Offseason Heats Up as Teams Lock Up Core Talent with Major Contract Extensions
New York Rangers defenseman Braden Snider during a game against the Seattle Kraken on October 21, 2023. (Photo: Jenn G.)
Written By Gina Anton
With the 2026-27 NHL season drawing closer, general managers across the league have shifted their focus from free agency to securing the long-term futures of their core players. Several notable extensions and new contracts have been finalized over the past week, with franchises investing heavily in young stars and key contributors.
Connor Bedard Becomes One of the NHL's Highest-Paid Players
The biggest news of the offseason came Saturday when the Chicago Blackhawks signed franchise center Connor Bedard to a five-year, $75 million contract extension carrying an annual average value (AAV) of $15 million. The deal keeps the 21-year-old in Chicago through the 2030-31 season and solidifies him as the centerpiece of the Blackhawks' rebuild.
Since entering the NHL as the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Bedard has quickly established himself as one of hockey's premier offensive talents with 75 goals and 128 assists. He has led the Blackhawks in scoring during each of his first three seasons and has become the face of a franchise determined to return to Stanley Cup contention.
The contract also reflects the league's changing salary landscape, making Bedard one of the highest-paid players in the NHL and setting a new benchmark for elite young superstars.
Flyers Continue Building Around Jamie Drysdale
The Philadelphia Flyers also secured one of their most important young players, signing defenseman Jamie Drysdale to a four-year, $26 million contract worth $6.5 million annually. The agreement prevents the former sixth-overall pick from reaching salary arbitration and keeps him under contract through the 2029-30 season.
Drysdale enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025-26, posting career highs while emerging as one of Philadelphia's most reliable defensemen. Acquired from Anaheim in early 2024, the 24-year-old has steadily developed into a cornerstone on the Flyers' blue line.
With Drysdale now signed alongside several other young pieces, Philadelphia continues to invest in a roster built to compete for years to come.
Trevor Zegras Commits to Philadelphia
Earlier this week, the Flyers reached another significant agreement by signing forward Trevor Zegras to a four-year, $36.5 million contract extension. The deal ensures one of the organization's most dynamic offensive talents remains in Philadelphia as the club continues its aggressive roster overhaul.
Locking up both Zegras and Drysdale provides stability for the Flyers, who have prioritized retaining their young core while adding skill through trades and free agency.
More Teams Avoid Arbitration
Several other clubs have finalized contracts with restricted free agents before arbitration hearings could begin.
The Buffalo Sabres signed forward Peyton Krebs to a four-year, $18 million extension after the versatile forward produced the best offensive season of his career. The deal gives Buffalo another young player under team control as the organization continues its rebuild.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers agreed to a one-year, $5.5 million contract with defenseman Braden Schneider. Schneider led the Rangers in blocked shots last season and remains an important piece of New York's defensive core. The one-year agreement gives both sides flexibility before negotiating a longer-term extension in the future.
Looking Ahead
As training camp approaches, teams are increasingly focused on retaining their emerging stars rather than allowing negotiations to linger into the regular season. The Bedard extension headlines a busy stretch of NHL business, while clubs such as Philadelphia, Buffalo, and New York have successfully secured key contributors before arbitration deadlines.
With several notable restricted free agents still negotiating new deals, the NHL offseason is far from over, and other important extensions could be announced before players report to camp.
