NHL free agency 2026: Grades, fits for all the big signings - ESPN

The 2026 NHL offseason has already been busy with a number of huge trades and the NHL draft.

As the free agent deals roll in, ESPN NHL reporters Ryan S. Clark, Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski will be grading the big-name signings, including the player's fit with his new team, terms of the deal and more.

We'll continue to assess the most notable moves through the offseason, so check back for fresh grades as deals are consummated; the newest grades will be listed first. Contract terms are per year.

Draft recap: All 224 picks
Grades for all 32 teams
Winners and losers

The terms: 4 years, $5.75 million AAV

Grade: B+

Where does he fit?

Jenner will come in to boost the Capitals' third line using his collection of well-established skills. The long-time captain in Columbus might be approaching his mid-30s but is still a reliable contributor (with 13 goals and 38 points in 67 games last year) and playmaker who can move the puck and give Washington some net-front presence. The Capitals have clearly prioritized adding size to their forward group in the offseason, and Jenner (clocking in at 6-foot-2) fits the bill there. He's also an experienced leader and will bring his knowledge to a Capitals' dressing room that is still uncertain about whether its own captain (Alexander Ovechkin) will be returning next season.

Does it make sense?

In the short term, yes. How well Jenner can live up to the deal in its third and fourth seasons remains to be seen. But again, Washington doesn't know (or isn't saying, yet) if Ovechkin will return and while Jenner isn't about to replace what Ovechkin does, he gives the Capitals a good veteran player. The Capitals' lack of center depth cost them last year — especially when Pierre-Luc Dubois went