The New York Islanders have officially signed their 2025 first-overall pick, Matthew Schaefer, to a lucrative three-year entry-level contract valued at $975,000 against the salary cap. With an average annual value of $4.475 million, Schaefer's deal includes a base NHL salary of $877,500, coupled with a $97,500 signing bonus, and performance bonuses that could total up to $3.5 million. Schaefer expressed his eagerness to prove himself and secure a spot on the NHL roster, emphasizing the hard work ahead.

In other NHL news, the Vancouver Canucks have signed forward Vitali Kravtsov to a one-year, two-way deal, while the Anaheim Ducks have re-signed Sam Colangelo to a two-year contract maintaining a cap hit of $850,000. Additionally, the Toronto Maple Leafs extended defenseman William Villeneuve's contract after a solid season with the Marlies, where he showcased significant offensive skill. Meanwhile, former Dallas Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin has announced his retirement, wrapping up a career that included stints with several teams across the league.

Injury reports loom large as multiple NHL teams navigate player absences. The Anaheim Ducks are facing a setback with forwards Sam Colangelo and Ross Johnston sidelined by upper-body injuries, missing their last game. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Sabres are dealing with uncertainty regarding Josh Norris, who missed practice due to an undisclosed injury, and JJ Peterka, who is out with a lingering lower-body issue.

The Calgary Flames are managing a week-to-week absence for Mikael Backlund due to an upper-body injury sustained during a recent game. The Carolina Hurricanes continued to miss Andrei Svechnikov and Dmitry Orlov, with the latter sidelined for four consecutive games. Nashville Predators forward Michael Bunting made his return from IR, while the Winnipeg Jets await updates on Neal Pionk's week-to-week absence and have Nikolaj Ehlers back in the lineup.

Robert Thomas led the St. Louis Blues to a resounding 6-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks, scoring two goals in a game where the Blues showcased their offensive prowess. Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich each contributed with a goal and an assist, while Tyler Tucker and Dylan Holloway also found the net. Joel Hofer made 22 saves, keeping the Ducks at bay, as St. Louis dominated early.

The Blues scored three quick goals within the first six minutes, with Thomas, Tucker, and Kyrou lighting the lamp. Holloway added another goal later in the period, capping a strong first showing. Despite seeing Lukas Dostal give up six goals before being replaced, the Ducks managed to score two goals, courtesy of Nikita Nesterenko and Sam Colangelo.