Big Moves in the NHL: Stars Secure New Contracts

As the 2025-26 NHL season progresses, several big-name players have already inked contract extensions with their current teams. With the salary cap forecasted to increase from $95.5 million to $104 million in 2026-27 and $113 million in 2027-28, general managers are seizing the opportunity to lock in their key players.

Recent signings include prominent names from next summer's group of restricted free agents (RFAs). Among these, the Calgary Flames' Dustin Wolf, Utah Mammoth's Logan Cooley, Montreal Canadiens' Lane Hutson, and Dallas Stars' Thomas Harley have all secured new deals. The Ottawa Senators made headlines on November 13, signing center Shane Pinto to a four-year contract averaging $7.5 million annually.

However, many players from the previous list remain unsigned, including Chicago Blackhawks' Connor Bedard and Anaheim Ducks' Leo Carlsson, who are part of our updated ranking of top-10 RFAs headed into July.

Emerging Talents Showcasing Potential

One player to watch is Šimon Nemec of the New Jersey Devils. Selected second overall in the 2022 draft, Nemec has been making strides this season, tallying 12 points in 18 games, highlighted by a hat trick against the Chicago Blackhawks. Currently, he is in the final year of his entry-level contract and could be aiming for a bridge deal worth around $5 million annually.

Brandt Clarke of the Los Angeles Kings, another promising defenseman, is proving his worth as well. With 9 points in 19 games and solid puck possession stats, he's also vying for a contract extension that may reach around $6 million per year.

Pavel Dorofeyev from the Vegas Golden Knights had a breakout performance last season and leads his team this year with 10 goals. As he approaches free agency with arbitration rights, his next contract could bring him a paycheck around $6.5 million if he continues his scoring pace.

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers' Trevor Zegras is off to a flying start with 19 points in 18 games since joining from the Anaheim Ducks. Given his strong performance, conversations surrounding his future with the team are heating up, with projections indicate a potential five-year deal worth approximately $7.8 million.

Other emerging talents include Simon Edvinsson of the Red Wings and Adam Fantilli of the Blue Jackets, both of whom are in the final season of their entry-level contracts and could earn significant raises depending on their ongoing performances.

Key Players Awaiting Big Deals

As the season unfolds, key players like Jason Robertson of the Dallas Stars and Connor Bedard will be crucial in determining the future landscape of the NHL. Robertson, with an impressive track record, may cost over $11 million annually to re-sign, while Bedard's trajectory suggests he could demand around $15 million if he surpasses 100 points this season.

In summary, as some stars secure extensions and others remain in limbo, the NHL landscape is shifting rapidly—watching how these contracts unfold will shape the league's direction in the years to come.

For ongoing updates, stay tuned to your favorite sports news source!