Capitals add Roy, Duhaime in free agency

The Washington Capitals signed free-agent defenseman Matt Roy to a six-year contract with a $5.75-million cap hit, the team announced Monday.

Roy, 29, tallied 25 points and posted a plus-21 rating while averaging almost 21 minutes of ice time in 81 games with the Los Angeles Kings last season. He accumulated 10.7 goals above replacement, per Evolving-Hockey.

Washington also inked forward Brandon Duhaime to a two-year pact with a $1.85-million cap hit, the team announced.

Duhaime, 27, totaled five goals and 13 points with the Minnesota Wild and Colorado Avalanche last year. He was dealt to the Avalanche before the trade deadline.

The Capitals traded defenseman Nick Jensen and a 2026 third-round pick to the Ottawa Senators for defenseman Jakob Chychrun earlier on Monday.

Washington is $3.6 million over the cap, according to CapFriendly.

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Predators sign Marchessault, Skjei

The Nashville Predators are making a splash in free agency.

Nashville is signing forward Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year pact worth $5.5 million per season, the club announced Monday.

The Predators are also adding defenseman Brady Skjei on a seven-year pact with a $7-million cap hit.

In addition, Nashville re-upped defenseman Alexandre Carrier on a three-year deal at $3.75 million annually.

The moves come in addition to the signing of star forward Steven Stamkos.

Marchessault joins the Preds after spending six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. The veteran winger was vocal about wanting to return to Sin City, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement.

"The tough part is there wasn't really a decent offer on the table," Marchessault said on TSN, according to The Athletic's Jesse Granger. "I don't think they tried their best to keep me, but that's part of the business, and they probably have other plans. That's the business we're in, so you move on."

Vegas landed Marchessault from the Florida Panthers when it entered the league, and he instantly became a core player. Marchessault leaves the Golden Knights as the organization's all-time leader in games played (514), goals (192), and points (417).

He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023 when Vegas won the Stanley Cup.

Marchessault racked up a career-high 42 goals this past season while averaging nearly 18 minutes per night.

Carrier posted 20 points, including 16 assists, while blocking 137 shots over 73 games with the Predators this past season. The steady blue-liner authored a favorable expected goals for percentage of 51.14, per Natural Stat Trick.

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Canucks sign DeBrusk, Desharnais

The Vancouver Canucks signed forward Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million and defenseman Vincent Desharnais to a two-year pact with a $2 million cap hit, the team announced.

DeBrusk became an unrestricted free agent Monday after a seven-year tenure with the Boston Bruins. His new deal with the Canucks is a notable raise from the $4 million he's earned annually for the past two seasons.

Desharnais, 28, had 11 points and 135 hits with the Edmonton Oilers last season while on a two-way contract.

The Canucks also inked forward Danton Heinen to a two-year deal at $2.25 million per campaign, forward Kiefer Sherwood to a two-year pact at $1.5 million annually, and defenseman Derek Forbort for one year and $1.5 million, the club announced.

Vancouver was widely believed to be pursuing a top-six winger to complement Elias Pettersson this offseason, and DeBrusk should fill that role on the left side of the Canucks' depth chart.

DeBrusk registered 19 goals and 40 points in 2023-24 but has eclipsed 25 tallies in three different seasons. The 27-year-old also has 47 points in 86 career playoff games.

The Bruins drafted DeBrusk 14th overall in 2015.

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Flames extend Sharangovich for 5 years, add Mantha

The Calgary Flames signed forward Yegor Sharangovich to a five-year contract extension worth $5.75 million per season, his agent announced Monday.

Calgary also inked free-agent winger Anthony Mantha to a one-year, $3.5-million deal, the team confirmed.

Sharangovich is coming off a 31-goal season for the Flames, leading the club in scoring after coming over in a trade with the New Jersey Devils last summer. Sharangovich, who also tallied 28 assists, had one year left on the two-year, $6.2-million deal he signed with the Flames as a restricted free agent upon his arrival.

Mantha will join the Flames after finishing the 2023-24 campaign with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 29-year-old potted only three goals across 18 regular-season games and three postseason contests for Vegas after coming over from the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline. He had 20 goals over 56 games for the Caps.

