NHL Free Agency Tracker: Ehlers Signs with Hurricanes, Marner Traded to Vegas

The NHL free agency period is officially open, prompting teams across the league to seek improvements for their rosters ahead of the 2025-26 season. Many teams had already completed significant business before the July 1st deadline by securing key players with contract extensions.

After considering his options for a few days, former Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers has made his decision. On Thursday, Ehlers signed a seven-year contract valued at $51 million with the Carolina Hurricanes. After dedicating the initial decade of his NHL career to the Jets, Ehlers aims to assist the Hurricanes in advancing past their recurring conference finals hurdle.

The Vancouver Canucks also executed a notable move in free agency by re-signing forward Brock Boeser to a seven-year extension worth $7.25 million annually. With several crucial team members now signed long-term, the Canucks will prioritize securing a contract extension for their 2024 Norris Trophy recipient, Quinn Hughes.

Perhaps the most impactful transaction of this offseason involved the Vegas Golden Knights. Following a sign-and-trade deal, star forward Mitch Marner signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million, committing him to Vegas for the foreseeable future. In return, the Maple Leafs acquired third-line center Nicolas Roy.

On a positive note for the Maple Leafs, they successfully retained two important players. John Tavares is set to remain in Toronto on a four-year deal worth just over $4 million per year. Additionally, promising young forward Matthew Knies signed a six-year, $46.5 million agreement before being eligible to become a restricted free agent.

In other news, Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito continues his skilled maneuvering. With Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad all poised to become free agents, the Panthers managed to secure all three for a minimum of six additional years. Each player reportedly accepted a discount on their annual salary to stay in Sunrise and pursue a dynastic run.

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Carolina Hurricanes

With numerous prominent players signing extensions before free agency began, Ehlers was a highly sought-after free agent, attracting interest from several teams. Ultimately, he agreed to an $8.5 million per season contract with the Hurricanes over seven years. Over the past two seasons, the swift Ehlers accumulated 49 goals and 75 assists while playing under 16 minutes per game. Carolina may look to unlock new potential by increasing his ice time.

San Jose Sharks Sign Dmitri Orlov

Another defenseman previously with the Hurricanes is relocating – this time, it`s Orlov. Despite struggling in the postseason, Orlov secured a $13 million contract over two years in San Jose. The Sharks have the financial flexibility for such deals, and Orlov will provide an experienced presence in a predominantly young locker room.

Brent Burns Signs with Colorado Avalanche

Even at 40 years old, Burns remains a dependable two-way defender. After his tenure in Carolina, Burns is joining the Avalanche on a one-year deal worth $1 million plus incentives. Burns will add valuable depth behind Cale Makar and Devon Toews for Colorado, but his performance outside Carolina`s strong defensive system remains to be seen.

Winnipeg Jets Add Veteran Winger Gus Nyquist

Winnipeg has clearly prioritized adding experienced players this summer. Following the signing of Jonathan Toews, the team has now brought in Nyquist on a one-year deal valued at $3.25 million. While the 35-year-old Nyquist saw a decline in performance in 2024-25, he is expected to contribute third-line minutes for the Jets.

Pius Suter Goes to Blues on Two-Year Contract

After signing Nick Bjugstad earlier, the Blues further enhanced their center depth with Suter. Coming off a career-best year with the Vancouver Canucks, Suter offers reliable defense coupled with 15-20 goal potential offensively. At $4.125 million per year over two seasons, it`s considered a solid acquisition by GM Doug Armstrong.

Kaedan Korczak Stays with Vegas on Four-Year Deal

With Nic Hague departing for the Predators and Alex Pietrangelo sidelined for the entire 2025-26 season, the Golden Knights need defensive solutions. They hope Korczak, who recently signed a four-year, $13 million contract, can fill a larger role. The 24-year-old performed well in limited minutes last season, but faces increased responsibilities moving forward.

