The Edmonton Oilers have made a strategic move by signing goaltender Samuel Jonsson to a three-year entry-level contract. Jonsson, who stands six feet five inches tall and weighs 201 pounds, was selected 158th overall in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft. Last season, he showcased impressive skills in Sweden's BIK Karlskoga, recording a 1.88 goals-against average and a strong 17-6-0 record across 24 games.

This signing reflects the Oilers' commitment to strengthening their goaltending depth, particularly valuable given the unpredictable nature of player performance and injuries in the NHL. Jonsson's notable statistics indicate potential readiness for the North American game, making him an intriguing prospect for fantasy hockey enthusiasts and Oilers fans alike.

The Montreal Canadiens made headlines after selecting Ivan Demidov with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, leading to the cancellation of two notable trades. One involved the Chicago Blackhawks attempting to trade an unprotected 2026 first-round pick to the Columbus Blue Jackets, who opted for Cayden Lindstrom instead. Another trade involving Canadiens' discussions with the Anaheim Ducks about Trevor Zegras also fell through, likely due to the Canadiens' renewed focus on Demidov.

The Carolina Hurricanes are in continuous talks with Alexander Nikishin’s representatives, while the New Jersey Devils aim to secure Arseny Gritsyuk with a one-year contract. Coaching changes within the league are on the horizon as well, especially regarding the Tampa Bay Lightning, whose recent first-round pick Isaac Howard will be returning to Michigan State next season. With Houston likely to be the next expansion city, the NHL is contemplating a careful approach to maintain talent distribution.

Connor Kurth, a standout forward for the Gophers men's hockey team, has signed a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Lightning, opting to leave college hockey behind. After a prolific season where he scored 18 goals and assisted on 21 others, Kurth's departure adds to the growing list of Gophers entering the NHL, joining a slew of first-round picks who have also signed contracts. Kurth, drafted in the sixth round by Tampa Bay in 2022, will begin his professional career in the AHL with the Syracuse Crunch.

In his three-year tenure with the Gophers, Kurth amassed 32 goals and 39 assists over 115 games, showcasing his offensive talents while maintaining a solid plus-34 rating. His performance, tied for second highest on the team, highlights his readiness for the challenges of the NHL as he transitions to pro hockey.

The Rockford IceHogs faced a tough defeat against the Manitoba Moose, losing 3-1 at the Canada Life Center. The Moose opened the scoring with a shorthanded goal from Dylan Anhorn, while Samuel Savoie equalized for the IceHogs just before the first period ended.

Despite a major penalty against Manitoba's Tyson Empey, Rockford couldn't capitalize on their power play opportunities. The Moose regained the lead early in the third period with a power play goal from Brad Lambert, followed by C.J. Suess extending the lead to 3-1.