The New York Rangers avoided arbitration with forward Mika Zibanejad by agreeing to terms on a new five-year deal worth $26,75 million. ZIbanejad has produced 88 points in 137 games with the Rangers since he was acquired from the Ottawa Senators for Derick Brassard on July 18, 2016.
Robin Lehner signed a one-year, $4 million contract to remain with the Buffalo Sabres, avoiding arbitration. Lehner went 23-26-8 with a 2.68 goals against average and .920 save percentage for the Sabres last season.
Unrestricted free agent defenseman Mark Streit signed with the Montreal Canadiens for one year. Streit’s deal will pay him a base salary of $700K with the potential for another $300K in performance bonuses. The 39-year-old began his career in Montreal after being drafted by the Canadiens in the ninth round of the 2004 draft.
The Colorado Avalanche signed forward Matt Nieto to a one-year, one-way deal worth $1 million, avoiding arbitration. Nieto produced 11 points (4G/7A) in 43 games after the Avalanche acquired him from the San Jose Sharks.
Colorado also inked unrestricted free agent defenseman Jesse Graham to a one-year, two-way contract. Graham spent the last three seasons with the New York Islanders organization