NHL Free Agency Tracker: Key Signings & Trades

The NHL free agency period is officially underway, with teams across the league busy making moves to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Ahead of the July 1st start, many clubs had already completed significant business by extending contracts for important players.

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes

After evaluating his options, former Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers has signed a seven-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $51 million, carrying an average annual value (AAV) of $8.5 million. Ehlers, who spent the first decade of his NHL career in Winnipeg, will now look to help the Hurricanes push past their recent conference finals appearances. A speedy winger, Ehlers recorded 49 goals and 75 assists over the last two seasons while averaging less than 16 minutes per game. Carolina hopes increased usage can unlock new levels of his potential.

Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner to Vegas

Perhaps the most notable transaction of the offseason saw the Vegas Golden Knights acquire star forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs via a sign-and-trade agreement. Marner has signed an eight-year deal worth $96 million ($12 million AAV), committing his future to playing in the desert. In return for the offensive star, the Maple Leafs received third-line center Nicolas Roy.

Maple Leafs Retain Tavares and Knies

Despite the Marner trade, the Maple Leafs successfully retained two key forwards. Captain John Tavares remains in Toronto on a four-year contract with an AAV just over $4 million. Young forward Matthew Knies also signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension ($7.75 million AAV) before potentially hitting the market as a restricted free agent.

Panthers Keep Core Intact

Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito continues his impressive work. Facing the potential departures of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad as free agents, the Panthers managed to secure all three players on long-term contracts (at least six more years). Each player reportedly agreed to a lower annual salary to stay in Sunrise and pursue more championships.

Sharks Ink Dmitri Orlov

Defenseman Dmitri Orlov, formerly with the Hurricanes, is heading to San Jose. Despite struggles in the postseason, Orlov secured a two-year, $13 million contract ($6.5 million AAV) with the Sharks. San Jose, having ample cap space, can afford to overpay slightly, and Orlov will provide a veteran presence for their very young roster.

Brent Burns Signs with Avalanche

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns, even at 40, remains a reliable two-way player. His time in Carolina is over as he joins the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year deal worth $1 million plus incentives. Burns adds valuable depth behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews, but his performance outside Carolina`s strong defensive system will be something to watch.

Jets Add Veteran Gus Nyquist

Winnipeg has focused on bringing in experienced players this summer. After signing Jonathan Toews, the Jets added Gus Nyquist on a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. The 35-year-old Nyquist saw a decline in production in 2024-25 but is expected to contribute third-line minutes for the Jets.

Pius Suter Goes to Blues

The Blues have further bolstered their center depth by signing Pius Suter to a two-year deal worth $8.25 million ($4.125 million AAV). Coming off a career year with the Canucks, Suter offers solid defensive play along with the potential for 15-20 goals. This signing is considered a good value move by GM Doug Armstrong.

Kaedan Korczak Stays with Vegas

With Nic Hague traded and Alex Pietrangelo sidelined for the 2025-26 season, the Golden Knights need defensive solutions. They`re hoping Kaedan Korczak, who signed a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV), can step into a larger role. The 24-year-old played well in limited time last year, but tougher assignments are ahead.

Red Wings Add Mason Appleton

Mason Appleton, a key member of the Jets` effective shutdown line, has joined the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal worth $5.8 million ($2.9 million AAV). While not known for offense, Appleton significantly upgrades Detroit`s team defense at a reasonable price.

Devils Re-sign Cody Glass

The Devils acquired Cody Glass from the Penguins last year. He posted seven points in 14 games and has now re-signed on a two-year contract worth $5 million ($2.5 million AAV). New Jersey isn`t overspending, and Glass should provide a solid presence down the middle on the third or fourth line.

Anthony Mantha Signs with Penguins

Anthony Mantha, who has been limited by injuries (31 games over the last two seasons), has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins, reportedly around $2.5 million AAV. When healthy, Mantha is a dependable middle-six winger. This is a low-risk bet for Pittsburgh, a team in a rebuilding phase. If Mantha performs well, the Penguins could trade him for future assets at the deadline.

