The Montreal Canadiens have secured forward Joe Veleno with a one-year contract. The 25-year-old, hailing from Montreal, tallied eight goals and nine assists over 74 games last season, split between Detroit and Chicago. After arriving with the Blackhawks at the trade deadline, he contributed three goals and four assists in 18 games.

Selected 30th overall in the 2018 NHL Draft, Veleno has accumulated 38 goals and 43 assists in 306 NHL games. Notably, he set personal bests in goals (12), assists (16), and points (28) during the 2023-24 season. Recognized for his early talent, he became the first player from Quebec to receive exceptional player status, enabling him to play major junior hockey at just 15 years old.

Anton Frondell, a promising center selected by the Chicago Blackhawks with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, has signed a three-year entry-level contract worth $2.925 million. This contract averages $975,000 per year. At just 18 years old, Frondell is set to continue his development with Djurgarden, the Swedish team he helped promote to the SHL.

Frondell, who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 198 pounds, showcased his skills last season with 25 points in 29 regular-season games and another seven points during the playoffs. Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson praised Frondell for his smart play and ability to compete physically, noting he plays a versatile game suitable for the NHL, blending skill with toughness. He aims to break into the NHL soon, describing it as his dream to compete for a spot on the Blackhawks roster.

The NHL's unique tradition of emergency backup goaltenders (EBUGs) is on the verge of change. With a new collective bargaining agreement starting in the 2026-27 season, teams must now have a full-time traveling goalie, diminishing the legendary tales of ordinary heroes taking the ice in dire situations. Former EBUGs like David Ayres and Scott Foster have shared their bittersweet feelings about this evolution, while the rarity of EBUG appearances—only six in over 13,000 games in the last decade—heightens the nostalgia. The community is grappling with the inevitable shift, but hopeful for new opportunities as the role evolves with the demands of modern hockey.

The NHL's emergency backup goalie (EBUG) phenomenon is on the verge of transformation. Once celebrated for their unique and spontaneous entries into the game, the new collective bargaining agreement mandates teams to have a full-time, traveling goalie instead of relying on local EBUGs. This change is bittersweet for many, as the rare stories of regular individuals stepping in during emergencies, like David Ayres and Scott Foster, may become a relic of the past. EBUGs have only been called upon six times in recent seasons, making their moments all the more special.

Tyler Stewart and others from the EBUG community express mixed reactions, reminiscing about the excitement and unpredictability of their roles. While some see this as a necessary evolution due to the increasing demands placed on goalies, others fear it diminishes the folklore aspect of the position. The new rules still allow for some fairytale opportunities, although they will now be under stricter conditions, ensuring a shift in the narrative of these beloved figures in hockey.

The Chicago Blackhawks have signed Anton Frondell, the third overall pick in the recent draft, to a three-year entry-level contract with a salary cap hit of $975,000. The 18-year-old Swedish forward had a productive season with Djurgarden, netting 11 goals and contributing 14 assists across 29 games, helping the team secure promotion to Sweden's top division.

Frondell also showcased his talent on the international stage, playing a vital role in Sweden's silver medal run at the 2025 IIHF World U18 Championship. He tallied one goal and two assists during the tournament, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in hockey.