Rodrigue signed a one-year contract with KHL HC Barys Astana on Thursday, according to RDS.ca,

EDGE Analysis

Rodrigue played a pair of games with Edmonton during the 2024-25 regular season but he was not given a qualifying offer, making him an unrestricted free agent. Rodrigue was unable to garner a contract with an NHL team in the last six weeks, finally signing with the Kazakhstan team. Rodrigue was 18-16-7 with a 3.12 GAA and an .897 save percentage across 41 regular-season appearances with AHL Bakersfield in 2024-25.

Pyyhtia signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Blue Jackets on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Pyyhtia had four goals, seven points, six PIM, 32 shots, 25 hits and 39 blocks across 47 appearances with Columbus in 2024-25. Despite spending a good chunk of the campaign with the Blue Jackets, he participated in just one NHL game beyond Feb. 8, instead serving primarily in the minors after that point. The 23-year-old will compete for a bottom-six spot on the Opening Night roster, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him start 2025-26 in the minors.

Grimaldi inked a two-year contract with KHL team SKA St. Petersburg on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Grimaldi brings over 200 games of NHL experience to his new club, though he hasn't appeared in an NHL game since 2021-22 when he was with the Predators. Along the way, the gritty winger notched 30 goals and 37 assists, adding four points in 11 postseason contests. At 32 years of age, this likely will close the door on Grimaldi's NHL future.

Chelios announced his retirement from professional hockey Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Chelios played in just five NHL games back in 2018-19 with the Red Wings, recording five shots, seven hits and two PIM without picking up a point. Following his brief NHL foray, the Michigan State product headed over to the KHL, where he spent the past six seasons playing for Kunlun Red Star.

Bemstrom is set to sign a one-year deal with Swiss club SC Bern, per AHL Insider Tony Androckitis on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Bemstrom played in 14 games for the Penguins last season in which he notched one assist, 12 hits and three blocks while averaging just 8:20 of ice time. At 26 years of age, it's not impossible that the Swede makes an eventual return to the NHL, though he'd need to impress while in Europe.

Ruhwedel announced his retirement from playing professional hockey Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Ruhwedel's NHL career spanned 13 years in which he played for the Penguins, Sabres and Rangers. The 35-year-old put most of his time in with Pittsburgh, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2017. The San Diego native appeared in 369 career NHL regular-season games, supplying 13 goals, 50 points and 622 hits.

Blandisi agreed to terms on a two-year deal with KHL club SKA St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Blandisi has played exclusively in the AHL since his last NHL game back in 2019-20, when he was with the Penguins. The 31-year-old center has reached the 15-goal mark and 35-point threshold in each of his last three seasons but wasn't able to force his way onto an NHL roster. With the move to the KHL, this almost certainly marks the end of Blandisi's NHL career.

Evans signed a two-year, $4.1 million contract with the Kraken on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Evans was a restricted free agent prior to re-signing with the Kraken, which he'll become again when the deal expires after 2026-27. He'll also be eligible for arbitration at that time. The 23-year-old appears to be developing into a reliable bottom-four defenseman, as he registered five goals, 20 helpers, 123 hits and 106 blocked shots over 73 appearances last season. While he may be a steady source of category coverage in 2025-26, his lack of power-play time due to the presence of Vince Dunn and Brandon Montour on the blue line is a hindrance to Evans' offensive potential.

Johnson signed a professional tryout agreement with Minnesota on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Johnson earned six assists, 23 shots on goal, 35 blocked shots and 21 hits across 41 regular-season games with Columbus in 2024-25. With Jonas Brodin (upper body) likely to miss the beginning of the 2025-26 campaign, the 38-year-old Johnson could land a spot on Minnesota's Opening Night roster if young defenders Zeev Buium or David Jiricek (abdomen) require additional development time in the minors.

Kokkonen signed a one-year contract with Linkoping HC of the SHL on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Kokkonen became an unrestricted free agent this offseason after the Maple Leafs chose not to tender him a qualifying offer. The 24-year-old defender had three goals and 14 points in 50 regular-season appearances with AHL Toronto in 2024-25. Kokkonen spent the last three campaigns in the minors, and he didn't see any NHL action.