources told The Athletic's Scott Powers.
The Blackhawks selected Bedard with the first overall pick at the 2023 NHL Draft. The deal is expected to be made official later on Monday.
Bedard is widely considered to be a world-breaking talent on the same wavelength as fellow No. 1 picks Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid. He paced all CHL skaters in goals (71), points (143), and points per game (2.51) in 57 regular season contests as a member of the WHL's Regina Pats this past season.
In honor of his efforts, Bedard won the CHL's Top Prospect Award, Top Scorer Award, and David Branch Player of the Year Award, becoming the first player to win all three in the same campaign.
Bedard was also tabbed the inaugural IIHF Male Player of the Year in June after he potted nine goals and 14 assists in seven games at the 2023 World Junior Championship.
Maccelli was a restricted free agent coming off the three-year, entry-level contract he signed with the club in April 2020.
He finished fourth in Calder Trophy voting this past season after leading all rookies with 38 assists and ranking second in the class with 49 points despite playing only 64 games and averaging just 15:41 of ice time for the lackluster Coyotes.
The Finnish-American winger, who'll turn 23 in October, also placed second among his rookie peers in even-strength points with 36.
Maccelli debuted with the Coyotes in 2021-22, posting one goal and five assists over 23 contests. He excelled with their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, notching 14 tallies and 43 helpers across 47 games during that campaign.
The Minnesota Wild and restricted free agent Brandon Duhaime avoided arbitration and agreed on a one-year, $1.1-million contract, the team announced.
Duhaime's arbitration hearing was scheduled for July 20. His previous deal paid him $750,000 annually over the past two seasons.
The 26-year-old posted 10 points in 51 games this past season and averaged 10:45 per contest. Duhaime was a fourth-round pick of the Wild in 2016, and he broke into the NHL during the 2021-22 campaign.
The Wild are left with approximately $7 million in cap space to sign fellow RFAs Filip Gustavsson and Calen Addison after Duhaime's new deal, according to Cap Friendly.
Ryan O'Reilly doesn't see his Nashville Predators taking another step backward next season.
"I think, as a group, we have great leadership," O'Reilly told reporters Thursday. "We have great young pieces. Why can't we contend? Why can't we? It's a long year, but it's (about) preparing in the summer and doing things the right way. Then, we get into camp and we start to build a foundation and keep adding to it."
The Predators signed the veteran center - who was an unrestricted free agent - to a four-year contract carrying an average annual value of $4.5 million on July 1. O'Reilly looks forward to joining a club he found difficult to match up with throughout his career.
"This team, over the years of playing against them, it is a tough team to play against," he said. "That's something I want to add on top of. I want to be difficult for whoever we're playing against and build it from there."
O'Reilly served as the Blues' captain for the last three campaigns - until they traded him to the Toronto Maple Leafs as part of a three-team swap in February. The Ontario-born pivot produced four goals and seven assists in 13 regular-season games with the Leafs before adding three tallies and six helpers in 11 playoff contests.
The 32-year-old spent four-plus campaigns with the Blues, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2019 as he led St. Louis to its first Stanley Cup championship. He also won the Selke Trophy that season as the NHL's top defensive forward.
O'Reilly, who's long been one of the game's most reliable two-way players, joins a franchise that's at a crossroads. The Predators still boast the likes of superstar blue-liner Roman Josi, all-world goaltender Juuse Saros, and potent playmaker Filip Forsberg. But they missed the playoffs last season, haven't advanced to the second round since 2017-18, and haven't gotten beyond that stage since reaching the Cup Final one campaign prior.
Barry Trotz is now Nashville's general manager, taking over for the retired David Poile. The Preds also have a new man behind the bench, as Trotz hired ex-Florida Panthers head coach Andrew Brunette to replace John Hynes.
Toropchenko was a restricted free agent and had an arbitration hearing scheduled for Thursday.
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Russian collected 10 goals and nine assists over 69 games in a bottom-six role with the Blues this past season. He added one tally and two helpers in five contests with their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.
Toropchenko has played parts of two campaigns with St. Louis, the club that drafted him 113th overall in 2017.
The Tampa Bay Lightning are bringing Tanner Jeannot back on a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2.665 million, the club announced Saturday.
Jeannot was a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and had a hearing scheduled for July 24. He's coming off a two-year pact with an $800,000 cap hit.
