NHL signings and injuries: Latest from Penguins, Capitals, Utah and playoff teams

Several NHL teams have made moves in the early off-season, locking in key players with new contracts amid ongoing Stanley Cup playoffs. The Pittsburgh Penguins bolstered their forward depth by re-signing Connor Dewar, while the Washington Capitals added two promising forwards to their roster.[1][2] Injury concerns continue to impact playoff squads, with the Dallas Stars revealing a lengthy list of ailments and updates emerging from Buffalo, Colorado, and Minnesota.

These developments come as teams balance immediate playoff needs with long-term planning, including draft preparations. For instance, recent reports suggest the Toronto Maple Leafs are poised to select Gavin McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL draft.

Recent player signings across the league

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced a two-year extension for forward Connor Dewar at a $2.25 million cap hit, providing stability to their bottom-six forwards. This deal, reported by Josh Yohe, keeps the gritty forward in the fold after a solid season. Dewar’s re-signing is seen as a smart, cost-effective move by GM Kyle Dubas.[3]

In Utah, the Mammoth signed 2025 fourth-round pick Yegor Borikov to a three-year entry-level contract with a $995,000 cap hit and $967,000 AAV. The deal breaks down as follows:

• Year 1: $850,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $5,000 GP bonus, $85,000 minors
• Year 2: $900,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $85,000 minors
• Year 3: $950,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $85,000 minors

Puck Pedia detailed the structure, highlighting the team’s investment in young talent. Borikov’s signing adds depth to Utah’s prospect pool as they build for the future.

Washington Capitals add forward depth

The Capitals inked undrafted 24-year-old forward Theodor Niederbach to a one-year deal featuring a $1.025 million cap hit and $1.275 million AAV. The contract includes $922,500 NHL salary, $250,000 A performance bonus, $102,500 signing bonus, and $85,000 minors provision. This move brings experienced AHL production to Washington.[4]

Shortly after, the Capitals signed 2024 sixth-round pick Petr Sikora to a matching three-year entry-level deal: $995,000 cap hit, $967,000 AAV. The terms mirror Borikov’s:

• Year 1: $850,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $5,000 GP bonus, $85,000 minors
• Year 2: $900,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $85,000 minors
• Year 3: $950,000 NHL, $95,000 signing bonus, $85,000 minors

These signings, tracked on Puck Pedia, signal Washington’s focus on affordable, high-upside forwards. Both players could push for NHL spots next season.

The Capitals’ activity reflects a broader trend of teams securing draft picks early. With the playoffs intensifying, these deals provide roster flexibility without major cap strain.

Injury updates: Buffalo Sabres

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Rasmus Dahlin addressed concerns over a late-game issue in Game 1 of the playoffs. “It hurt, but I’m not injured, I’ll say that,” Dahlin told Rachel Lenzi. This reassurance calms fears for the star blueliner, who remains a cornerstone for the Sabres.[1]

Dahlin’s availability is crucial as Buffalo navigates the postseason. His comment underscores the physical toll of playoffs but confirms no long-term worry.

Colorado Avalanche practice notes

Colorado Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta returned to practice for the first time since the end of round one, listed as day-to-day by coach Jared Bednar. However, defensemen Josh Manson and Cale Makar sat out. Kiviranta’s progress offers hope amid a tight series.[5]

Makar’s absence raises questions, given his elite status. The Avalanche will monitor closely ahead of upcoming games.

Bednar’s updates highlight the fine line between rest and readiness in playoffs.

Dallas Stars’ extensive injury list

Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill detailed forward Mikko Rantanen’s MCL tear from the Olympics, noting no surgery was needed but wishing for more recovery time. “I never really thought he was himself,” Nill said. Rantanen’s rushed return impacted performance.[1]

The Stars’ injury woes this season were staggering, including:

• Oskar Bäck: Wrist in October (10 games), sprained shoulder playoffs
• Nathan Bastian: Broken finger surgery, available for second round
• Jamie Benn: Punctured lung camp, concussion December
• Lian Bichsel: Leg/ankle fracture (32 games), sprained shoulder playoffs
• Michael Bunting: Groin, available playoffs
• Matt Duchene: Concussion (25 games)
• Adam Erne: MCL sprain December (4-6 weeks)
• Radek Faksa: Concussion Olympics, foot laceration (ligament cut), possible more surgery
• Thomas Harley: Broken foot November (12 games)
• Roope Hintz: Illness Olympics, double hamstring tear, re-injured
• Arttu Hyry: High ankle sprain playoffs (2-4 weeks)
• Nils Lundkvist: Leg/ankle fracture, facial laceration, concussion playoffs
• Mikko Rantanen: MCL Olympics
• Tyler Seguin: Torn ACL December
• Ilya Lyubushkin, Sam Steel, Tyler Myers: Groin injuries regular season
• Miro Heiskanen: Oblique tear pre-playoffs, ankle sprain playoffs

This litany explains Dallas’s challenges. Nill called Lundkvist “very lucky.”

Recovery timelines vary, but several players like Bichsel should be fine.

Minnesota Wild status report

Minnesota Wild coach John Hynes provided no firm update on forward Joel Eriksson Ek or defenseman Jonas Brodin, both yet to skate post-injury. Hynes remains non-committal on Eriksson Ek for Saturday but optimistic about Brodin.[6]

Their potential returns could shift series dynamics.

Hynes emphasized steady progress without specifics.

As the playoffs progress, these signings lay groundwork for next season while injuries test team resilience. Teams like the Capitals and Penguins gain continuity, but Dallas’s injury toll may linger into the off-season. Watch for more deals and returns that could define the 2026-27 campaign—for full details, check NHL Rumors.