11th year left wing Matt Nieto(83) signs a new 2-year NHL deal with Pittsburgh Penguins through 2024/2025 for $900,000 AAV.
He was originally a San Jose Sharks‘ 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft (#47 overall), he skated almost 4 years for them before getting traded to Colorado Avalanche, where he spent close to the next 4 and then would return to the Sharks.
The 5’11” 190 lbs. forward did 3 years at Boston University Terriers after 2 campaigns with the USNTDP.
From Long Beach, CA, at 30-years old, he’s still ticking and could still be worth 10+ goals, 20+ assists.
11th year, Swedish-born left wing Carl Hagelin(62) decides to retire from the game after an eye injury, lacing up the skates in the NHL 713 times, scoring 110 goals and 186 assists with an absolutely off the hook for on-ice accountability +119 rating, plus back-to-back 2016 & 2017 Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh Penguins, 3 seasons of 30+ points and 4 at 20+.
The 5’11” 185 lbs. forward played all his junior hockey back home, but came over for 4 years at University Of Michigan Wolverines and served as senior captain.
He was originally a New York Rangers‘ 6th round pick in the 2007 draft pick (#168 overall).
No word if the 35-year old, who was with 5 different teams will stick around to find work someone, but that could easily happen.
New York Islanders‘ 11th year defenseman Scott Mayfield(24) signs a new 7-year deal to stay with the only team he’s played 428 NHL and 223 AHL games with.
Originally a 2nd round pick in the 2011 draft (#34 overall), he’s huge at 6’5″ 220 lbs.
He did 2 years at University Of Denver Pioneers after 2 USHL stints with Youngstown Phantoms.
The 30-year old, St. Louis, MO native is set to make $3.5M AAV for each year of his deal.
7th year center Jeff Kubiak(36) re-signs with the only team his ever agreed to a pro contract with Bridgeport Islanders for 2023/2024.
For a 3rd AHL frame, he was able to record 20+ assists last season.
The 4-year Cornell University Big Red forward twice had 10+ assists in college play and was a +19 rating.
At 6’3″ 212 lbs., the 29-year old is certainly a good guy to have around.
Undrafted rookie right wing Todd Goehring(29) signs with Worcester Railers for 2023/2024 after graduating 5 years at Sacred Heart University Pioneers, then signing an ato to start his pro work at Atlanta Gladiators, but in 6 games got no points.
The 5’11” 175 lbs. forward split junior seasons in the USHL and NAHL with Chicago Steel and New Jersey Junior Titans before reporting to school.
From Wayside, NJ, he should fit in well with his new ECHL team.
Undrafted Pittsburgh Penguins‘ 8th year center Evan Rodrigues(53) had a career best 24 assists and 43 points last season, but was going to earn to much heading into the new frame to keep around, so the unrestricted agent was free to hunt for a new deal.
The 5’11” 180 lbs. forward signs with 2022 Stanley Cup Champions Colorado Avalanche for 2022/2023.
He has been a full-time NHL player for the last 4 seasons.
A bit of an inconsistent performer through 4 years at Boston University Terriers, he completely came alive as a senior assistant captain, striking for 21 goals and 40 assists in 41 NCAA Division 1 games with a +30 rating.
39 points in 69 games for his new club, then 5 points in 7 in the playoffs and this unrestricted free agent at 29-years of age is looking good for a long-term deal.
Florida Panthers waste little time, offering him $3M AAV through 2026/2027.
Holy Cross College Crusaders‘ 2024/2025 commit, right wing Will Reardon(24) will play his only year of junior hockey with Northeast Generals this season.
The extra large 6’7″ 205 lbs. forward completed his studies at Loomis Chaffee School USHS-Prep with decent point totals.
From Philadelphia, PA, the 19-year old, who was recently caught in late August preseason NAHL action is likely ready to get moving at the next level.
12th year center Alex Killorn(17) leaves 11 years and 2 Stanley Cups with 3rd round 2007 draft team (#77 overall) Tampa Bay Lightning for unrestricted free agency and a new 4-year deal with Anaheim Ducks worth $6.25M AAV, which he doesn’t even need, but takes one last big bite at the apple before he decides that Harvard University Crimson degree is worth pursuing.
The Halifax, NS native also won the 2012 AHL Calder Cup with Norfolk Admirals after graduating college.
He has 7 times scored 10+ goals and 3 times 20+ in a season and 6 time 20+ assists and 3 for 30+ helpers.
The 33-year old is the type of player that can elevate his team to become a playoff contender once again.
After spending the last 6 of his 7 NHL days in an Anaheim Ducks‘ uniform, 13th year right wing Derek Grant(38) will take his game overseas for a 1st time, signing a 1-year deal with ZSC Lions of NL, which should be a lot of fun for the 33-year old.
The 6’3″ 209 lbs. forward tower has 3 times had 10+ goals and twice 10+ assists in a frame.
From Abbotsford, BC, he played 2 BCHL seasons before committing to Michigan State University Spartans, where he stayed for 2 years before turning pro.
Originally an Ottawa Senators‘ 4th round pick in 2008 (#119 overall), he spent the 1st 4 years of his career in their system.
He takes 427 games in the big league and 320 in the AHL over to his new venture, which should keep him smiling out there.
Wheeling Nailers re-sign Cornell University Big Red graduating senior defenseman Sebastian Dirven(6) after he joined the team on an ato after finishing up tournament play with 1 goal and 2 assists in 4 games.
The 6’3″ 205 lbs. forward is an easy re-sign for 2023/2024 to see what he has in a full 72 game frame.
From Bainsville, ON, he played 2 junior frames in the CCHL before heading to Central Illinois Flying Aces for 2 USHL seasons prior to college.
He should find the room he needs in the ECHL to be a big goal scorer as a rookie in 2023/2024.
