NHL free agency has officially begun, bringing significant changes as teams look to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season. Many clubs proactively secured key players with contract extensions before the July 1st opening.
A major early move saw the Vancouver Canucks retain forward Brock Boeser. He signed a seven-year extension valued at $7.25 million annually. Boeser had expressed interest in remaining in Vancouver, and with other core players locked up long-term, the team will now focus on negotiating an extension with Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes.
Meanwhile, the New York Rangers quickly added defensive depth by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million deal. Gavrikov previously played for the Los Angeles Kings for two seasons.
One of the most prominent potential free agents, Mitch Marner, was moved off the market via a sign-and-trade. The star forward signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights. In exchange, the Toronto Maple Leafs acquired third-line center Nicolas Roy.
Before the Marner trade, the Maple Leafs had already re-signed captain John Tavares to a four-year deal worth just over $4 million per year, and promising young forward Matthew Knies inked a six-year, $46.5 million contract.
In Florida, General Manager Bill Zito successfully kept the Stanley Cup-winning core intact. Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, all potential free agents, were signed to extensions, reportedly accepting team-friendly terms to remain in Sunrise and pursue more championships.
As free agency continues, several notable players are still available, including Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, veteran forwards Pius Suter and Jack Roslovic, and defenseman Brent Burns.
Anaheim Ducks Acquire Mikael Granlund
The developing Anaheim Ducks franchise added veteran experience by signing center Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $7.0 million. Granlund, who split last season between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, recorded 66 points. He was particularly productive in Dallas but couldn`t be retained due to salary cap constraints. Granlund is expected to provide depth down the middle for Anaheim, potentially serving as a mentor for young forwards like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.
Buffalo Sabres Add Goaltending Depth with Alex Lyon
The Buffalo Sabres strengthened their goaltending roster by bringing in veteran netminder Alex Lyon. He signed a two-year deal carrying a $1.5 million annual cap hit. Lyon spent the previous two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, posting a 14-9 record with a 2.81 goals-against-average and .896 save percentage last season. He joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in the Sabres` crease, potentially pushing Luukkonen after his 3.20 goals-against-average last season. Lyon`s signing takes another experienced option off the board for teams seeking goaltending help.
Nashville Predators Add Nick Perbix
Addressing a need for right-handed defensemen, the Predators signed Nick Perbix to a two-year contract worth $2.75 million. Perbix played a depth role for the Tampa Bay Lightning in recent years and will look to thrive in a potentially larger role in Nashville, though his contract reflects a depth signing.
New York Islanders Sign Jonathan Drouin
Looking to boost their offense, the Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin to a two-year deal worth $8 million. Drouin revived his career with the Colorado Avalanche, tallying 63 points over 122 games. He is expected to provide playmaking ability in the middle six forward group for New York.
Los Angeles Kings Make Defensive Additions
The Kings were active on the blue line, signing Cody Ceci to a four-year, $18 million contract and Brian Doumolin to a three-year, $12 million deal. These moves have been viewed as somewhat surprising for a team that has recently excelled defensively. They also replaced departed backup goaltender David Rittich with Anton Forsberg.
Los Angeles Kings Sign Corey Perry and Joel Armia
Adding veteran presence and depth, the Los Angeles Kings signed forward Corey Perry to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Perry is known for his extensive playoff experience, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in five of the last six seasons, and comes off a productive postseason with Edmonton. The Kings also added Joel Armia for bottom-six depth.
St. Louis Blues Add Nick Bjugstad
To address their center depth, the Blues signed Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract. Bjugstad is expected to bring size, defensive responsibility, and some offense to the lineup at a reasonable price of $1.75 million per season.
Seattle Kraken Sign Ryan Lindgren
The Seattle Kraken continued their effort to improve the defense by signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. Lindgren recorded four goals and 18 assists in 72 games last season. He provides solid defensive depth as the Kraken aim to return to the playoffs.
New York Rangers Sign Vladislav Gavrikov
The Rangers significantly upgraded their defense by signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract worth $7.0 million annually. Gavrikov tallied five goals and 25 assists with the Los Angeles Kings last season and is projected to pair with Adam Fox on New York`s top defensive unit under new coach Mike Sullivan.
Philadelphia Flyers Add Goaltending Depth with Dan Vladar
The rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers added goaltending depth by signing Dan Vladar to a two-year deal worth $3.35 million annually. Vladar posted a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 goals-against-average and a .898 save percentage in 30 games with the Calgary Flames last season. He joins Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov in the Flyers` goaltending mix as they search for a potential starter.
Brock Boeser Re-Signs with Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks had a busy start to free agency, securing forward Brock Boeser with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million annually. Boeser, coming off a season with 25 goals and 25 assists, had indicated a preference to stay in Vancouver. Keeping the potential 40-goal scorer was a significant move, especially with teammate Pius Suter also attracting interest as a free agent.
