NHL free agency period is now open, as teams across the league look to upgrade their rosters in preparation for the 2025-26 season. Many organizations took proactive steps by signing key players to contract extensions before the official start on July 1st.
Key Transactions Highlight Free Agency Opening
The **Vancouver Canucks** made significant headlines on day one by successfully re-signing forward **Brock Boeser**. Boeser agreed to a seven-year contract extension with an annual average value of $7.25 million, ensuring he remains in Vancouver long-term. Boeser had expressed interest in staying throughout the negotiation process. With several core pieces secured, the team`s next focus is reportedly an extension for their star defenseman and 2024 Norris Trophy winner, Quinn Hughes.
Before free agency officially opened, the Canucks also extended goaltender **Thatcher Demko** (three years, $8.5 million AAV) and forward **Conor Garland** (six years, $6.0 million AAV). Demko`s previous season was limited by injury (10-8-3 record, 2.90 GAA, .889 SV% in 23 games), but he ranks fourth in franchise wins (126). Garland had a productive year, tallying 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), his second-best career total.
Perhaps the most impactful move occurred just prior to the market opening when the **Toronto Maple Leafs** traded star forward **Mitch Marner** to the **Vegas Golden Knights**. In a reported sign-and-trade agreement, Marner signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million ($12 million AAV) and will now play in Vegas. The Maple Leafs acquired third-line center **Nicolas Roy** in the transaction. Despite the Marner trade, Toronto retained two key players: Captain **John Tavares** re-signed on an affordable four-year deal worth slightly over $4 million per year and is expected to anchor the second line. Young forward **Matthew Knies** also signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension before hitting restricted free agency.
General Manager Bill Zito of the **Florida Panthers** continued his strong management by securing core players **Brad Marchand**, **Sam Bennett**, and **Aaron Ekblad** on long-term extensions before they reached free agency. All three reportedly accepted reduced annual salaries to stay with the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champions and aim for a dynasty. **Brad Marchand** is finalizing a six-year, $32 million extension. Acquired last deadline, he added 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in their playoff run. Star defenseman **Aaron Ekblad** signed for eight years at approximately $6.1 million AAV, a notable discount. He was crucial in the playoffs (13 points in 19 games) and defensively. **Sam Bennett**, the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, committed for eight years at $64 million ($8 million AAV). He led the league with 15 playoff goals and provided excellent two-way play.
Other Notable Player Movements
The **New York Rangers** bolstered their defense by signing blueliner **Vladislav Gavrikov** to a seven-year contract carrying a $7.0 million average annual value. Gavrikov was considered a top defenseman available on the market and is projected to form a top pairing with Adam Fox.
The **Anaheim Ducks**, looking to make a playoff push, signed center **Mikael Granlund** to a three-year deal with a $7.0 million AAV. Granlund had a productive season (66 points split between San Jose and Dallas) and will add depth and mentorship for young players following the Trevor Zegras trade.
The **Buffalo Sabres** added goaltending depth, bringing in veteran netminder **Alex Lyon** on a two-year contract worth $1.5 million annually. Lyon (14-9-0, 2.81 GAA, .896 SV%) joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in the crease.
The **Nashville Predators** addressed their need for a right-handed defenseman by signing **Nick Perbix** to a two-year deal worth $2.75 million total. He previously played a depth role for Tampa Bay.
The **New York Islanders** sought to boost their offense by signing **Jonathan Drouin** to a two-year, $8 million contract. After revitalizing his career in Colorado (63 points in 122 games), Drouin provides playmaking ability.
The **Los Angeles Kings** were active, signing defensemen **Cody Ceci** (four years, $18 million) and **Brian Dumoulin** (three years, $12 million), moves seen by some as questionable given their existing defensive strength. They also signed veteran forward **Corey Perry** to a one-year, $2 million contract and added **Joel Armia** for bottom-six depth. **Anton Forsberg** joins to replace departed backup goalie David Rittich.
The **St. Louis Blues** added center depth by signing **Nick Bjugstad** to a two-year contract valued at $1.75 million per season, bringing size, defense, and some offense.
The **Seattle Kraken** continued to improve their defense, signing blueliner **Ryan Lindgren** to a four-year deal with a $4.5 million AAV. Lindgren adds solid depth (4 goals, 18 assists in 72 games last season) as Seattle aims to return to the playoffs.
The **Philadelphia Flyers** were busy early, signing goaltender **Dan Vladar** to a two-year contract reportedly worth $3.35 million annually, reinforcing a goaltending group including Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov. They also signed center **Christian Dvorak** to a one-year, $5.4 million contract, adding depth up the middle during their rebuild.
The **New Jersey Devils** secured their goaltending tandem by re-signing **Jake Allen** to a five-year extension worth $1.8 million annually. Allen (13-16-1 record, 2.66 GAA, .908 SV%) was acquired at the 2024 deadline.
The **Boston Bruins** added forward depth by acquiring winger **Viktor Arvidsson** from Edmonton in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Arvidsson (15 goals, 12 assists last season) provides depth while helping the Oilers manage their salary cap.
The **Edmonton Oilers** re-signed defenseman **Evan Bouchard** to a four-year contract valued at $10.5 million per season. Bouchard is a key top defender and power-play quarterback, representing a significant investment alongside Darnell Nurse.
Veteran winger **Patrick Kane** is returning to the **Detroit Red Wings** for a third season, signing a one-year, $3 million deal to provide top-six scoring as the team seeks to end its playoff drought.
In a somewhat surprising move, the **Columbus Blue Jackets** signed defenseman **Ivan Provorov** to a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million ($8.5 million AAV). The significant value has been debated given his performance in a top-four role.
Veteran center **Jonathan Toews** is set to make his return to the NHL after two seasons away, signing with the **Winnipeg Jets** when free agency opens. Toews (883 career points) is a decorated player with three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy.
The **Dallas Stars** retained a key veteran, re-signing forward **Matt Duchene** to a four-year contract worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene led the Stars in scoring last season (30 goals, 52 assists for 82 points) and was productive in the playoffs, remaining a vital top-six forward.
The **Colorado Avalanche** extended forward **Brock Nelson** to a three-year deal valued at $7.5 million AAV. Acquired at the 2025 deadline, Nelson (56 combined points) is expected to continue centering the second line. He will turn 34 near the start of the upcoming season.
