The Daily: NHL Teams Find Bargains; Homer in Exclusive Club

The Dallas Stars re-signed proven offense creator Matt Duchene for four years at $4.5 million per season. The Chicago Blackhawks convinced 31-goal scorer Ryan Donato to stay for $4 million per season over four years. This is the busiest time of year in the NHL.

The Seattle Kraken used a fourth-round pick this season and a 2026 third-round pick to trade to Dallas for feisty Mason Marchment, a big forward who scored 22 goals. Feels like a bargain.

Given what Duchene and Donato received, and how Seattle took advantage of a salary dump, the message for Detroit fans may be that the Red Wings are in position to spin $21 million in salary cap space into real improvement.

New Via @Pammerhockey

Five Potential Candidates For Contract Buyouts

More Here: https://t.co/BgCJXjKiGH #seakraken #texashockey #isles #stlblues #raiseup

— Full Press Hockey (@FullPressNHL) June 17, 2025

Today is the opening day of the NHL buyout period and the Red Wings can increase their cap space if they buy out defenseman Justin Holl (probably) or forward Vladimir Tarasenko (probably not). Even if they just buy out Holl, it will increase their cap space by an additional $2-plus million.

The Red Wings are looking for scoring help, a veteran defenseman, and perhaps a goaltender, although the latter may be the most difficult to find. The NHL goalie market is weak.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

Tomas Nosek remembers his Grand Rapids/Detroit roots while celebrating his Stanley Cup championship.

Detroit draft choice Jan Bednar signs with Finnish Team. The Czech goalkeeper didn’t see a future in the Detroit/Grand Rapids organization.

The buyout window is open and GM Steve Yzerman has until June 30 to make his decisions.

Red Wings Extra

Florida’s Carter Verhaeghe became only the sixth player in the last 40 years to win three or more Stanley Cups in his first six seasons in the NHL. The list includes former Red Wings forward Tomas Holmstrom (three, 1997-2002). The others: Esa Tikkanen (Oilers, four, 1985-90), Jiri Hrdina (Flames, Penguins, three, 1988-92), Jeff Beukeboom (Oilers, three, 1986-91) and Steve Smith (Oilers, three, 1985-90)

Hockey Now Network

Florida: Repeat Stanley Cup championships show how tight this Panthers group really is. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: The Habs see their center options dwindling as NHL teams re-sign pending free agents. Montreal Canadiens.

New Jersey: Brad Marchand trolls Devils with snarky social media post. New Jersey Devils. 

Pittsburgh: Dave Molinari offers some trite, but true draft advice to the Pittsburgh Penguins.