The Winnipeg Jets have officially signed forward Cole Koepke to a one-year deal worth $1 million, enhancing their roster for the upcoming season. At 27, Koepke brings a valuable blend of physicality and scoring ability, having recorded 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists) and a robust 177 hits with the Boston Bruins last season. Despite averaging only 11:15 of ice time per game, his impact is evident, particularly in puck battles and defensive zones.

Koepke, a sixth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018, has gathered 20 points (11 goals, 9 assists) in 99 NHL games across two teams. His collegiate career was highlighted by winning the 2019 NCAA Championship with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, alongside Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg. This connection may prove beneficial as he integrates into the Jets' lineup, fostering chemistry with fellow players.

The Winnipeg Jets continue to shape their roster by signing forwards Cole Koepke and Tanner Pearson, both on one-year contracts worth $1 million. Tanner Pearson, a seasoned winger at 32, brings experience from a season with the Vegas Golden Knights where he tallied 12 goals and 15 assists. Meanwhile, 27-year-old Cole Koepke had a solid outing with the Boston Bruins, netting 10 goals and 7 assists in 73 games last season, showcasing his potential as a valuable contributor. As part of the roster transition, Brandon Tanev, who joined the Jets during the previous season, signed a three-year contract with the Utah Mammoth after a season where he recorded 10 goals and 12 assists, split between the Jets and Seattle Kraken.

The Nashville Predators are maintaining confidence in coach Andrew Brunette, despite a challenging 2024-25 season that saw the team miss the playoffs after a promising 2023-24 campaign. General manager Barry Trotz endorsed Brunette, highlighting his potential as a young coach and emphasizing the need for continuity in a team still adjusting to new talent from a bustling offseason that included signings like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. After a disappointing 30-44-8 record, Trotz believes in sticking with promising coaches and players through tough times, showing faith in Brunette's ability to navigate the Predators back to success.

Brunette, who has a solid coaching record and even earned a Jack Adams Award nomination, is expected to harness the team's new talent to return Nashville to playoff contention. The Predators’ recent struggles reflect broader issues rather than a lack of talent, pointing to a need for cohesion as they look to rebuild under Brunette's guidance.

Dawson Mercer scored two goals during a dominant second period for the New Jersey Devils, leading them to a 5-1 victory over the Boston Bruins. Nico Hischier contributed with a goal and two assists, while Dougie Hamilton and Stefan Noesen added goals for New Jersey. Timo Meier also made his mark with two assists, helping the Devils end a four-game losing streak. Bruins’ Morgan Geekie scored their lone goal, while Jeremy Swayman faced 25 shots before being substituted. In another matchup, Adam Fantilli scored a hat trick for the Columbus Blue Jackets in a 5-1 win against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Boston Bruins are facing some injury issues as forward Mark Kastelic is skating, but not yet ready for game action. Defenseman Hampus Lindholm is also practicing alone, with no set timetable for his return, as confirmed by Coach Joe Sacco.

Defenseman Charlie McAvoy has been placed on IR due to a lingering injury, retroactive to January 11th, while Lindholm was placed on LTIR earlier. Cole Koepke had to leave a game due to a hit, creating further uncertainty for the Bruins.

In other league news, Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes has been placed on IR but is expected to return soon. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets' Zach Aston-Reese is back on the ice following an upper-body injury, and Detroit's Tyler Motte left a game with an injury without an update on his status.