Pittsburgh Penguins center Connor Dewar signed a two-year, $4.5 million contract extension on Thursday. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent before agreeing to the new deal. Deward had a career year in 2025-26, notching 30 points (14 goals, 16 assists) in 78 games. He led all forwards on the team with 144 hits and a plus-16 rating. In the playoffs, Dewar added two goals in six outings. The 26-year-old also played a key role in Pittsburgh finishing with the sixth-best penalty kill in the league, logging a team-high 209:23 of shorthanded ice time. From a fantasy perspective, Dewar offers little, but he's been a great fit for the Penguins.

Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Dan Vladar is expected to start Game 3 against the Carolina Hurricanes on Thursday night, Jackie Spiegel of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Vladar wasn't on the ice for an optional morning skate, but he should keep his spot in the crease. After an outstanding first-round series against the Penguins, Vladar has lost back-to-back games in Round 2. However, he has remained sharp, logging a .908 save percentage. Overall, Vladar has recorded a .929 save percentage in the playoffs, allowing 1.89 goals with two shutouts. He's been a rock at the back for the Flyers and will be desperate for more goal support on Thursday.

Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen (knee) played through a torn MCL late in the season, general manager Jim Nill revealed on Thursday. The Finnish superstar suffered the injury during the Olympics in February. After he was hurt, Rantanen missed 15 games for the Stars. He returned for the final 10 regular-season contests and skated in six playoff games. Nill said Rantanen didn't need surgery and won't require it to return to full health for the next campaign. While Rantanen will turn 30 early next season, he should remain a highly productive player for the foreseeable future. In 2025-26, he averaged 1.20 points per game, finishing with 22 goals and 55 assists in 64 outings.

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin (undisclosed) looks good to go for Game 2 against the Montreal Canadiens on Friday night, Paul Hamilton of WGR Sports Radio 550 reports. Dahlin was hurt late in Game 1 while blocking a shot, but he said he's not injured. Dahlin's availability is crucial for the Sabres. The 26-year-old has had a great campaign and was named a Norris Trophy finalist on Thursday. During his first career playoff run, Dahlin has registered four points (one goal, three assists), 25 SOG, nine blocks, 10 hits, and a plus-four rating in seven games. He finished the regular season as the NHL's sixth-highest scoring defenseman, posting a career-high 74 points (19 goals, 55 assists) in 77 games.