As the Columbus Blue Jackets gear up for free agency on July 1, general manager Don Waddell faces crucial decisions regarding nine unrestricted free agents. With over $42 million in cap space, Waddell aims to retain key players like defensemen Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro, and forwards Sean Kuraly and James van Riemsdyk. The rise in the NHL salary cap, expected to reach $95.5 million by 2025-26, further enhances the team's negotiation power.

Priority talks have been initiated for Provorov, Fabbro, and forward Dmitri Voronkov, who impressed this season. As the clock ticks down, the Jackets must assess the value of their current players against potential market options, balancing long-term contracts with immediate roster needs.

Casey DeSmith excelled in goal, stopping 27 shots as the Dallas Stars secured their sixth consecutive win, defeating the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1. The Stars have now won seven of their last eight games, showcasing a significant ascent in the Western Conference standings. Mavrik Bourque and Roope Hintz found the net early, followed by Wyatt Johnston in the second period, and Miro Heiskanen capped the scoring with an empty-net goal. Meanwhile, Morgan Frost scored the Flyers' sole goal, as they faced a disappointing 17th win of the season.

In Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby made history, scoring one goal and assisting two others to help the Penguins defeat the Edmonton Oilers 5-3. Crosby's performance moved him into ninth place on the NHL career scoring list, tying with Hall of Famer Joe Sakic. The Penguins ended a three-game losing streak against the Oilers, with notable contributions from Bryan Rust and Alex Nedeljkovic.

Elsewhere, the Columbus Blue Jackets cruised to a 6-2 victory over the Seattle Kraken, bolstered by strong performances from recent AHL call-ups. In New York, Sam Carrick's overtime goal led the Rangers to a narrow 3-2 win against the New Jersey Devils. The Lightning also found success, topping the Boston Bruins, while the Carolina Hurricanes claimed victory over the Maple Leafs, thanks to a hat trick from Jordan Staal.

The Winnipeg Jets faced a tough loss against the Columbus Blue Jackets, who ended their three-game losing streak with a 4-1 victory. Kyle Connor scored the Jets' only goal, but the team struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities.

Head coach Scott Arniel emphasized the need for a more aggressive approach, rather than seeking the perfect play. The Jets had a two-game win streak halted, and despite Connor's efforts, they couldn't capitalize on their chances.

Kent Johnson's two third-period goals propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, snapping their three-game losing streak.

Dmitri Voronkov and Sean Kuraly also contributed to the scoring for Columbus, while James van Riemsdyk provided two assists. The Blue Jackets finished their five-game road trip with a 2-3-0 record.

Kyle Connor scored for the Jets, who had their two-game win streak halted, despite his team-leading 15th goal of the season.

Kent Johnson's two third-period goals propelled the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets, ending their three-game losing streak. Dmitri Voronkov and Sean Kuraly, who scored into an empty net, also contributed to the victory. Elvis Merzlikins made 24 saves for Columbus, while Kyle Connor scored the lone goal for Winnipeg.

The Jets struggled early, failing to register a shot until a power play midway through the first period. Despite Connor's team-leading goal, Winnipeg couldn't maintain their momentum, halting a two-game win streak.