Suter will be bought out of the last year of his contract by the Stars, Jeff Marek of Sportsnet reports Thursday.

Suter is still on the books for the Wild after they previously bought out his contract and will now potentially be costing three different clubs cap space -- assuming he signs elsewhere when the free-agent window opens Monday. During his three-year stint with the Stars, the veteran defenseman played all 246 regular-season games, in which he tallied 12 goals and 62 assists. Given his age, the Madison, Wisconsin native could also opt to hang up his skates rather than extend his career.

Lafferty's negotiating rights, along with Ilya Mikheyev and a second-round pick in 2027, were traded to the Blackhawks from the Canucks for a fourth-round pick in 2027 on Wednesday, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

Lafferty had not agreed to a contract at the time of the trade, but the Blackhawks will have until Sunday night to negotiate with him exclusively before free agency opens Monday. If he signs with Chicago, this would be Lafferty's second stint with the team. He earned 32 points over 97 contests across parts of two seasons with the Blackhawks, and he continued his solid depth scoring with 24 points in 79 outings with the Canucks in 2023-24.

Mikheyev, along with the negotiating rights to Sam Lafferty and a second-round pick in 2027, were traded from the Canucks to the Blackhawks on Wednesday in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports.

Mikheyev's a useful player, but his $4.75 million cap hit had become burdensome for the Canucks. This deal gives them cap flexibility heading into the draft and free agency, while the Blackhawks get a middle-six forward with speed and defensive skills to bolster their depth. Mikheyev had 31 points in 78 contests in 2023-24 after being limited to 28 points in 46 games due to a knee injury the year prior.

Highmore signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Senators on Wednesday, per PuckPedia.

Highmore picked up two assists in seven NHL games last year, his first with the Senators. He added 31 points over 43 games with AHL Belleville. Highmore will have a chance to compete for a bottom-six role in training camp.

Blueger signed a two-year, $3.6 million contract with the Canucks on Wednesday.

Blueger was set to be a free agent Monday, but instead he'll return to the Canucks on a new deal. The 29-year-old matched his career high with 28 points in 68 contests in 2023-24, playing primarily in a third-line role. Given Vancouver's ample center depth, that's likely where Blueger will slot for 2024-25, pending any other additions up front. He'll also feature prominently on the team's penalty kill.

O'Brien signed a three-year contract with Utah HC on Wednesday, per Chris Johnston of The Athletic.

O'Brien had five goals, 14 points, 153 PIM and 228 hits in 75 contests with the Coyotes in 2023-24. The 29-year-old is likely to serve primarily on the fourth line for the upcoming season. He was eligible to become an unrestricted free agent Monday after completing his two-year, $1.55 million contract.

Back signed a one-year, two-way contract with Dallas on Tuesday.

Back collected seven goals and 36 points in 59 regular-season contests for AHL Texas in 2023-24. The 24-year-old forward doesn't have any NHL experience yet. Back will probably spend most, if not all, of the 2024-25 campaign in the minors.

San Jose acquired Walman and a 2024 second-round pick from Detroit on Tuesday in exchange for future considerations.

Walman produced 12 goals, 21 points, 108 shots on net and 151 blocked shots in 63 games during the 2023-24 campaign. The 28-year-old defender has two more seasons left on his three-year, $10.2 million contract. As a member of the Sharks, Walman could occupy a top-four role and see power-play time.

Kolyachonok signed a two-year contract with Utah on Tuesday.

Kolyachonok earned one goal, three assists, five shots on net, six blocked shots and four hits in five NHL outings this past season. He also collected eight goals and 11 points in 36 regular-season contests for AHL Tucson during the 2023-24 campaign. He will compete for a depth spot on the Utah blue line during training camp in the fall.

Mittelstadt signed a three-year, $17.25 million deal with Colorado on Tuesday.

Mittelstadt put up solid numbers for the Avs after being acquired at the trade deadline last season. The 25-year-old center garnered four goals on 25 shots to go with six helpers, 12 hits and eight blocks in 18 regular-season appearances. Previously scheduled to be a restricted free agent this offseason, Mittelstadt avoids a protracted contract negotiation by getting this deal done early. Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, the Minnesota native should be capable of reaching the 50-point threshold for a third consecutive season and even challenging for 60-plus.