The NHL free agency period is officially underway, with teams across the league actively working to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Several key players had already been secured through extensions before the July 1 opening date.
A significant move on the first day saw the Vancouver Canucks retain forward Brock Boeser, who signed a seven-year contract extension worth $7.25 million per year. Boeser had consistently indicated his preference to stay in Vancouver. With other core players locked up long-term, the team`s next priority is reportedly an extension for defenseman Quinn Hughes, the 2024 Norris Trophy winner.
Elsewhere, the New York Rangers kicked off free agency by signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year, $49 million contract. Gavrikov spent the previous two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings.
Perhaps the most prominent potential free agent is already off the market. Star forward Mitch Marner joined the Vegas Golden Knights via a sign-and-trade agreement, signing an eight-year, $96 million deal ($12 million AAV). In return, the Maple Leafs acquired third-line center Nicolas Roy.
Prior to the Marner trade, the Maple Leafs successfully re-signed two important players: John Tavares on a four-year deal worth just over $4 million annually, and restricted free agent Matthew Knies on a six-year, $46.5 million contract.
Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito continues his impressive work, ensuring key players remain with the team. Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, all slated for free agency, were re-signed for at least six more years. Each reportedly accepted a lower annual salary to stay in Sunrise and continue pursuing championships.
As NHL free agency officially commenced on Tuesday at noon ET, several intriguing players remain available. Winger Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets is an appealing option for teams needing offense. Veteran forwards like Pius Suter and Jack Roslovic are also on the market, while Brent Burns stands out among available defensemen.
Ducks Sign Mikael Granlund
The Anaheim Ducks, a team looking to climb into playoff contention next season, signed center Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract with a $7.0 million average annual value on Tuesday. Granlund, who was traded to the Dallas Stars last season, recorded 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) split between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas. He was particularly productive in Dallas but the Stars lacked the cap space to keep him. Granlund addresses Anaheim`s need for depth down the middle following the trade of Trevor Zegras and can serve as a mentor for young talents like Leo Carlsson and Mason McTavish.
Sabres Add Goaltending Depth
The Buffalo Sabres acquired additional goaltending depth by signing veteran netminder Alex Lyon to a two-year deal with a $1.5 million annual cap hit. Lyon spent the last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, posting a 14-9-0 record with a 2.81 goals-against-average and .896 save percentage last season. He joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in Buffalo`s crease. With notable goalies like Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg, and Dan Vladar already signed, remaining options such as Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer are more likely to fill tandem roles.
Predators Add Nick Perbix
With a surplus of left-handed defensemen, the Nashville Predators addressed their need for a right-handed shot by signing Nick Perbix to a two-year deal worth $2.75 million. Perbix played effectively in a depth role for the Tampa Bay Lightning and will have an opportunity for a larger role in Nashville, commensurate with his contract value.
Islanders Sign Jonathan Drouin
Seeking an offensive boost, the Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin to a two-year, $8 million contract ($4 million AAV). Drouin revitalized his career with the Colorado Avalanche, tallying 63 points in 122 games. He is expected to provide valuable playmaking ability on the wing, likely in the middle six.
Kings Make Defensive Additions
The Los Angeles Kings were active with their defensive signings, although the moves raised some eyebrows. Cody Ceci signed a four-year, $18 million contract, and Brian Dumoulin signed for three years and $12 million. These additions were described as questionable for a team generally strong defensively. The Kings also signed Anton Forsberg to replace departed backup goaltender David Rittich.
Kings Sign Corey Perry, Joel Armia
The Los Angeles Kings added veteran forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia. Perry, who had a productive playoff run last season, signed a one-year deal worth $2 million. Armia provides additional depth for the bottom six forward group.
Mammoth Add Nate Schmidt
After a strong postseason performance with the Florida Panthers (12 points en route to a Stanley Cup win), Nate Schmidt, who played last season on a one-year, $800,000 deal, signed a three-year, $10.5 million contract with the Mammoth, where he is likely to take on a larger role.
Blues Sign Nick Bjugstad
To address their need for center depth, the St. Louis Blues signed Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract worth $1.75 million per season. Bjugstad brings size, defensive reliability, and some offensive contribution at a reasonable price.
Kraken Sign Ryan Lindgren
The Seattle Kraken continued their efforts to improve their defense, signing blueliner Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal with a $4.5 million average annual value. Lindgren split time between the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche last season, recording four goals and 18 assists in 72 games, adding solid depth as Seattle aims to return to the playoffs.
Rangers Sign Vladislav Gavrikov
The New York Rangers significantly upgraded their defense by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract worth $7.0 million annually. Considered a top free agent defenseman, Gavrikov recorded five goals and 25 assists with the Los Angeles Kings last season and is expected to play a key role, potentially paired with Adam Fox.
Kings Sign Corey Perry
Looking to bolster their roster for a potential playoff push, the Los Angeles Kings signed veteran forward Corey Perry to a one-year deal. Perry, 40, previously spent two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, scoring 19 goals and 11 assists last season. Known for his remarkable track record of reaching the Stanley Cup Final in the past six years, he adds valuable veteran leadership.
Flyers Add Dan Vladar
The Philadelphia Flyers were active early in free agency, adding goaltending depth by signing Dan Vladar to a two-year contract worth $3.35 million annually. Vladar posted a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 goals-against-average and an .898 save percentage in 30 games for the Calgary Flames last season. He joins Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as the Flyers continue searching for a starting goaltender.
