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Restricted Free Agents

7 stories from the newsroom.

Arber Xhekaj walks onto the ice before a Canadiens playoff game in Raleigh on May 29, 2026. File photo.
James Guillory-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYLAVSep 15, 2026

Canadiens sign Arber Xhekaj to one-year, $1.5M deal

Montreal has its final restricted free agent under contract as the 25-year-old defenseman returns for the 2026-27 season.

Cutter Gauthier carries the puck for Anaheim against Vegas on May 12, 2026. File photo.
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYANAOTTVANSep 14, 2026

Training Camp Is Days Away And The Big Contracts Aren't Done

Main NHL training camps begin this week, and three teams are approaching camp with a star restricted free agent or a looming CBA deadline still unresolved.

Akira Schmid makes a save for Vegas against Nashville on March 21, 2026. File photo.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYFLAVGKAug 12, 2026

Panthers Sign Akira Schmid to Two-Year Deal, Avoid Arbitration

Florida locked up its backup goaltender at $2 million per season, clearing the last hearing date on the league's arbitration calendar.

Ville Koivunen passes the puck for Pittsburgh against Washington on April 11, 2026. File photo.
Philip G. Pavely-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYPITCARPHIAug 12, 2026

Penguins Lock Up Koivunen on Eight-Year, $32 Million Deal

Pittsburgh signs the 23-year-old Finnish winger to a long-term contract despite just 47 NHL games played.

Collin Graf takes a shot for San Jose against Winnipeg on April 16, 2026. File photo.
Terrence Lee-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYSJSAug 12, 2026

Sharks lock up Collin Graf for three years, $12.75 million

The undrafted forward who scored 21 goals last season gets a $4.25 million annual cap hit through the 2028-29 season.

Sean Farrell, whom Montreal later sent to Anaheim in the Sasha Pastujov trade, celebrates a Canadiens preseason goal against Toronto on September 27, 2025. File photo.
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYMTLANAAug 12, 2026

Canadiens Acquire Winger Pastujov From Ducks for Farrell

Montreal swaps restricted free agent forwards with Anaheim in minor-league deal.

Jet Greaves makes a save for Columbus as Washington's Alex Ovechkin looks for a rebound on April 14, 2026. File photo.
Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
FREE AGENCYCBJJul 21, 2026

Blue Jackets and Jet Greaves Head to Arbitration Hearing

Columbus goalie's hearing is set for July 23 in Toronto after the sides failed to bridge a significant gap in contract talks.