Five Minute Major

*Photo from NHL.com*     We have a breakout star extension as we get close to training camp. The Buffalo Sabres and C/RW Tage Thompson have agreed to a 7 year, $50 million extension, according to David Pagnotta of NHL Network. The Sabres have confirmed.    The 2021-2022 was very easily the most productive year of Thompson's career. He set career highs in games played, goals, assists, overall points, blocks, and average ice time. Thompson expressed his desire to remain with the Sabres long term, and now, both sides have gotten it done.    When this season begins, Thompson will play out the final year of a 3 year deal he signed with the Sabres prior to the short 2021 season. He'll make $1.4 million this year before his new deal kicks in. When it does in the 2023-2024 season, his AAV jumps to $7.142 million, and has a modified no trade clause for 6 of the 7 years. He has a $2 million signing bonus in the first year.    Sabres GM Kevyn Adams said of T...

*Photo from Sportsnaut*     They needed a goalie move, and here's the goalie move. The Vegas Golden Knights have acquired G Adin Hill from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for a 2024 4th round draft pick, according to both the Golden Knights and Sharks.    The move comes as top goalie Robin Lehner is set to miss the 2022-2023 season after undergoing offseason surgery. Hill joins a current depth chart of Logan Thompson and Laurent Brossoit at the top, with Michael Hutchinson the 3rd goaltender before the trade. Brossoit underwent surgery in the offseason and may not be ready for the start of the season.    Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon talked about acquiring Hill, saying that "This puts another really good goalie in our organization and in our mix. It gives us a lot more comfort going into the year. I believe Adin has a lot of ability and he has really good size."    Entering this season, Hill will be on the second season of a contract he signed las...

*Photo from Pro Hockey Rumors*     Before suiting up for his new team, this defenseman already has a new contract agreed to. The Tampa Bay Lightning and D Philippe Myers have agreed to a one year, $1.4 million extension, according to an announcement by the team.    Last season, Myers was with the Nashville Predators after a trade from the Philadelphia Flyers. He ended the regular season with just one goal and 3 assists, posting a +5 plus/minus rating while averaging 14:53 of ice time, playing in just 27 games. He did not get into any playoff games last season.    Across his NHL career, Myers has 4 seasons under his belt, with the Predators and Flyers. He has 7 goals and 26 assists, averaging 16:58 of ice time per game while recording a +7 plus/minus rating, playing in 142 regular season games. Myers has an additional 3 goals and one assist in 16 career playoff games.    This season, Myers is playing out the final season of a 3 year deal he signed ...

*Photo from Detroit Hockey Now*     With this signing, the Detroit Red Wings have their roster filled out in advance of training camp. The Red Wings and RW Filip Zadina have agreed to a 3 year, $5.475 million deal, according to an announcement by the Red Wings on Friday.    Zadina was the last unsigned RFA left on Detroit's to do list, and he now has a new contract in hand. He had a cap hit of less than $1 million in his previous contract, and gets a pay raise in the hopes he can turn a scuffling stretch around. Zadina has an AAV of $1.825 million for all 3 seasons, and will still be an RFA when the deal expires after the 2024-2025 season.    Last season with the Red Wings was Zadina's 4th in the NHL. Over the season, Zadina set career highs with 10 goals and 14 assists, averaging a career low of 14:11 of ice time while posting a -24 plus/minus rating in 74 regular season games.    In his career, Zadina has had 3 full seasons and one stretch at th...

*Photo from Howlin Hockey*     One of the teams in flux this offseason is adding to team depth. The Vegas Golden Knights and RW Phil Kessel have agreed to a one year, $1.5 million deal, according to an announcement by the Golden Knights on Wednesday.    When being introduced, Kessel said that "I'm excited. Obviously it's a great organization, a great team, a winning place. When you get a chance to play on a good team that wants to win, you're always looking forward to it. Obviously it's a great organization, a great team, a winning place. When you get a chance to play on a good team that wants to win, you're always looking forward to it."    The previous 3 seasons, Kessel has suited up for the Arizona Coyotes, after being traded by the Pittsburgh Penguins. Kessel had a full no movement clause in his previous contract, and has a modified no trade clause this season and makes $1.5 million.    Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon talked about ...