Mantha, a 2013 first-round pick, was once considered a long-term building block for the Detroit Red Wings. However, the team dealt him to Washington in April 2021, months after he signed a four-year contract.

Calgary also signed fourth-line forward Ryan Lomberg from the Florida Panthers for two years with a $2-million annual cap hit. He scored five goals and averaged 9:32 of ice time last season.

Defenseman Jake Bean inked a two-year deal with Calgary with a $1.75-million cap hit. He scored four goals and 13 points in 72 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets this past campaign. He wasn't issued a qualifying offer on Sunday, making him an unrestricted free agent.

The Flames missed the playoffs in 2023-24 for the second consecutive year.

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Canucks Sign Jake DeBrusk to Seven-Year Deal

Pettersson has his winger as Jake DeBrusk Joins the Vancouver Canucks! The Vancouver Canucks have made a significant move in their quest to bolster their roster, signing Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year contract worth $5.5 million per season. This long-term commitment signals the Canucks’ confidence in DeBrusk’s potential to become a key player alongside Elias Pettersson and elevate the team’s offensive capabilities.

What Canuck Management Saw in Jake DeBrusk

Proven Scoring Potential

Jake DeBrusk has demonstrated his ability to find the back of the net during his time with the Boston Bruins. Despite some inconsistency, his goal-scoring prowess is evident, and the Canucks are betting on his ability to thrive in a new environment. DeBrusk’s style as a shooter and finisher aligns well with Pettersson’s playmaking abilities, creating the potential for a highly productive partnership.

Size and Physical Attributes

Standing at 6’0″ and 188 pounds, DeBrusk brings a combination of size and skill that the Canucks have been seeking. His physical presence along the boards and in front of the net will be valuable, especially in creating space for his linemates and winning puck battles. DeBrusk’s ability to play a gritty game complements his offensive skills, making him a versatile forward capable of contributing in various situations.

Jake DeBrusk: Potential Under Tocchet

Rick Tocchet has a track record of getting the best out of his players, and DeBrusk could greatly benefit from his coaching style. Tocchet’s emphasis on effort, physicality, and attention to detail aligns with DeBrusk’s strengths and areas for improvement. A change of scenery and playing under Tocchet’s guidance could help DeBrusk find the consistency needed to excel in a top-line role.

Jake DeBrusk Contract Details and Cap Considerations

Seven-Year Commitment

The Canucks’ seven-year, $5.5 million per season commitment to DeBrusk indicates their belief in his long-term potential. This contract provides stability for both the player and the team, allowing DeBrusk to focus on developing his game and contributing to the Canucks’ success. The length of the deal also suggests that the Canucks view DeBrusk as a core piece of their future.

Cap Space and Financial Flexibility

While $5.5 million per season is a significant investment, the Canucks have managed to structure the deal in a way that maintains some financial flexibility. Moving Ilya Mikheyev to free up cap space was a strategic decision that enabled the Canucks to pursue DeBrusk without compromising other areas of the roster. This careful cap management ensures that the team can still address additional needs as they arise.

Jake DeBrusk: Potential Impact on the Team

Offensive Boost

DeBrusk’s addition is expected to provide an immediate offensive boost to the Canucks. Pairing him with Elias Pettersson could create a dynamic duo capable of generating scoring chances and driving play. DeBrusk’s goal-scoring ability and willingness to shoot complement Pettersson’s vision and playmaking, potentially leading to increased production for both players.

Fit with Team Vision

Both Patrik Allvin and Rick Tocchet have emphasized the need for the Canucks to play at a faster pace and add more offensive firepower. DeBrusk’s speed and tenacity align with this vision, making him a natural fit for the team’s style of play. His presence on the forecheck and ability to create turnovers will contribute to the Canucks’ overall game plan.

What the Jake DeBrusk Signing Means

The signing of Jake DeBrusk to a seven-year, $5.5 million per season contract marks a significant step forward for the Vancouver Canucks. His proven scoring potential, size, and fit with the team’s vision make him an ideal addition to the roster. While there are always risks associated with long-term contracts, the Canucks are confident that DeBrusk can become a key player who helps drive the team towards greater success.

As the Canucks prepare for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing DeBrusk in action alongside Elias Pettersson, bringing new energy and offensive threat to the team.

Go Canucks Go!