The Toronto Maple Leafs have made a significant move by signing forward Matthew Knies to a six-year contract with an average annual value (AAV) of $7.75 million. This extension aligns with the team's long-term plans while providing a fair deal for Knies, who has shown promise as a capable scorer and forechecker. Experts suggest that Knies' contract could be beneficial for the Maple Leafs as the salary cap increases over the next few years, possibly making his AAV equivalent to roughly $6.04 million by the third year of the deal. In another notable move, the Columbus Blue Jackets have re-signed defenseman Dante Fabbro to a four-year deal, providing solid depth on their blue line.

Additionally, Claude Giroux has secured a one-year extension with the Ottawa Senators, ensuring his veteran presence will continue to contribute to the team's offensive efforts. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins have added depth by re-signing Marat Khusnutdinov and signing Michael Callahan to a two-way contract. The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed goaltender Ville Husso, enhancing their goaltending stability moving forward. Finally, Kevin Bahl has extended his contract with the Calgary Flames, solidifying their defensive core for the foreseeable future. These moves indicate teams are positioning themselves strategically ahead of the upcoming season.