May 20, 2025
Puck Management
Daily Briefing
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Buffalo dominates the offseason wire — Alex Tuch is officially on the market with Jarmo Kekäläinen publicly pursuing him, Lindy Ruff is locked in through 2027-28, and Bowen Byram becomes extension-eligible July 1. In Pittsburgh, AGM Jason Spezza confirmed active pursuit of Evgeni Malkin’s re-signing. And out west, Cale Makar is out for Game 1 of the Western Conference Final with an upper-body injury.
Headlines
Alex Tuch open to the market; Kekäläinen on record wanting him back
Transaction
At the Sabres’ end-of-season availability, Tuch confirmed he met with GM Kekäläinen, who “expressed his desire to have me back.” Tuch: “I don’t know how the talks are going to go, and I don’t know the future.” A decision is expected within “the next month or so.” Buffalo carries an estimated $12.9M in cap space heading into the summer.
Alex Tuch, Daily Faceoff
Spezza confirms Penguins actively pursuing Evgeni Malkin re-signing
Transaction
Asked about Malkin — a pending UFA — and the possibility of another year, AGM Spezza said: “We’re trying.” Both Spezza and GM Dubas are at the IIHF World Championship in Switzerland, where Malkin is playing for Russia. No contract framework was disclosed.
Jason Spezza, The Athletic
Blackhawks give Mikheyev permission to test UFA market after he declined their deadline offer
Transaction
GM Kyle Davidson confirmed the deadline offer was in the 2-3yr range at roughly Mikheyev’s current $4.75M cap hit; Mikheyev declined. The offer remains on the table and Davidson has given him permission to see what July 1 brings. AFP projects 3yr/$3.46M; The Athletic values him at $3.8M/season. CHI is unlikely to trade his rights before free agency opens.
Kyle Davidson, The Athletic
Lindy Ruff signs two-year extension with Buffalo through 2027-28
Management
The Sabres announced the extension Wednesday. Ruff, 66, led Buffalo to a 109-point season and its first playoff berth in 15 years, earning a Jack Adams Award nomination. The team won the Atlantic Division and a first-round series before falling to Montreal in Game 7 of the second round. Kekäläinen called it a “no-brainer.”
Sabres Official · Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff
Cale Makar out for Game 1 of Western Conference Final; listed day-to-day
Roster
Coach Bednar confirmed Wednesday morning that Makar is out for G1 vs. Vegas. He suffered an upper-body injury in a collision late in G5 vs. Minnesota and did not practice Tuesday. Sam Malinski will take on expanded responsibility. Bednar expects Makar back “at some point during the series,” possibly G2 Friday.
Jared Bednar, Daily Faceoff
All Signals
Boston Bruins
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| Management | Boston Bruins | Sweeney: “It’s going to be an uphill climb. Every team is getting better.” Shinzawa identifies no No. 1 center (Zacha as stopgap), thin defensive foot speed, goaltending depth decision (Korpisalo $3M vs. DiPietro). Key expiries: Arvidsson (UFA), Peeke (UFA), Harris (RFA). McAvoy opens 2026-27 serving a 6-game suspension for slashing Benson. | Fluto Shinzawa, The Athletic |
Buffalo Sabres
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| Transaction | Alex Tuch | Exit availability: Kekäläinen confirmed retention intent; Tuch non-committal. Decision expected “next month or so.” BUF carries ~$12.9M cap space alongside RFA commitments in Krebs and Benson. | Alex Tuch, Daily Faceoff |
| Management | Lindy Ruff | 2yr extension through 2027-28 after 109-point season, first BUF playoff berth in 15 years. Jack Adams nomination. Kekäläinen called it a “no-brainer.” | Sabres Official · Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff |
| Transaction | Bowen Byram | Extension-eligible July 1; entering final year of current deal. UFA after 2026-27 if unsigned. Joins Tuch (UFA), Krebs (RFA), Benson (RFA), and Malenstyn (UFA) on BUF’s cap queue against ~$12.9M. | Matthew Fairburn, The Athletic |
| Transaction | Alex Tuch | Agent Bartlett: R2 series does not change Tuch’s standing as the top UFA forward. “Endless options” per Fox; BUF opening offer reportedly starts with an “8.” Adrian Kempe cited as comparable. | Luke Fox, Sportsnet |
Carolina Hurricanes
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| Draft | Noel Fransen | Signed 3yr ELC. 2024 3rd-round pick (No. 69 overall). 2025-26 split between Farjestad (SHL) and BIK Karlskoga (HockeyAllsvenskan); 6G-8A in 38 games at the lower level. GM Tulsky cited mobility and speed on offensive transitions. | Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff |
Chicago Blackhawks
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| Transaction | Ilya Mikheyev | Declined CHI’s 2-3yr deadline offer (~$4.75M AAV); Davidson granted permission to test UFA market July 1. Offer remains on table. CHI unlikely to trade his rights pre-free agency. Market value projected at $3.46–$3.8M/yr. | Kyle Davidson, The Athletic |
Colorado Avalanche
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| Roster | Cale Makar | Out G1 WCF vs. Vegas with upper-body injury; sustained in collision late in G5 vs. MIN. Did not practice Tuesday. Bednar expects return “at some point during the series,” possibly G2 Friday. Sam Malinski takes expanded minutes. | Jared Bednar, Daily Faceoff |
Pittsburgh Penguins
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| Transaction | Evgeni Malkin | Spezza confirms active re-signing pursuit: “We’re trying.” Spezza and Dubas at Worlds in Switzerland, where Malkin is playing for Russia. No contract framework disclosed. | Jason Spezza, The Athletic |
| Draft | Sergei Murashov | 5-2, 1.80 GAA, .942 SV% in AHL playoffs. Spezza: “There is absolutely no cap on the ceiling for him.” Athleticism and puck-catching highlighted. AHL playoffs cited as “incredible practice” for NHL readiness. | Josh Yohe, The Athletic |
| Management | Pittsburgh Penguins | Spezza: “Actively looking to find pieces to make us better. Dan and his staff are hungry.” Platform posture maintained; patience required for AHL prospects McGroarty, Hayes, and Brunicke. | Jason Spezza, The Athletic |
Vancouver Canucks
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| Management | Patrik Allvin | Officially parts ways with the organization entirely. Earlier speculation he might remain in a reduced capacity did not materialize. Fired as GM following VAN’s 58-point season; Ryan Johnson named GM May 14 with the Sedins as co-presidents. | Frank Seravalli, Daily Faceoff |
Washington Capitals
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| Transaction | Timothy Liljegren | Re-signed: 2yr/$6.5M ($3.25M AAV). 11 pts in 47 games (WSH + SJS combined) in 2025-26; 19:51 avg. ice time. Arrived at trade deadline for a 4th-round pick. Age 27. | WSH Official |
Source Coverage Log
| Daily Faceoff | 21 articles |
| The Athletic | 18 articles |
| Sportsnet | 3 articles |