# NHL trade deadline: Players sign extensions, go off market

NHL general managers are doing more than trying to improve their teams by  before Friday's 3 p.m. ET deadline.

They are also trying to get some of their pending free agents under contract.

If potential sellers can't get a deal done before Friday's trade deadline, it's possible a player could be moved to get something in return. That's what happened with the  and the  during the weekend.

Players can be considered off the market if they sign an extension.

Contenders, meanwhile, can know their salary cap situation going forward if they get their free agents under contract.

**Players to watch:**  and the .

Here are the key signings in the NHL in the week leading up to the :

## March 5: Utah re-signs goalie Karel Vejmelka

Karel Vejmelka gets five years at a $4.75 million average, according to . Vejmelka has a career-best 2.45 goals-against average (down nearly a goal a game from last season) and .910 save percentage and filled in admirably when Connor Ingram missed time in midseason.

## March 5: Utah re-signs defender Ian Cole

Ian Cole gets one year at a . General manager Bill Armstrong has been busy this week, re-signing Cole, Alexander Kerfoot and Olli Maatta. Cole leads the NHL with 160 blocked shots after joining the team in the offseason.

## March 5: Utah re-signs forward Alexander Kerfoot

Alexander Kerfoot gets one year for a . The Utah Hockey Club cited his versatility, leadership and community contributions. He has played 406 consecutive games and kills penalties.

## March 5: Blue Jackets re-sign forward Mathieu Olivier

Mathieu Olivier gets six years with a $3 million average. This is another sign that the  will be buyers, not sellers, this season. Olivier plays a rugged style that's important in the playoffs. He leads the team in penalty minutes (113), hits (232) and has set personal bests with 12 goals, 21 points and three game-winning goals.

## March 5: Sabres re-sign forward Jordan Greenway

Jordan Greenway gets two years at a $4 million average. The 6-foot-6 winger is a physical player (11.57 hits per 60 minutes) who kills penalties (2:55 per game while short-handed). He has dealt with injuries this season but will stick around with the last-place Sabres expected to be sellers.

## March 4: Canadiens agree to deal with forward Jake Evans

Jake Evans gets four years at a $2.85 million average. This has to disappoint NHL teams because he would have had a lot of suitors if he hadn't reached a deal with the . Evans is heading to career highs with 12 goals and 28 points. He's known for his speed and has three short-handed goals this season, plus five game-winners.

**Also:** The  and forward Jesper Boqvist agreed to a two-year deal. He has a career-best 12 goals.

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