Duran signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with the Bruins on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Duran has spent the last two seasons in the organization, and he got a brief taste of NHL action during the 2024-25 campaign by making a pair of regular-season appearances for Boston. Across 72 regular-season games with AHL Providence last year, he recorded seven goals, 12 assists and 22 PIM. While he'll have flexibility to move between Providence and Boston on his two-way deal, it wouldn't be surprising to see him spend most of his time in the minors during the 2026-27 season.

Villeneuve signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Maple Leafs on Wednesday, per PuckPedia.

EDGE Analysis

Villeneuve had 30 points in 61 regular-season outings for AHL Toronto in 2025-26. He also logged three appearances with the Maple Leafs late in the campaign. The 24-year-old defenseman will likely spend most of 2026-27 in the AHL again, though he could push for a depth role during training camp.

Ivanov signed a two-year, entry-level contract with Columbus on Wednesday, but will spend the 2026-27 season playing in Russia, Aaron Portzline of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ivanov's contract will technically take him through the 2028-29 season due to the entry-level slide, which essentially means this year doesn't count. Selected by the organization in the fifth round of the 2022 NHL Draft, the 22-year-old backstop went 13-11-2 with a .928 save percentage in 29 regular-season outings with SKA St. Petersburg last year. Don't be surprised to see him make the jump to North America ahead of the 2027-28 season, and consider stashing him in deeper dynasty formats.

Walsh signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Canadiens on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Walsh had 16 goals and 46 points in 68 regular-season outings with the KHL's Barys Astana in 2025-26. The 27-year-old defenseman logged one year in the KHL after spending most of the previous five campaigns in the AHL, including 2024-25 when he recorded six goals and 32 points in 70 regular-season appearances with Ontario. While Walsh is capable offensively, he'll have a tough time making Montreal's roster out of training camp. Even if he does play for the Canadiens, he's unlikely to receive power-play opportunities for Montreal if Lane Hutson and Noah Dobson are both healthy.

Bedard will be sidelined for four months following shoulder surgery, the Blackhawks announced Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Based on his recovery timeline, Bedard figures to miss the first month or two of the regular season. The 20-year-old center was limited to just 69 regular-season games last year, but he still managed to set new personal bests in goals (30) and points (75). While he could certainly aim even higher with a full season, Bedard should still offer plenty of fantasy upside even with his absence.

Hajek signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Sharks on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Hajek had six goals, 13 points and 41 PIM in 44 regular-season outings with Pardubice of the Czech League in 2025-26. The 28-year-old also has four goals, 12 points and 40 PIM in 110 career regular-season NHL appearances. He should get serious consideration during training camp for a roster spot with the Sharks.

Hayton (upper body) signed a one-year, $4.775 million contract with Utah on Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Hayton had previously agreed to an offer sheet with the Devils, but the Mammoth agreed to match the deal to retain the forward's services. In 67 regular-season games last year, the Ontario native notched 10 goals and 15 assists, including six power-play points. If Hayton can stay healthy, he should be capable of getting back to being a 20-goal, 40-point producer for Utah in 2026-27.

Gushchin signed a two-year contract with the KHL's Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg, Tony Androckitis of Inside AHL Hockey reports Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Gushchin was an unrestricted free agent after the Avalanche declined to present him with a qualifying offer. He had 18 goals and 32 points in 49 regular-season appearances with AHL Colorado in 2025-26. The 24-year-old has 18 games of NHL experience, all with the Sharks.

Schmidt signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Wild on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.

EDGE Analysis

Schmidt split last season between three AHL clubs, totaling just three assists over 49 regular-season contests. He had two assists in 19 games for AHL Iowa, and clearly the organization saw enough to keep him around for another year. Expect the blueliner to spend most or all of 2026-27 in the minors again.

Hinds signed a two-year, $1.8 million contract with Anaheim on Tuesday, per PuckPedia.

EDGE Analysis

Hinds appeared in six regular-season games with the Ducks in 2025-26, including his NHL debut against Calgary on April 4. During that six-game span, he registered nine shots on goal, 10 blocked shots and six hits, but he didn't earn a point. However, he had one assist, one shot on net, five blocked shots and 17 hits in nine playoff outings. Hinds will probably be a regular in the Anaheim lineup during the 2026-27 campaign.