A wave of moves ahead of the July 1 deadline
The opening of NHL free agency on July 1 serves as a pivotal moment for AHL teams, offering them the chance to lock in top talent before the summer rush. With a cascade of contracts hitting the market, clubs are leveraging the window to reinforce their line‑ups and address gaps that emerged during the previous season.
In Buffalo, the Sabres extended forward Trevor Kuntar for two years, rewarding the Rochester Americans’ productive forward with a contract that should add depth to their scoring options. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Kings announced a series of deals that will see defenseman Scott Perunovich, forward Lane Pederson and forward Jan Jenik join the Ontario Reign, bolstering their defensive and offensive depth.
The Syracuse Crunch made a notable acquisition, bringing in Clark Bishop, the captain of the Calgary Wranglers, on a one‑year AHL contract. Bishop’s leadership and two‑way versatility are expected to elevate the Crunch’s competitive edge as they aim for a deeper playoff run.
Montreal’s Canadiens chose to re‑sign both Alex Belzile and goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen to one‑year extensions, a move that preserves key pieces of a roster that has been building momentum in the organization’s developmental pipeline.
The Columbus Blue Jackets added depth by signing veteran net‑minder Pheonix Copley to a one‑year, two‑way contract, while the Anaheim Ducks rewarded Judd Caufield with a two‑year, two‑way deal after his breakout season with the San Diego Gulls.
Vancouver opted to ink forward Akil Thomas to a one‑year, two‑way agreement, and Edmonton secured the services of Devon Levi, acquiring the promising goaltender from the Buffalo Sabres in a move that could reshape the Oilers’ future crease.
Dallas announced the signing of Brandon Halverson to a one‑year, two‑way contract, adding a physical presence in net for the Stars. Across the league, Florida extended Sandis Vilmanis for two years, and Boston executed a trade that sent Joonas Korpisalo to the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Kalle Vaisanen and a draft pick.
Detroit chose to retain forward Carter Mazur with a new two‑year contract, ensuring continuity for a player who has become a reliable contributor at the AHL level. The Syracuse Crunch also re‑signed defenseman Jarred Tinordi to a one‑year AHL deal, reinforcing their blue‑line stability.
These moves collectively illustrate how AHL franchises are using the free‑agency window to fine‑tune rosters, blending veteran experience with emerging talent. The ripple effects of each signing will be closely watched as teams prepare for a season that promises heightened competition and deeper talent pools across the minor leagues.