Philadelphia Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak
Under General Manager Danny Briere, the rebuilding Flyers are actively adding players. They signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million. Dvorak, who spent the past four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in a full season. The signing provides depth at center for Philadelphia.
Jake Allen Remains with New Jersey Devils
The goaltender market became tighter with the New Jersey Devils signing Jake Allen to a five-year contract extension worth $1.8 million annually. Allen, acquired by the Devils at the 2024 trade deadline, posted a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage last season while splitting time with Jacob Markstrom. His re-signing forces goalie-needy teams to look elsewhere.
Boston Bruins Acquire Viktor Arvidsson via Trade
The Boston Bruins added forward depth by acquiring Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The trade allowed Edmonton to shed Arvidsson`s $4 million cap hit. Arvidsson scored 15 goals and 12 assists for the Oilers last season and is expected to contribute to Boston`s middle-six forward group.
Vancouver Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland
Before free agency began, the Canucks extended two key players: goaltender Thatcher Demko on a three-year deal ($8.5 million AAV) and forward Conor Garland on a six-year extension ($6.0 million AAV). Both were entering the final year of their previous contracts. Demko`s past season was affected by injury, but he holds a significant place in franchise history wins. Garland had a strong season with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), his second-highest total, and has scored 39 goals over the past two seasons for Vancouver.
Mitch Marner Traded to Vegas Golden Knights
In a major move just before free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a reported sign-and-trade. Marner, 28, is set to sign an eight-year contract worth $96 million ($12 million AAV). He was considered one of the top players who could hit the open market but will instead provide immediate scoring power to Vegas`s top line. Toronto received Nicolas Roy in return.
Florida Panthers Secure Aaron Ekblad
Maintaining their championship core, the Panthers signed defenseman Aaron Ekblad to a new contract before free agency. He reportedly signed for eight years at roughly $6.1 million per year, taking a significant discount to remain with the team. Ekblad was crucial to Florida`s recent playoff success, contributing offensively and performing well defensively, and is set to patrol the blue line for years to come.
Florida Panthers Re-Sign Brad Marchand
Veteran forward Brad Marchand is also staying with the Panthers. He is reportedly close to signing a six-year, $32 million extension. Marchand was acquired by Florida at the trade deadline last season and made an immediate impact in their playoff run with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists).
Sam Bennett Remains with Florida Panthers
Playoff standout Sam Bennett has re-signed with the Panthers on an eight-year, $64 million contract. Bennett was a key player in Florida`s recent success, leading the league in goals during one of their recent playoff runs and providing strong two-way play. His performance could have commanded a large contract elsewhere, but he chose to stay in Sunrise.
Evan Bouchard Signs Big Deal with Edmonton Oilers
The Oilers secured their top defenseman, Evan Bouchard, with a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season. Bouchard has emerged as a key player, excelling both defensively and as a power play quarterback. This deal, along with Darnell Nurse`s contract, commits a substantial amount to their top defensive pair.
Patrick Kane Returns to Detroit Red Wings
Veteran winger Patrick Kane will play a third season in Detroit, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. While not at his peak, Kane has surpassed the 20-goal mark in his previous two seasons with the Wings and provides a top-six scoring option as the team aims to end its playoff drought.
Columbus Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov to Large Contract
A surprising move saw the Blue Jackets sign defenseman Ivan Provorov to a seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV). Provorov has been used in a top-four role, but his performance, particularly defensively at even strength, has been inconsistent. The contract value has been questioned given his recent struggles.
John Tavares Re-Signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs kept their captain, John Tavares, signing him to a four-year contract with a $4.38 million annual cap hit. Tavares, 34, was set to become an unrestricted free agent and would have attracted considerable interest. Last season, he recorded 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games. Retaining Tavares on an affordable multi-year deal is seen as a significant win for Toronto, especially following the Marner trade. He is expected to continue centering the second line.
Jonathan Toews to Sign with Winnipeg Jets
After two seasons away from the league, Jonathan Toews is set to make an NHL return, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens. Toews, a veteran forward and three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, has 883 career points (372 goals, 511 assists) over 1,067 games. In his last active season (2022-23), he scored 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. Toews brings significant leadership and experience to the Jets.
Matt Duchene Stays with Dallas Stars
The Stars retained a key veteran core member by re-signing forward Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene led the Stars in scoring last season with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists), including a career-high in assists. He also added six points in the playoffs. Duchene is expected to remain a productive part of the team`s top six as they pursue a Stanley Cup.
Colorado Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson
The Avalanche secured one of their significant potential free agents, signing forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, recorded 56 combined points (26 goals, 30 assists) between the Islanders and Avalanche last season. He is likely to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line.
