
Blue Jackets Eye Free‑Agent Additions Ahead of Draft
The Columbus Blue Jackets are actively shaping their roster for next season, targeting veteran defensemen and forwards while preparing for the upcoming NHL Draft in Buffalo.
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The Columbus Blue Jackets are actively shaping their roster for next season, targeting veteran defensemen and forwards while preparing for the upcoming NHL Draft in Buffalo.

The Seattle Kraken are finalizing a four‑year, $21 million deal with winger Bobby McMann, while former GM Ron Francis joins the Pittsburgh Penguins and veteran Justin Schultz returns as a player development coach.

Ron Francis, a Hall‑of‑Fame center who captured two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins, is set to advise the team, while veteran defenseman Justin Schultz returns to Seattle as a player development coach. Young centerman Logan Morrison also secures a new contract with the Kraken after a breakout AHL season.

After a decade of building rosters in Seattle and Carolina, Ron Francis is set to influence the Penguins’ future, bringing a proven eye for talent and a deep personal connection to the franchise.

Ron Francis, a Hockey Hall of Famer and former Penguins star, has rejoined the organization as a special advisor for hockey operations, bringing his championship pedigree and deep connections to the team.

Former Seattle Kraken president Ron Francis is returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins in a newly created advisory role, bringing decades of NHL experience and a proven track record of building championship teams.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have appointed Ron Francis as a Special Advisor for Hockey Operations, bringing championship experience and front‑office acumen to a team poised to contend.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced the hiring of Hall of Famer Ron Francis as special advisor of hockey operations, citing his extensive playing and managerial background and his lasting connection to the city.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announce former captain Ron Francis as Special Advisor, Hockey Operations, bringing a Hall‑of‑Famer’s expertise to strategic planning and roster building.

Seattle Kraken coach Lane Lambert underscores the defensive strides of center Shane Wright, reflecting on a career shaped by pandemic disruptions, coaching changes, and a team‑first philosophy.

After 700 NHL games and titles in Sweden, Pierre‑Édouard Bellemare has decided to end his professional hockey career, concluding a two‑decade path that also included Olympic appearances for France.

Pierre-Edouard Bellemare announced his retirement at age 41, ending a career that moved from Sweden to the NHL and culminated with captaining France at the Olympics.

Artemi Panarin rejected a higher‑paying offer from the Seattle Kraken to sign with the Los Angeles Kings, citing the franchise’s eye‑catching jersey designs as a key influence. His decision highlights the growing importance of team branding in player recruitment.

The Kraken announced the hiring of Pascal Vincent, a seasoned strategist known for his offensive tactics, as they seek to climb out of a 27th‑ranked scoring position.

The Kansas City Mavericks captured the best regular‑season record in franchise history, advanced to the Kelly Cup Finals and supplied nine players to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, underscoring the ECHL's role as a crucial feeder for the Seattle Kraken and the NHL.

A 4‑1 lead evaporated in the final minutes as the Florida Everblades forced a fourth overtime, securing the Kelly Cup with a 5‑4 victory over the Kansas City Mavericks.

Pascal Vincent, now an assistant coach with the Seattle Kraken, looks back on a challenging season with the Columbus Blue Jackets, his resurgence in Laval, and his hopes for a turnaround in Seattle.

The Blue Jackets are targeting free agents, securing veterans, and planning for the upcoming NHL Draft while navigating retirements and trade speculation.

At the NHL Combine in Montreal, forward Berkly Catton described himself as a dolphin, sparking buzz about the Canadiens’ unconventional questioning. Meanwhile, Detroit captain Dylan Larkin’s trade request and a charity golf victory by ex‑Kraken players highlight the mix of humor and strategy that defines modern hockey.

Mark Giordano, a celebrated defenseman and 2024 Norris Trophy recipient, is transitioning to a coaching advisory role with the AHL’s Toronto Marlies. His extensive NHL experience, connections with Auston Matthews and William Nylander, and leadership qualities position him as a valuable asset for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Despite a stunning playoff exit, the Colorado Avalanche plan to retain most of their roster, address specific gaps, and keep their championship window open, with several players' futures still undecided.

The Buffalo Sabres winger Alex Tuch is poised to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent, sparking speculation across the NHL as teams like the Oilers, Devils, Bruins, Blackhawks and Kraken evaluate how his skill set could address their specific gaps.

After a distinguished 12‑year career with the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, Max McCormick hangs up his skates, citing a desire to return to his roots and mentor the next generation.
The Seattle Kraken announced the hiring of Pascal Vincent as assistant coach and Patrik Allvin as vice president and assistant general manager, hoping the new leadership will spark a resurgence.