NHL Shocker: Schaefer and Kravtsov’s Unexpected Moves Shake Up the League—What’s Next for Colangelo, Villenueve, and Khudobin?

The New York Islanders have officially locked down their prized first-overall pick from the 2025 NHL Draft, Matthew Schaefer. This promising young defenseman just inked a three-year entry-level deal that carries a $975,000 salary cap hit and an impressive average annual value of $4.475 million. The contract isn’t just a number on paper—Schaefer’s got an NHL base salary of $877,500, plus a signing bonus topping out at $97,500, with potential incentive bonuses that could swell his paycheck by up to $3.5 million through “A” and “B” bonuses. He’s not resting on his laurels either; in his own words, the grind’s just beginning as he battles for a spot on the Islanders roster. Should the jump to the NHL not materialize right away, Schaefer’s slated to return to the Erie Otters in the OHL, with NCAA eligibility off the table and AHL play still out of reach due to his age. It’s a critical juncture for the burgeoning talent, packed with exciting possibilities and challenges ahead. LEARN MORE

Matthew Schaefer signed his entry-level contract

Puck Pedia: The New York Islanders signed 2025 first-overall pick Matthew Schaefer to a three-year entry-level contract with $975,000 salary cap hit and an AAV of $4.475 million.

He’ll have an NHL salary of $877,5000, a $97,500 signing bonus, with upto $1 million in “A” bonuses and upto $2.5 million in “B” bonuses.

NHL.com: Schaefer after signing the deal.

“Obviously, I had to work for my number and I had to work for a spot on the team, and I still have to do that, right? So, I mean, I got the number, but I still got to work for a spot on the team. And, like I said, there’s still a lot of work, and I got to put my head down, put my work boots on, and get to work. Still a lot of work to come and a lot of exciting times, but can’t wait for everything.”

If he doesn’t make the Islanders, he’ll be retrned to Erie of the OHL. He’s no longer eligible to play in the NCAA since he signed a contract, and he is too young to play in the AHL.

NHL Rumors: Some Teams Could Still be Looking to Make Some Moves

The Vancouver Canucks sign Vitali Kravtsov

Vancouver Canucks: The Canucks have signed forward Vitali Kravtsov to a one-year, two-way deal.

Puck Pedia: Kravtsov will get $775,000 in the NHL and $450,000 in the minors.

The Anaheim Ducks re-sign Sam Colangelo

Puck Pedia: The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed 23-year-old RFA forward Sam Colangelo to a two-year contract with a $850,000 salary cap hit.

2025-26: $850,000 NHL salary, and $375,000 in the minors
2026-27: $850,000 and one-way

The Toronto Maple Leafs re-sign William Villeneuve

Michael Augello: The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed 23-year-old defenseman prospect William Villeneuve to a one-year, two-way extension.

He put up four goals and 36 assists in 55 games with the Toronto Marlies (AHL).

Villeneuve has definitely shown offensive prowess. Is his defensive game strong enough to become an everyday NHLer? pic.twitter.com/GF04QMuCay

— Mason Black (@NHLRankKing) August 5, 2025

NHL Rumors: Trade Possibilities for Robertson, and Tkachuk’s Injury Could be Saving Rodrigues

Anton Khudobin retires

Dallas Stars: Former Stars goaltender Anton Khudobin retires from the NHL.

NHL: Khudobin played for the Wild, Bruins, Hurricanes, Ducks, Stars and Blackhawks.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? Rumor roundups and hot topics from around the league. We’re also posting some stuff on Instagram.