Canucks Re-sign Brock Boeser
The Vancouver Canucks had a busy start to free agency, extending both Conor Garland and Thatcher Demko before re-signing winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million annually. Boeser, who recorded 25 goals and 25 assists last season, had expressed a strong desire to remain in Vancouver. This move secures a key forward with significant scoring potential.
Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak
In their ongoing rebuild under General Manager Danny Briere, the Philadelphia Flyers signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year contract worth $5.4 million. Dvorak recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in 82 games for the Montreal Canadiens last season. While his cap hit is notable, he adds necessary center depth, a need even after acquiring Trevor Zegras. The league`s salary cap is projected to rise significantly in coming seasons.
Jake Allen Stays with Devils
The goaltender market became thinner as the New Jersey Devils signed Jake Allen to a five-year contract extension worth $1.8 million annually. Acquired from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2024 trade deadline, Allen posted a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage in 31 games last season while splitting time with Jacob Markstrom. This signing means teams in need of goaltending will need to explore other options.
Bruins Acquire Viktor Arvidsson
The Boston Bruins added a forward before free agency opened, acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The Oilers made the trade to free up $4 million in cap space. Arvidsson adds depth to Boston`s middle six, contributing 15 goals and 12 assists last season, plus seven points (2G, 5A) in the 2024-25 playoffs.
Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland
The Vancouver Canucks completed two important pieces of business before free agency officially began, agreeing to contract extensions with goaltender Thatcher Demko (three years, $8.5 million AAV) and forward Conor Garland (six years, $6.0 million AAV). Both players were entering the final years of their previous contracts. Demko`s last season was affected by injury, limiting him to 23 games (10-8-3, 2.90 GAA, .889 SV%), but he ranks fourth in franchise history for goaltender wins. Garland had a strong season with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), his second-highest career total, and has scored 39 goals over the past two seasons in Vancouver.
Mitch Marner Traded to Golden Knights
On the eve of NHL free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded star winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a reported sign-and-trade deal. Marner, 28, is expected to sign an eight-year, $96 million contract with a $12 million average annual value. Marner would have been one of the top players available on the open market, and his addition immediately provides significant scoring power to Vegas` top line.
Panthers Re-sign Aaron Ekblad
Aiming to continue their success after back-to-back Stanley Cups, the Florida Panthers re-signed defenseman Aaron Ekblad to a new contract. Ekblad reportedly took a notable discount, signing for eight years at approximately $6.1 million annually. Ekblad was vital to Florida`s playoff success, contributing 13 points in 19 games while posting strong defensive numbers, and will remain a core part of their defense for years to come.
Panthers Re-sign Brad Marchand
Veteran forward Brad Marchand is reportedly signing a six-year, $32 million extension to stay with the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers. Marchand was acquired by Florida at the trade deadline last season after a 16-year career with the Boston Bruins. He made an immediate impact, recording 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) during the Panthers` playoff run.
Panthers Re-sign Sam Bennett
The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is also staying in Sunrise. Sam Bennett was a dominant force during the Panthers` recent Stanley Cup victories. His 15 goals led the league in the playoffs, and he excelled at both ends of the ice. Despite a performance that could have commanded a massive contract in free agency, Bennett re-signed with the Panthers on an eight-year contract worth $64 million ($8 million AAV).
Oilers Sign Evan Bouchard to Extension
Evan Bouchard`s future in Edmonton was never really in doubt. He has established himself as a top defenseman for the Oilers and is a primary power-play quarterback. Edmonton announced they re-signed Bouchard to a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season, a significant commitment to their defensive core alongside Darnell Nurse.
Patrick Kane Returns to Red Wings
Veteran winger Patrick Kane will return to the Detroit Red Wings for a third season, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. While his production isn`t at his career peak, Kane has surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of his first two seasons with the Wings, providing a valuable top-six scoring option as the team tries to end its playoff drought.
Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov
One of the more surprising moves was the Columbus Blue Jackets signing Ivan Provorov to a seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV). Provorov has been used in a top-four role for the past two years but has reportedly struggled in those minutes, leading many to question the significant value of the contract given his performance.
Maple Leafs Re-sign John Tavares
The Toronto Maple Leafs are keeping one of their key offensive players, re-signing Captain John Tavares to a four-year contract with a $4.38 million annual cap hit. Tavares, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, recorded 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games last season. Re-signing him at a relatively affordable rate is seen as a significant win, particularly with Mitch Marner`s departure, and he is expected to continue centering the second line.
Jonathan Toews to Sign with Jets
Jonathan Toews is set to make his return to the NHL after a two-season absence, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens on July 1. Toews, a decorated veteran with three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy, has 883 career points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, all with the Chicago Blackhawks. In his last active season (2022-23), he recorded 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games.
Matt Duchene Stays with Stars
The Dallas Stars re-signed veteran forward Matt Duchene to a four-year extension worth $4.5 million annually. Duchene, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent, led the Stars in scoring last season with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists) in 82 games, including a career-high in assists. He also added six points in the playoffs. Duchene will remain a productive member of their top-six forward group as they aim for a Stanley Cup.
Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson
The Colorado Avalanche extended forward Brock Nelson with a three-year contract carrying a $7.5 million average annual value. Acquired from the New York Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline, Nelson recorded 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games for Colorado, totaling 56 points on the season. He is expected to continue centering the second line, potentially alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Nelson will be 34 years old when the next season begins.
Elton Marrow