Pittsburgh Penguins center Hendrix Lapierre signed a two-year, $2.6 million contract on Friday. The team acquired Lapierre from the Washington Capitals last week, and he became a restricted free agent on July 1. Lapierre has struggled to live up to his reputation as a first-round pick. In 158 career games, he has posted 47 points (13 goals, 34 assists). During his final year in D.C., the 24-year-old had 16 points (four goals, 12 assists) in 74 outings. Lapierre will get a fresh start with the Penguins, but he won't have fantasy value as a bottom-six forward.

Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson received a five-year, $90 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday. The Ducks have until July 10 to match the offer. If they do not match it, the team will receive four first-round draft picks as compensation. Based on the contract's average annual value, Carlsson is set to become the NHL's highest-paid player. Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl currently holds the highest cap hit in the league at $14 million. Carlsson became a restricted free agent on July 1 after completing a three-year, entry-level contract. He took a big leap in 2025-26, posting a career-high 67 points (29 goals, 38 assists) in 70 games. In 201 career games, Carlsson has put up 141 points (61 goals, 80 assists).

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jakub Dobes has signed a three-year contract extension worth just over $16 million. The new deal will start with the 2027-28 season, giving Dobes a $5,357,575 cap hit. Last term, Dobes emerged as Montreal's No. 1, posting a 29-10-4 regular-season record. He allowed 2.78 goals with a .901 save percentage. The 25-year-old also performed admirably during the playoffs, helping his team reach the Eastern Conference Finals. With fewer than 60 career starts under his belt, Dobes is still likely to have some growing pains, but he has shown the potential to become a top-tier fantasy netminder.

The Calgary Flames have acquired defenseman Jacob Middleton from the Minnesota Wild. He was brought in along with a 2027 third-round pick, a 2028 fourth-round pick, and a 2029 second-round pick in exchange for forward Blake Coleman and defenseman Olli Maatta. Middleton has just finished the first season of a four-year, $17.4 million contract. After back-to-back 20-point campaigns, he finished with 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) in 75 games. His numbers across the board dropped due to reduced playing time. In Calgary, Middleton will have a chance to re-establish himself as a top-four piece.