We come to the end of a rather quiet NHL work week with a smattering of mostly low profile signings and the sad, but totally expected, news that All-Star Weekend won’t be happening in Sunrise in January.
Former Florida Panthers first-rounder Dmitry Kulikov is back in the Eastern Conference. After spending the past three seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Kulikov signed a one-year, $1.15 million contact with the New Jersey Devils. (All About The Jersey)
Dallas Stars restricted free agent forward Denis Gurianov earned himself a new two-year deal worth $5.1 million. Gurianov’s four-goal game against the Calgary Flames was one of the highlights of the 2020 Stanley Cup Playoffs. (Defending Big D)
The Ottawa Senators and forward Connor Brown avoided arbitration, with the 26-year-old inking a three-year contact worth $10.8 million. Brown will make $2.8 million this coming season and $4 million in each of the final two years of the deal. (Silver Seven)
Jake Virtanen and the Vancouver Canucks also avoided arbitration, with the power forward agreeing to a new two-year pact worth $5.1 million. Virtanen bagged a career-high 18 goals during the truncated 2019-20 season. (Pro Hockey Rumors)
The Buffalo Sabres signed defenseman Casey Nelson to a one-year, two-way contract. Nelson, 28, spent the 2019-20 in the AHL with the Rochester Americans, producing 12 points in 48 games. (Die By The Blade)
Antoine Bibeau signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 26-year-old goaltender spent last season with the Colorado Avalanche organization. (Canes Country)
Florida’s leading goal-scorer Mike Hoffman is still available. Sportsnet rates the Nashville Predators, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, Boston Bruins and Carolina Hurricanes as five potential landing spots. Worth a read (Sportsnet)