Jakub Dobes, a promising goaltender, has secured a two-year, one-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens, valued at an average of $965,000 per season. Last season, he showcased his potential in 16 games, earning a record of 7-4-3 with a 2.74 goals-against average and a .909 save percentage. Notably, Dobes ranked fourth in wins among rookie goaltenders and achieved a shutout in his first NHL game against the Florida Panthers.

Starting the 2024-25 season with the Laval Rocket, Dobes continued to impress, recording his first career playoff win in late April against the Washington Capitals. Drafted 136th overall by Montreal in 2020, his trajectory suggests he could become a vital asset for the Canadiens as they build depth in goal.

The Colorado Avalanche have signed forward Alex Barre-Boulet to a one-year contract for the 2025-26 season. The 28-year-old spent much of the previous season with the Laval Rocket in the AHL, leading the team in scoring with 63 points in 64 games. He also contributed significantly in the postseason with 11 points over 13 games. Barre-Boulet, originally signed by Tampa Bay in 2018, has played 70 NHL games, primarily with the Lightning, accumulating 18 points.

His impressive AHL statistics include 365 points in 358 games and accolades such as the Dudley “Red” Garrett Memorial Award for rookie of the year and multiple All-Star Team selections. This contract may provide him another opportunity to break into the NHL more consistently, potentially benefiting fantasy players looking for breakout candidates.

The Tampa Bay Lightning are taking a cautious approach to free agency, with GM Julien BriseBois indicating they won't be overly active. They'll leverage their cap space for more internal competition but don’t expect major moves. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche are exploring options in the trade market, particularly regarding UFA Erik Johnson, as they find limited value in the current free agent pool. The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, acknowledge they won’t perfect their lineup in a single offseason. GM Kent Hughes is still seeking a second-line center and is evaluating potential trades involving players like Brendan Gallagher and Mike Matheson. The Canadiens have pivoted from pursuing a trade for Jordan Kyrou to discussing deals involving Zach Bolduc and Logan Mailloux instead.

As the Pittsburgh Penguins face a challenging future after missing the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, speculation about their iconic captain Sidney Crosby's potential departure is intensifying. NHL insider Nick Kypreos hinted that Crosby might be traded after the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the Montreal Canadiens emerging as a possible destination. Kypreos emphasized that Crosby remains too talented to merely guide a struggling franchise, suggesting it would be a disservice to his legacy.

Despite the Penguins' front office indicating they are not considering trades for Crosby or other core veterans, the team’s declining performance and aging roster, highlighted by Evgeni Malkin's impending 39th birthday, raises questions about their future direction. While no concrete trade discussions have been reported, Kypreos hinted that significant changes could be on the horizon, particularly if the Penguins seek to rebuild.

The San Jose Sharks are making significant moves to bolster their defensive lineup, recently claiming Nick Leddy off waivers and signing Dmitry Orlov. With at least eight defensemen under contract, the Sharks now feature Mario Ferraro, who can play both sides. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers secured Christian Dvorak on a one-year deal, despite the player having multiple offers for longer contracts. The Flyers intend to keep Dvorak unless their playoff chances dwindle at the trade deadline.

In other news, the Nashville Predators are focused on enhancing their blue line. GM Barry Trotz has added size with Nic Hague and Nick Perbix but admits the team remains light on center options, leaving pressure on wingers to produce more offense. He emphasizes the need for gradual rebuilding to compete effectively.