*Photo from Game On Hockey*     One thing that has always been a necessity in hockey is depth down the middle. The Carolina Hurricanes and C Paul Stastny have agreed to a one year, $1.5 million deal, according to an announcement on Tuesday by the Hurricanes.    Upon signing in Carolina, Stastny said "I'm excited to join the squad, excited to get going. I've always respected, the last couple of years for sure, the way they play. Every team's good on paper, but then to show consistencies and some different work ethics and kind of the challenges different teams bring upon you."    Stastny made $3.75 million last season with the Winnipeg Jets. He gets a drop in his newest contract, making $1.5 million this year. He has $500,000 available in performance bonuses, which triggers if the Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup. He'll become a UFA once again at the end of the season.    In his career, Stastny has spent 16 seasons in the NHL, with a few differen...

*Photo from AM New York*     Yeah, it definitely took a while, but the New York Islanders have signed some players. The Islanders have agreed to new contracts with D Noah Dobson, D Alexander Romanov, and LW Kieffer Bellows, all RFA's. The Islanders broke the news on Monday.    The biggest name here is Dobson, a right shot D coming off a strong season with the Islanders. He made just under $900,000 last year, and gets a big pay raise. His new contract is 3 years and $12 million, with a $4 million AAV. He will still be an RFA when the deal expires after the 2024-2025 season.    Dobson said of his new contract that "Looking back to the second half of the year, I was happy with the steps I took, and I think just coming into the offseason, just try to really use the extra time. We've have to take another step this year, and just excited about the next three years to be able to continue and grow and build off my year last year."    Last season with the ...

*Photo from KO Sports*     As the offseason progresses, another longtime veteran is hanging up the skates. Free agent center Kyle Turris announced recently that he will be retiring from the NHL after 14 seasons spent in the league.    Entering the offseason, Turris was a UFA after playing out a two year, $3.3 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers, worth $1.6 million annually. He won't be leaving hockey altogether, as Turris has agreed to join the Coquitlam Express of the BCHL as a player development coach and special advisor to the GM.    Turris said of joining Coquitlam that "The Express organization played a key role in my personal and professional growth. I am excited about having the opportunity to work with Tali and Patrick as they help each player develop individually while pursuing the Fred Page Cup as a team."    Last season, the British Columbia native was on his second season with the Oilers. He ended the campaign with jus...

*Photo from Flame for Thought*     To make room for new acquisition Nazem Kadri, someone had to go. The Montreal Canadiens have acquired C Sean Monahan and a 2025 conditional first round pick from the Calgary Flames in exchange for future considerations, according to both teams.    The move to deal Monahan for such a little return comes as a necessity for Calgary. With Kadri making $7 million per season in his new contract, they moved to offload a contract, and Monahan became the odd man out, as Kadri is also a center. Last season, Monahan was slowed by a torn labrum.    Flames GM Brad Treliving said of Monahan that "On behalf of the entire Flames organization, I sincerely thank Sean for his nine years of selfless dedication and perseverance. Sean was a great Flame, a first-class individual who exemplified the definition of respect. Our team and city were fortunate to have him as a player, ambassador and member of our community. We wish Sean and his wi...

*Photo from Sportsnet*     It appears that another great career in the NHL may be coming to an end. Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price is unlikely to play this season due to more nagging knee injuries, according to Arpon Basu of The Athletic.    Canadiens GM Kent Hughes said of Price that "This summer he went through the process of a shot to the knee seeing if that would help. It did not, and at this point, we don't expect Carey to be available for the start of this season. Quite frankly, I don't know that there's a path for Carey to return this season through the rehab process."    After helping lead the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Final in the shortened 2021 season, Price underwent knee surgery that summer to address an injury. While rehabbing, he spent time in the NHLPA player assistance program. After lots of rehab and conditioning, Price appeared in 5 games toward the end of last season, recording a .878 save percentage and 3.63 GAA. Price sai...