The Lightning acquired the winger in a controversial trade with the Nashville Predators five days before this past season's deadline. Tampa Bay gave up five draft picks, including a top-10 protected 2025 first-rounder, and defenseman Cal Foote, receiving only Jeannot in return.
The 26-year-old impressed with the Preds as a rookie in 2021-22. He produced 24 goals and 17 assists (collecting all but three tallies and one helper at even strength) while amassing 318 hits (second-most in the NHL) and 64 blocked shots. And he did it while averaging just under 16 minutes of ice time over 81 contests.
Jeannot led all rookies in goals and hits but finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting.
However, his 19.4% shooting rate in that campaign signalled looming offensive regression - and it arrived in 2022-23. Jeannot registered only five goals and nine assists across 56 games with Nashville before the trade, and just one tally and three helpers over 20 games with the Bolts. His shooting rate plummeted to 5.6% on the season.
Jeannot did continue to offer his usual contributions at the other end of the ice, racking up a combined 290 hits (sixth-most in the league) and 62 blocked shots in 76 contests with the two squads. But he did so while his average ice time dwindled by around one minute with Nashville and then by three more minutes to a mere 11:55 with Tampa.
The Predators signed Jeannot to a three-year, entry-level contract as an undrafted free agent in April 2018.
Tristan Jarry is focused on proving the five-year, $26.8-million bet the Pittsburgh Penguins placed on him this summer is a worthwhile one.
Jarry was arguably the top free-agent goalie available this offseason, and new president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas rewarded him handsomely with a deal that many viewed as risky due to Jarry's injury history.
"Obviously, signing a long-term deal, you want to be able to perform and you want to be able to do everything in your power to be able to perform," Jarry told NHL.com's Wes Crosby. "That's what this summer has been about, just being able to be healthy and push myself every day, get stronger, and just get better.
"I think that's something that I really want to do and really want to strive for this year, come back the best version of myself. I think that will do nothing but help the team."
Limited to 47 games in 2022-23, Jarry posted 24 wins along with a .909 save percentage and 2.90 goals against average. He admitted he played while not fully healthy as the Penguins unsuccessfully battled for a postseason berth.
"Whenever you do anything when you're not 100%, it's tough to do," Jarry said. "It's tough to go out and be your best when you have things that are bothering you every day. It's very frustrating. I was very frustrated a lot of times this season. I wasn't performing and wasn't playing up to the standards that I want to."
Pittsburgh failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time in 16 years this past season, prompting the firings of former president Brian Burke and general manager Ron Hextall. After bringing in Dubas, the Penguins signed Noel Acciari, Ryan Graves, and Lars Eller to retool the roster.
A stagnant salary cap and lack of star power hampered this summer's free-agent frenzy, but a loaded class of 2024 has us looking forward to the NHL's next offseason already.
The cap is expected to jump significantly for the first time since the pandemic dramatically altered the league's financial landscape, and a deep group of star players could make for an unforgettable signing period. Below, we present a list of the top players currently scheduled to hit the open market, fully aware that extensions for most of the stars will likely ruin the fun.
Players are sorted in each positional section based on their current cap hits.
Forwards
Auston Matthews
💰 Current cap hit: $11.6M 📊 Stats on current contract: 269 GP, 188G, 148A
All signs reportedly point to Matthews sticking with the Maple Leafs on his next deal, but until pen meets paper, speculation surrounding the face of Toronto's franchise will run rampant. No matter where or when Matthews signs, he'll likely become the league's highest-paid player based on average annual value.
Steven Stamkos
Mark LoMoglio / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $8.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 434 GP, 203 G, 291 A
The eight-year extension Stamkos inked before hitting free agency in 2016 is approaching its end, and it's aged wonderfully for the Lightning. Tampa's captain has collected 1.13 points per game over the deal's duration to go along with two championships and an additional Stanley Cup Final appearance. As the Bolts' all-time leader in goals, points, and soon-to-be games played, Stamkos might be the least likely player on this list to seek a new team next year.
Sebastian Aho
💰 Current cap hit: $8.46M 📊 Stats on current contract: 278 GP, 135 G, 136 A
It feels like a lifetime since Aho sent the hockey world into a tizzy by signing an offer sheet with the Canadiens, but his next deal is around the corner. The Hurricanes can ill-afford to lose their top offensive player and luckily have financial flexibility on their side. That bodes well for Carolina, as Aho has a strong case to command a significant raise.