Andrew Mangiapane Joins Oilers

In their ongoing search for reliable depth scoring, the Edmonton Oilers have signed Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract worth a total of $7.2 million ($3.6 million AAV). The 29-year-old winger is coming off a 14-goal season with the Capitals and is expected to play a middle-six role. The Oilers hope he proves to be a more successful depth acquisition than previous attempts.

Rangers Re-sign Will Cuylle

Will Cuylle, a 2020 second-round pick, took a significant step last season with 20 goals and 25 assists, making him a potential offer sheet target as an RFA. New York prevented this by re-signing him to a two-year deal worth $7.8 million ($3.9 million AAV).

Sharks Bolster Depth

Beyond Orlov, the Sharks added more veteran depth around their young core. They signed defenseman John Klingberg, who revived his career during the Oilers` playoff run, to a one-year deal worth $4 million. They also signed bottom-six forward Adam Gaudette, coming off a 19-goal season with the Senators, to a two-year contract worth $4 million ($2 million AAV).

Ducks Land Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks, a team aiming for a postseason push, have signed center Mikael Granlund to a three-year deal carrying a $7.0 million AAV. Granlund was productive last season, tallying 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) between San Jose and Dallas. Anaheim needed center depth after trading Trevor Zegras and Granlund can serve as a veteran mentor for young forwards like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.

Sabres Add Goaltending Depth

The Buffalo Sabres have added veteran netminder Alex Lyon on a two-year deal with a $1.5 million annual cap hit, bolstering their goaltending depth. Lyon joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, and Buffalo may hope his presence pushes Luukkonen to improve after a 3.20 GAA last season.

Nashville Fills RHD Need with Nick Perbix

With many left-shot defensemen, the Predators needed a right-shot defender and addressed it by signing Nick Perbix to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million ($2.75 million AAV). Perbix played well in a depth role for Tampa Bay previously, and Nashville hopes he can thrive in a potentially larger role, although his contract reflects a depth signing.

Isles Ink Jonathan Drouin

Seeking to boost their offense, the Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin to a two-year deal worth $8 million ($4 million AAV). Drouin should be a good fit in the middle six, especially after revitalizing his career with Colorado, where he recorded 63 points in 122 games. While he won`t be playing with Nathan MacKinnon, his playmaking ability should benefit the Islanders.

Los Angeles Makes Multiple Defensive Additions

The Kings have had a busy day, particularly on defense, signing Cody Ceci to a four-year, $18 million contract ($4.5 million AAV) and Brian Dumoulin to a three-year, $12 million deal ($4 million AAV). These moves are seen by some as questionable for a team recently strong defensively. They also acquired goaltender Anton Forsberg, replacing departing backup David Rittich.

Kings Bring In Perry and Armia

The Los Angeles Kings have added veteran forward Corey Perry on a one-year deal worth $2 million. Perry, known for deep playoff runs, is expected to provide veteran leadership and bottom-six depth. They also added Joel Armia, also for bottom-six depth (contract details not explicitly stated).

Mammoth Add Nate Schmidt

Following an excellent postseason performance with the Panthers, Nate Schmidt has signed a three-year contract worth $10.5 million ($3.5 million AAV) with the Mammoth. After a depth role previously, he is likely headed for increased responsibility with his new team. (Note: “Mammoth” is an unusual team name for the NHL as of recent history).

Nick Bjugstad Goes to Blues

The St. Louis Blues addressed their need for center depth by signing Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract worth $3.5 million ($1.75 million AAV). Bjugstad brings size, defensive capability, and some offense to the St. Louis lineup at a reasonable cost.

Kraken Sign Ryan Lindgren

The Seattle Kraken have aimed to strengthen their blue line again, signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract with a $4.5 million AAV. Lindgren split time between the Rangers and Avalanche last season, providing solid depth as Seattle looks to rebound from missing the playoffs.