*Photo from Mile High Sports*     One of the best free agents is finally off the board late in free agency. The Calgary Flames and C Nazem Kadri have agreed to a 7 year, $49 million contract, according to Eliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The Flames have confirmed the deal.    Flames GM Brad Treliving said of getting Kadri that "Nazem is a highly competitive, top-six player who makes our center ice position deep. He brings a high skill level and determination to our group combined with his recent experience of a Stanley Cup championship. We look forward to welcoming Nazem and his family to Calgary, and his contributions to our team's ultimate success."    This summer, Kadri became a UFA after helping the Colorado Avalanche win the Stanley Cup. Unlike most top free agents, he did not sign in day one of free agency, and waited for a while. Now Kadri has a big deal in hand. He makes $7 million annually and has a full no movement clause for the first 5 season...

*Photo from Sentinel Colorado*     Rebuilding teams need placeholders, roster fillers to shore up the depth of the team, and that's what this move is. The Chicago Blackhawks and D Jack Johnson have agreed to a one year, $950,000 deal, according to the team.    After playing with the Colorado Avalanche on a one year, $750,000 deal, Johnson became a UFA at the beginning of the offseason. After helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup, he's off to Chicago on a $200,000 pay raise this season. He'll be a UFA once again following the year.    Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson said of signing Johnson in a statement that "Jack provides the team with a strong veteran presence, good size, and a competitive edge. We're excited to have Jack join the organization and, coming off a Stanley Cup championship last year, he will strengthen our defensive group."    Last season with the Avalanche, Johnson was a mainstay in the starting lineup. He ended the regular se...

*Photo from NHL.com*     One big part of the Vegas Golden Knights machine is gone for the foreseeable future. Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner will undergo hip surgery and miss the 2022-2023 season, according to an announcement by the team.    Entering last season, Lehner was the clear cut starting goalie for the Golden Knights after Marc-Andre Fleury was traded away. He dealt with various injuries during the course of the season, and underwent shoulder surgery in April, shutting him down for the season.    This season, Lehner is on the 3rd year of a 5 year, $25 million extension he signed with the Golden Knights. He is making $5 million annually and has a modified no trade clause, and Vegas can get closer to becoming cap compliant by putting Lehner on LTIR when the season begins. Logan Thompson is likely to become the starter in his absence.    Vegas director of player development Wil Nichol said of Thompson that "I mean, obviously that's ...

*Photo from Knights on Ice*     One of the new faces in Raleigh is going to be out for a while. Carolina Hurricanes LW Max Pacioretty underwent surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn Achilles tendon, according to an announcement by the Golden Knights.    After undergoing the surgery, Pacioretty will be sidelined for at least 6 months while he recovers. That timeline keeps him out until likely February of 2023 at the earliest. Pacioretty has a lengthy injury history, and this is another addition to that list.    Hurricanes defenseman Jaccob Slavin said that "There's never a good time to get injured, especially when you're coming to a new place and getting in the swing of things. I know as a team we were looking forward to having him at the start of the year, as a great goal scorer, as a great player who was going to help us out. But hopefully, it's a real quick recovery and he can be with us for the second half of the season."    With the expec...

*Photo from the San Diego Union Tribune*     It appears as if the New York Rangers captain search has reached it's end. On Tuesday, August 9, the Rangers named defenseman Jacob Trouba their next team captain, according to an announcement made by the team.    Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant said that "He played 101 games last year for us and he prepares himself. The young players, he took under his wing and helped them be better players. He just looked like a leader. He looked like a character guy and a leader. He played his game every night and it didn't affect him. Last year, we talked about it all the time. We didn't discuss it one day and forget about it. We talked about it during the season. We talked about it during the offseason. We just think now is the right time."    Last season, Trouba served as an alternate captain for the Rangers, alongside Mika Zibanejad, Chris Kreider, Artemi Panarin, Ryan Strome, and Barclay Goodrow. Trouba stood out e...

