The Tampa Bay Lightning have secured backup goaltender Jonas Johansson with a two-year extension worth $1.25 million against the salary cap. In his recent season, Johansson recorded a solid 9-6-3 record, accompanied by a 3.13 goals-against average and an .895 save percentage. This move indicates the Lightning's confidence in Johansson's capabilities to support starter Andrei Vasilevskiy during the upcoming season.

In other league news, Eric Staal has joined the Buffalo Sabres as a special assistant to GM Kevyn Adams, marking a new chapter after his retirement from the NHL. Staal's extensive experience in the game, especially his winning pedigree, is expected to bring valuable insights to the Sabres as they aim for progress.