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Tarasov, 26, is a restricted free agent who is 10 years younger than Sergei Bobrovsky. They come from the same Siberian town of Novokuznetsk, and Tarasov's father, Vadim, was Bobrovsky's idol.

Hall of Famers Ray Bourque and Nicklas Lidstrom are the only defensemen who have played more games in the league with one team than Vlasic, counting the regular season and playoffs.

The deal has a base salary of $1 million, plus an additional $3 million in potential performance bonuses. This past season was the end of Benn's eight-year, $76 million contract extension.

The potential change that could go into effect as soon as 2026-27 would reduce the preseason to four games per team.

The 23-year-old Peterka is coming off consecutive 25-plus goal seasons, including 27 this year with a career-best 68 points in 77 games.

Smith, 34, had 40 points last season, including 11 in 21 games with Vegas down the stretch. He has 255 goals and 381 assists for 636 points in 1,036 NHL regular-season and playoff games.

Mogilny had been eligible for election 16 previous years going back to 2009, passed over time after time until getting in on the 17th chance.

While Darche is not saying it, the growing consensus is the Islanders are expected to select defenseman Matthew Schaefer on Friday night.

Based on Haoxi Wang's size and skating ability, there's likely to be even more pinch-me moments ahead for someone in position to become just the third Chinese-born player -- and potentially highest -- selected in the NHL draft.

The Ducks also will get the 45th overall pick in the upcoming draft that initially belonged to Columbus, along with a fourth-round pick next season.