*Photo from WingsNation*     No arbitration across the league this year folks, the teams saw to that. The Detroit Red Wings and D Jake Walman have agreed to a one year, $1.05 million deal, according to an announcement by the Red Wings on Thursday.    The left shot D Walman was an RFA with arbitration rights this offseason, and had a hearing scheduled. He was the last remaining arbitration case that was heading for a hearing, but with a new contract, there will be zero arbitration hearings across the NHL this offseason. Walman will make $1.05 million this season, and will be a UFA next summer.    Both sides were headed to a hearing after exchanging desired salaries earlier in the offseason. Walman had asked for a one way deal worth $1.7 million, while the Red Wings asked for a two way deal that would pay him $775,000 in the NHL and $225,000 if Walman were playing in the AHL. They kept negotiating on a contract, and now they have one.    Last season...

*Photo from Canes Country*     One of the reliable faces of the Carolina Hurricanes is now back in the fold. The Hurricanes and C Martin Necas have agreed to a two year, $6 million deal, according to an announcement made by the Hurricanes.    Entering the offseason, Necas was an RFA without arbitration rights, due a new deal after making $863,333 annually over a 3 year deal. He will make $2.5 million this season and $3.5 million in 2022-2023, for an AAV of $3 million. Necas will still be an RFA when the contract expires, but will have arbitration rights.    In a statement announcing the extension, Hurricanes GM Don Waddell said of Necas that "Martin is a dynamic young playmaker. He has an elite combination of speed and skill and we think he'll only continue to improve."    Last season, his 5th with the Hurricanes, Necas ended the year with 14 goals and 26 assists, posting a +5 plus/minus rating in 16:11 of ice time across 78 regular season ga...

*Photo from Causeway Crowd*     He spent a year playing abroad, and that was apparently enough for him. The Boston Bruins and C David Krejci have agreed to a one year, $3 million deal, according to an announcement by the Bruins on Monday.    After the Covid-19 season in 2021 ended, Krejci returned to his native Czechia, playing for Olomouc in the Czech Extraliga, the highest league in the country. He tallied 20 goals and 26 assists in 51 regular season games, and 3 goals and two assists in 5 playoff games. He played for Czechia both at the IIHF World Championship and the Beijing Olympics in 2022, and now he's back in the NHL.    Krejci said of coming back to Boston that "When I decided to come back, I had to talk to Don Sweeney, and he let me know he wants me on the team. And I told him that's the team I want to play for, that's the only team I want to play for."    In his last NHL season in 2021, Krejci tallied 8 goals and 36 assis...

*Photo from AZ Coyotes Insider*     One piece to the rebuild in Arizona is now under contract for the foreseeable future. The Arizona Coyotes and LW Lawson Crouse have agreed to a 5 year, $21.5 million deal, according to Craig Morgan of PHNX Sports. The Coyotes have confirmed the deal.    Asked about signing his contract, Crouse said that "It's a great feeling, the feeling of being wanted somewhere for that amount of time is huge. They're putting a lot of faith in me, so I'm going to do everything that I can do and make this team a better team and come out on top."    Entering this offseason, Crouse was an RFA with arbitration rights, and had a hearing scheduled. Now, both he and the Coyotes avoid that process with a new contract in hand. His new deal has a $4.3 million AAV over the 5 years, with zero trade protections included. He will be a UFA when the deal expires after the 2026-2027 season.    Prior to making his NHL debut in the 201...

*Photo from MassLive*     After plenty of speculation, the Black and Gold captain is back. The Boston Bruins and C Patrice Bergeron have agreed to a one year, $2.5 million deal, according to an announcement on Monday by the Bruins.    The 2021-2022 season saw Bergeron play out the last season of his previous deal, and he hit free agency after the Bruins were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the playoffs. There was speculation swirling around all season that he would retire, but the Bruins captain is back for at least one more season.    Bergeron had an AAV of $6.875 million in his previous deal, which also had a full no movement clause. This year, Bergeron takes a significant pay cut, making $1.5 million in base salary. He gets a $1 million signing bonus to up the AAV to $2.5 million. There is also another $2.5 million in performance bonuses, so he can earn $5 million this season, and still has a full no movement clause.    Last season wit...

