Maple Leafs sign depth forward Brandon Duhaime to three-year deal

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed forward Brandon Duhaime to a three-year contract Thursday, the second day of NHL free agency.

The 29-year-old spent last season with the Washington Capitals, recording four goals and five assists in 82 games. He has played 375 career NHL games with Minnesota, Colorado and Washington.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Toronto was one of the busiest teams on the opening day of free agency, highlighted by the signing of veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.

The Leafs also added forwards Jack Roslovic, Colton Sissons, Teddy Blueger and Zack MacEwen.

Alex Ovechkin is returning for a 22nd NHL season after re-signing with the Washington Capitals on Thursday.

"I'm back!" Ovechkin said.

The league's career goal-scoring record holder inked a deal with a $1 million US salary and bonuses worth an additional $8 million. He receives a $3.25 million signing bonus and makes the additional $4.75 million if he plays 10 games, but the contract structure allows him to count just $4.25 million against the cap. Ovechkin turns 41 in September.

Ovechkin has 929 goals after scoring 32 last season. The Russian superstar passed Wayne Gretzky's mark of 894 goals in April 2025, completing the so-called "GR8 Chase" that captivated hockey.

He had said in recent months he was waiting until the offseason to decide whether to return or retire, and management was working on contingency plans either way.

"Thank you to everyone for giving me and my family the time to make this decision," Ovechkin said. "I'm healthy. I love playing hockey and competing to win. I'm excited to come back and join my teammates so we can fight for a playoff spot and have a chance to win."

The Capitals missed the playoffs this spring but qualified