# NHL player contracts and roster changes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-player-contracts-and-roster-changes > Updated: 2026-09-20T16:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2. The NHL off-season has been characterized by significant roster movements and high-value player contracts. Initial developments focused on youth signings and their impact on salary dynamics, such as Ivan Demidov’s $9.15 million per season extension with the Montreal Canadiens and Leo Carlsson’s $18 million annual average value contract with the Anaheim Ducks. These deals have influenced broader league negotiations, with reports suggesting veteran players like Nikita Kucherov may seek salaries in the $20 million range. As the off-season progressed, teams increasingly utilized long-term commitments to secure talent amid a rising salary cap. Notable extensions included Justin Sourdif with the Washington Capitals, Noah Östlund with the Buffalo Sabres, and Zeev Buium with the Vancouver Canucks, all signing eight-year deals. The period also saw major veteran player movements, including Sergei Bobrovsky joining the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brady Tkachuk moving to the Florida Panthers. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-20: NHL off-season sees major player contracts and roster changes The NHL off-season features major roster shifts and significant long-term contracts for players like Justin Sourdif and Zeev Buium as teams adapt to a rising salary cap. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhl-off-season-sees-major-player-contracts-and-roster-changes ### 2026-09-19: NHL player contracts shift salary dynamics and youth rankings High-value NHL contracts for players like Ivan Demidov and Leo Carlsson are reshaping youth rankings and influencing major salary negotiations for stars like Nikita Kucherov. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nhl-player-contracts-shift-salary-dynamics-and-youth-rankings --- Cite as: NHL player contracts and roster changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nhl-player-contracts-and-roster-changes