William Nylander
Kevin Sousa / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $6.9M 📊 Stats on current contract: 336 GP, 129 G,166 A
Nylander's negotiations with the Maple Leafs appear much more precarious than Matthews' as his initial ask was reportedly higher than Toronto is willing to pay. Matthews could set the table for Nylander by taking less for the sake of the team, but if not, it doesn't make sense for Nylander to continue being the only bargain within the Leafs' Core Four. He's produced 30-plus goals in three of the past four seasons and has done his share in the playoffs over that span with 29 points in 30 games.
Sam Reinhart
💰 Current cap hit: $6.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 160 GP, 64 G, 85 A
Reinhart doesn't carry the same value as the players above him on this list, but he's notched back-to-back 30-goal seasons since joining the Panthers and has blossomed into an integral piece of their top six. He could fill that role effectively on a lot of teams and may have his pick of the litter on the open market. The Cats have plenty of money to spend next summer but have to fill out a roster that has only eight signed players for 2024-25.
Mark Scheifele
Darcy Finley / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $6.125M 📊 Stats on current contract: 496 GP, 214 G, 286 A
Scheifele comes with defensive deficiencies, but he can flat-out produce and would help almost any team down the middle. The 30-year-old is rumored to be a high-profile trade candidate, meaning he could be on the move twice over the next year. Even if he plays out his contract with the Jets, Scheifele is unlikely to fit into their long-term plans.
Jake Guentzel
💰 Current cap hit: $6M 📊 Stats on current contract: 249 GP, 119 G, 138 A
Chase money, or continue being Sidney Crosby's primary left-winger while also sharing a power play with Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang? Guentzel could potentially earn more in free agency, but what could possibly entice him from leaving the dream role he currently occupies in Pittsburgh?
Tyler Bertuzzi
Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $5.5M 📊 Stats on previous contract: 118 GP, 38 G, 54 A
Bertuzzi was one of this year's most coveted free agents, but he opted for a one-year deal to potentially springboard himself to a more lucrative contract in 2024 when there's more money flying around. His blend of physicality and production will make him a hot commodity if he doesn't re-up with the Maple Leafs.
Tom Wilson
💰 Current cap hit: $5.16M 📊 Stats on current contract: 289 GP, 93 G, 98A
Speaking of physicality and production, Wilson may be the standard-bearer in today's NHL when it comes to old-school power forwards. Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan emphatically denied reports of Wilson being available for trade this offseason, so it's safe to assume Washington will look to retain the rugged winger. If it doesn't, teams will heavily pursue Wilson.
Jonathan Marchessault
Bruce Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 355 GP, 123 G, 150 A
Marchessault has been a key piece of the Golden Knights' identity since the club's inception in 2017, but Vegas has developed a cutthroat reputation when it comes to player loyalty. It's worked, too, and if the club chooses to let Marchessault walk, the perennial 25-goal threat with a Conn Smythe under his belt should attract his fair share of interest.
Elias Lindholm
💰 Current cap hit: $4.85M 📊 Stats on current contract: 369 GP, 139 G, 186 A
Lindholm's been one of the league's best bargains over the course of his current deal, ranking 13th among all centers in goals since 2018-19 while making less than every player ahead of him on the list. If he and the Flames can't agree on an extension, suitors should be lined up out the door this offseason and next.
Joe Pavelski
💰 Current cap hit: $3.5M 📊 Stats on previous contract: 82 GP, 28 G, 49 A
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Pavelski will be 40 shortly after his current contract expires, but make no mistake: He's still got game. He's operated at a near point-per-game clip over the past three seasons, and 31 opposing teams would covet offensive prowess as well as his veteran presence in the dressing room. Pavelski appears quite content in Dallas, but he'd be a great get if he's willing to leave.
Other notable free-agent forwards include Jordan Eberle, Tyler Toffoli, Viktor Arvidsson, Matt Duchene, and Max Domi.
Defensemen
Brady Skjei
💰 Current cap hit: $5.25M 📊 Stats on current contract: 360 GP, 46 G, 90 A
Skjei is a dependable top-four fixture on a stout Hurricanes squad that contributes positively at both ends of the ice. A long-term deal and/or a raise could be risky as he nears 30, but teams looking to bolster their back ends should closely monitor Skjei a year from now.