*Photo from NHLPA.com*     Another day in the NHL offseason is here, so there's another new contract. The Winnipeg Jets and RW Mason Appleton have agreed to a 3 year, $6.5 million deal, according to Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet. The deal has been confirmed.    Appleton entered the offseason as an RFA with arbitration rights, and had a hearing scheduled for Thursday. He was coming off a two year deal worth $900,000 per season, and gets a hefty pay raise to $2.16 million annually. There are no bonuses included, and he will be a UFA when the contract expires at the end of the 2024-2025 season.    Last season, Appleton was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. His tenure there didn't last long, as he was acquired by the Jets again at the trade deadline back in March. Appleton was a former 6th round pick in the 2015 NHL Draft, and now he's back with his original franchise for a few more seasons.    Combined between the Jets and Krake...

*Photo from Flames Nation*     One of the top prizes this offseason is now sticking around long term. The Calgary Flames and LW Jonathan Huberdeau have agreed to a 8 year, $84 million extension, according to an announcement by the team on Thursday.    Huberdeau was one of the leaders of a dynamic Florida Panthers team last season that won the Presidents Trophy as the best record in the NHL. He finished in 5th place in voting for league MVP, and now gets rewarded handsomely by his new team after being traded this offseason. Huberdeau was set to be a UFA after this season.    Calgary GM Brad Treliving said that "We are excited to extend Jonathan long term in Calgary. He is an elite player, one of the premier forwards in the league who makes players around him better. We look forward to welcoming Jonathan to our community and his contributions to our team's success."    This season, Huberdeau will play out the final year of a 6 year deal signed ...

*Photo from the Dallas Morning News*     One of the veteran grinders of the NHL is heading back home. LW Michael Raffl has agreed to a two year contract with Lausanne Hockey Club in the Switzerland National League, according to an announcement on Thursday from Lausanne.    In a statement, Lausanne head coach John Fust said that "Michael has proven his worth as a leader in the NHL and on the Austrian national team. He has a versatile profile, since he can play at centre or on the wing. We look forward to having him in our organization for the next two seasons."    Raffl became a UFA this offseason after playing out a one year, $1.1 million deal with the Dallas Stars. Now, the Austrian native is heading back to Europe, where his playing days started, on an unknown financial amount. Raffl got his start in the NHL by signing with the Philadelphia Flyers out of Sweden as an undrafted free agent in 2013.    Last season with the Stars, Raffl en...

*Photo from NHL Rumors*     One of the wingmen of two of hockey's greatest players is now back under contract. The Edmonton Oilers and RW Kailer Yamamoto have agreed to a two year, $6.2 million deal, according to an announcement by the Oilers on Wednesday.    This offseason, Yamamoto was an RFA with arbitration rights, and had an arbitration hearing scheduled for Sunday, August 7. Now, that hearing is no longer necessary, as he has agreed to a new deal with the Oilers. Yamamoto, who is one of the supporting cast members to play alongside Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, is back after a breakout season.    Last season with the Oilers, Yamamoto posted a strong season, ending the regular season with a career high 20 goals and 21 assists, adding a -1 plus/minus rating in 16:52 of ice time, playing in 81 regular season games. Yamamoto added two goals and 5 assists in 14 playoff games last season.    Across his 5 season NHL career, all with the Oilers...

*Photo from NJ.com*     One of the breakout players of 2021-2022 has a new contract in his hands. The New Jersey Devils and LW/RW Jesper Bratt have agreed to a one year, $5.45 mllion deal, according to an announcement made by the Devils on Wednesday.    Bratt, who was one of the Devils best players and breakout stars last season, was an RFA with arbitration rights. He had his arbitration hearing scheduled for Wednesday, and, just before the hearing, both Bratt and the Devils agreed to a new contract, thus avoiding the arbitration process. He had filed for $6.5 million, while the Devils filed for $4.15 million.    The last contract for Bratt was a two year deal worth $2.75 million annually. Bratt now gets a hefty pay raise, making $5.45 million this season in his 3rd NHL contract. There are no bonuses in his deal, and Bratt will be an RFA once again when his contract expires after this season.    Since being selected by the Devils in the 6th round ...