Vladislav Gavrikov Signs with Rangers

The New York Rangers significantly upgraded their defense by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract worth $49 million ($7.0 million AAV). Considered the top available defenseman in free agency, Gavrikov is expected to potentially pair with Adam Fox on the Rangers` top defensive unit under new coach Mike Sullivan.

Flyers Add Goaltending Depth with Dan Vladar

The Philadelphia Flyers have added goaltending depth by signing Dan Vladar to a two-year deal worth $6.7 million ($3.35 million annually). Vladar recorded a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 GAA and .898 SV% in 30 games last season with the Flames. He joins a goalie crease that includes Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov as the Flyers continue searching for a starting-caliber netminder.

Brock Boeser Re-signs with Canucks

In a busy start to free agency, the Vancouver Canucks re-signed winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year contract worth $7.25 million on an annual basis. Boeser was coming off a 50-point season (25 goals, 25 assists). Retaining Boeser, a forward with potential for 40 goals, was a crucial move for Vancouver.

Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak

Under GM Danny Briere, the rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers are active, signing center Christian Dvorak to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million. Dvorak brings center depth, having spent the last four seasons with Montreal, where he recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in a full season. Despite adding Zegras, the Flyers needed depth down the middle, and Dvorak provides it, though his cap hit is notable given the team`s status.

Jake Allen Stays with Devils

The goaltender market became thinner as Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils on a five-year contract extension worth $9 million ($1.8 million annually). Allen, acquired at the 2024 trade deadline, posted a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 GAA and .908 SV% splitting time last year. His signing means other goalie-needy teams will need to explore different options.

Bruins Acquire Viktor Arvidsson

The Boston Bruins added forward depth by acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The Oilers made the move to shed Arvidsson`s $4 million cap hit. Arvidsson adds middle-six depth for the Bruins, having tallied 15 goals and 12 assists last season and contributing in the playoffs.

Canucks Extend Demko and Garland

Before free agency began, the Vancouver Canucks secured two important players: goaltender Thatcher Demko signed a three-year extension ($8.5 million AAV), and forward Conor Garland signed a six-year extension ($6.0 million AAV). Both were entering the final year of their previous deals. Demko`s extension comes after an injury-affected season, while Garland is coming off a strong 50-point campaign.

Evan Bouchard Inks Big Deal with Oilers

Evan Bouchard`s future with the Oilers was never in doubt. He`s become a top defender and elite power-play quarterback. Edmonton re-signed Bouchard to a four-year contract worth $42 million ($10.5 million per season). This deal solidifies a significant portion of the Oilers` cap commitment on their top defensemen.

Patrick Kane Returns to Red Wings

Veteran winger Patrick Kane is staying with the Detroit Red Wings for a third season, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. While not producing at his peak Chicago levels, Kane has reached the 20-goal mark in his first two seasons with Detroit. He provides a top-six scoring option as the Red Wings aim to end their playoff drought.

Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov to Large Contract

One of the more surprising moves saw the Columbus Blue Jackets announce a seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) for Ivan Provorov. Columbus has used him in a top-four role, but his success there has been inconsistent, particularly at even strength. This contract is viewed by some as questionable business given his recent performance metrics.

Jonathan Toews to Sign with Jets

Jonathan Toews is set to return to the NHL after two seasons away, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens. Toews, a decorated veteran with three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy, has 883 career points. In his last NHL season (2022-23), he scored 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games.

Matt Duchene Stays with Stars

The Dallas Stars are bringing back a key veteran forward, Matt Duchene, on a four-year contract extension worth $18 million ($4.5 million per season). Duchene, who led the Stars in scoring last season with a career-high 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists), was set to become a UFA. He added six points in the playoffs and will continue to be a productive member of Dallas` top six as they pursue a Stanley Cup.

Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson

The Colorado Avalanche have secured a significant forward by signing Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension with a $7.5 million AAV. Nelson, acquired from the Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline, tallied 13 points in 19 regular-season games for Colorado. He is expected to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line, potentially with Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.