Alec Martinez
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $5.25M 📊 Stats on current contract: 156 GP, 15 G, 39 A
With a pair of championships on his resume already, Martinez may hang up his skates for good instead of entering the open market at 36. If he's willing to continue his career, he could be a quality depth option.
Noah Hanifin
💰 Current cap hit: $4.95M 📊 Stats on current contract: 359 GP, 31 G, 125 A
Hanifin reportedly wants out of Calgary, and whichever team acquires him will surely try to work out an extension. If he goes to market, though, the 26-year-old will be highly sought-after as a gifted skater with a strong two-way game in the prime of his career.
Tyson Barrie
Jonathan Kozub / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $4.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 158 GP, 20 G, 76 A
Barrie's player profile is crystal clear 12 years into his NHL career: He can be a defensive liability but can run point on a power play to great effectiveness. He's unlikely to break the bank on his next deal but should have no problem finding someone to suit up for.
Chris Tanev
💰 Current cap hit: $4.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 203 GP, 9 G, 44 A
If there's a polar opposite to Barrie, it's Tanev. The 33-year-old has never scored more than six goals in a season but is a shutdown defender through and through at even strength and on the penalty kill. He's a low-maintenance player who can easily log 20 minutes per night and is one of the league's premier shot-blockers. Tanev is the kind of blue-liner every GM longs for come playoff time.
Devon Toews
Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty
💰 Current cap hit: $4.1M 📊 Stats on current contract: 199 GP, 29 G, 109 A
Toews is a remarkable two-way rearguard who's criminally overshadowed by his most common partner: superstar Cale Makar. Toews may not possess the same game-breaking talent as the 2022 Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe winner, but he's a dynamic skater, rock-solid defensively, and registered back-to-back 50-plus point seasons. He's been the most underrated contributor to Colorado's recent success, and if any blue-liner we've listed is going to cash in on their next deal, it's Toews.
Brett Pesce
💰 Current cap hit: $4.025M 📊 Stats on current contract: 341 GP, 27 G, 103 A
Pesce has long been viewed as a defensive specialist, but his expected goals against numbers have begun to tilt in the wrong direction in recent seasons. That trend probably isn't enough to scare off potential suitors, as a right-side blue-liner under 30 years old will always generate interest on the open market.
Brandon Montour
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💰 Current cap hit: $3.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 161 GP, 27 G, 83 A
Montour elevated his stock in a big way in 2022-23, bagging a career-high 16 goals and 73 points before adding eight tallies during the Panthers' run to the Stanley Cup Final. A shoulder injury sustained in the playoffs is a concern heading into his platform year, but Montour should be in line for a significant pay jump based on his body of work since signing in Florida two years ago.
Other notable free-agent defensemen include TJ Brodie, John Klingberg, Shayne Gostisbehere, Nikita Zadorov, and Matt Grzelcyk.
Goaltenders
Connor Hellebuyck
💰 Current cap hit: $6.16M 📊 Stats on current contract: 296 GP, 155 W, .916 SV%, 78.3 GSAA
Next year's free-agent options between the pipes are largely uninspiring, except for Hellebuyck. He's a legitimate franchise-changer bound to suit up for a new team soon as he doesn't want to extend in Winnipeg. Giving any goalie in their 30s term is a gamble, but two or three quality years from Hellebuyck could easily vault a playoff team to a Cup contender. The three-time Vezina finalist led the NHL in starts three of the past four seasons and has routinely shined for a Jets team that rarely provides adequate defensive help in front of him.
Matt Murray
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💰 Current cap hit: $6.25M (split between Senators and Maple Leafs) 📊 Stats on current contract: 73 GP, 29 W, 900 SV%, minus-12.3 GSAA
Murray has shown flashes of his Cup-winning self since signing with Ottawa and subsequently being dealt to Toronto, but he's been unable to remain healthy. He hasn't appeared in 50 games since 2018-19, and while he's one of the bigger names on the free-agency list, there's far too much risk in signing him to a lucrative contract at this stage of his career.
Marc-Andre Fleury
💰 Current cap hit: $3.5M 📊 Stats on current contract: 46 GP, 24 W, .908 SV%, 4.9 GSAA
Fleury relinquished the starting job in Minnesota to Filip Gustavsson last season. No one would fault him for calling it quits when his contract expires as he pushes 40 years old as a backup. His reputation will force teams to keep tabs on him until he officially retires, but Fleury has already accomplished everything he can in goal and is on the fast track for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
