The Tampa Bay Lightning have come to terms with their first free-agent forward of the offseason, re-signing J.T. Brown to a two-year contract extension, general manager Steve Yzerman announced Friday.
The 25-year-old winger posted career highs with eight goals and 22 points in 78 games this past season, while finishing tied for third on the Lightning with a plus-16 rating.
Meanwhile, pending unrestricted free agent Steven Stamkos still remains without a contract, while fellow forwards Nikita Kucherov, Alex Killorn, Vladislav Namestnikov, and Cedric Paquette will all become RFAs on July 1.
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Andrew Shaw appears to be looking for a significant raise.
The restricted free agent is reportedly seeking at least $4.5 million per season on his next deal, a source told Mark Lazerus of the Chicago Sun-Times.
This comes less than a day after it was reported the Chicago Blackhawks were exploring the trade market on both Shaw and Marcus Kruger.
Kruger, 26, has a three-year deal with an average annual valuation of $3,083,333 that kicks in at the beginning of 2016-17, while the 24-year-old Shaw is coming off a two-year deal that carries a $2-million cap hit.
One week away from NHL free agency, the Blackhawks have approximately $6.4 million in available cap space, according to general fanager, with plenty of roster spots left to fill.
Shaw has recorded 70 goals and 67 assists in 322 games for the Blackhawks, good for a points-per-game average of 0.43.
He has, however, proven to up his game in the playoffs, tallying 16 goals and 35 points in 67 postseason games en route to two Stanley Cup wins in Chicago.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. - The Arizona Coyotes have selected a site for their new arena but aren't ready to announce its location.
Speaking before the NHL draft on Friday, Coyotes President and CEO Anthony LeBlanc said the team has a deal in place, but attorneys are still working out the details.
LeBlanc said the arena will likely be financed with public and private funds, but the team will cover more than 50 percent. The Coyotes have a one-year lease to play at Gila River Arena in Glendale next season, and the team is working with AEG, which operates the arena, to add a two-year extension before moving.
The Coyotes have looked at numerous sites for a new arena, including downtown Phoenix, near Arizona State's campus in Tempe and Scottsdale
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The Benn brothers will remain in Texas for at least another year.
The Dallas Stars signed defenseman Jordie Benn to a three-year contract extension, general manager Jim Nill announced Friday. The deal is reportedly worth $1.1 million per season, according to Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News.
"Jordie has earned the trust of his teammates and the coaching staff, and he's taken advantage of every opportunity put in front of him during his career," said Nill.
"His ability to play in a variety of roles makes him valuable to our defensive depth and flexibility, and we're happy to have him locked up for the next three seasons."
A pending free agent, Benn recorded 12 points in 64 games last season.
Meanwhile, brother and team captain Jamie Benn is set to hit unrestricted free agency next summer.
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Vancouver Canucks general manager Jim Benning made waves Thursday by mentioning his interest in star defenseman P.K. Subban, as well as forward Steven Stamkos - but his comments may be getting him in trouble with the league.
The NHL is reportedly looking into a tampering complaint regarding his comments about the pair of All-Stars, according to Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports.
Related: Canucks GM has discussed Subban, also interested in Stamkos
Benning mentioned that they had trade talks with the Montreal Canadiens for Subban's services, adding that it was a "high price." He also stated his intention to speak with Stamkos as the Tampa Bay Lightning captain's unrestricted free agency looms.
History shows a fine is likely for Benning and the Canucks. In 2009, the Toronto Maple Leafs were fined an undisclosed amount after then-head coach Ron Wilson expressed interest in Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin before they became free agents.
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