Red Wings Add Forward Depth with Mason Appleton

A significant factor in the Jets` strong defense was their shutdown line featuring Adam Lowry between Nino Niederreiter and Appleton. Now, Appleton is heading to Detroit. He may not contribute heavily offensively, but at $2.9 million per year for two seasons, the Red Wings have bolstered their team defense at a reasonable cost.

Devils Re-sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal

The Devils acquired Glass from the Penguins at last year`s trade deadline, where he recorded seven points in 14 games. At $2.5 million per season over two years, New Jersey is not overspending to retain Glass, who is expected to provide depth at center on the third or fourth line.

Anthony Mantha Lands $2.5 Million Contract with Penguins

Over the last two seasons, Mantha has played a combined 31 games. When healthy, he has been a dependable middle-six winger. His signing is a worthwhile gamble for Pittsburgh, a team clearly in a rebuilding phase. If Mantha performs well, the Penguins could potentially trade him for future assets at the deadline.

Andrew Mangiapane Signs with Oilers

In their ongoing search for consistent depth scoring, the Oilers have added Mangiapane this offseason. The 29-year-old forward is coming off a 14-goal season with the Capitals and is expected to play a middle-six role in Edmonton. The Oilers hope he proves more successful than last summer`s acquisitions. Mangiapane signed a two-year contract worth a total of $7.2 million.

Rangers Re-sign Will Cuylle

Cuylle, a second-round pick in the 2020 NHL Draft, significantly improved last season with 20 goals and 25 assists. This performance made him a potential target for an offer sheet as a restricted free agent, but New York prevented that by signing him. Cuylle will remain with the Rangers on a two-year deal valued at $3.9 million per season.

Sharks Bolster Depth

The Sharks possess an exciting group of young players and spent time reinforcing the depth chart around them with veterans. San Jose signed defenseman John Klingberg, who revitalized his career during the Oilers` playoff run, to a one-year deal worth $4 million. The Sharks also added Adam Gaudette, a bottom-six forward coming off a 19-goal campaign with the Senators, on a two-year, $4 million contract.

Ducks Land Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks, a team on the rise aiming for a postseason berth next season, signed center Mikael Granlund to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $7.0 million on Tuesday.

Granlund was traded to the Dallas Stars at the trade deadline last season and recorded 66 points (22 goals & 44 assists) combined between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas. He was productive in Dallas during the latter half of the regular season with seven goals and 14 assists, but the Stars lacked the salary cap space to retain him.

Anaheim needed depth down the middle after trading Trevor Zegras to the Philadelphia Flyers last week. Granlund addresses this need and could serve as a valuable mentor for talented young forwards such as Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.

Sabres Add Goaltending Depth in Alex Lyon

The Buffalo Sabres are enhancing their goaltending depth by bringing in veteran netminder Alex Lyon on a two-year deal carrying a $1.5 million annual cap hit.

Lyon spent the previous two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings. In 2024-25, the 32-year-old posted a 14-9-0 record with a 2.81 goals-against-average and an .896 save percentage. Lyon joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in Buffalo. The Sabres might hope Lyon pushes Luukkonen to improve upon his 3.20 goals-against-average from last season.

Several prominent goaltenders, including Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg, Dan Vladar, and Lyon, are now off the market. Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer remain available options, but are likely to fill tandem roles alongside goaltenders already on NHL rosters.

Nashville Fills RHD Need with Nick Perbix

Facing an abundance of left-handed defensemen, the Predators needed a right-handed shot and acquired one in Perbix. He signed a two-year deal worth $2.75 million after performing well in a depth role for the Lightning over recent years. Whether Perbix can excel in a larger role in Nashville remains to be seen, but his contract reflects a depth signing.

Isles Ink Jonathan Drouin to a Two-Year Deal

The Islanders could benefit from an offensive boost, which Drouin is expected to provide on an $8 million two-year contract. He will be a valuable addition to the middle-six, particularly after revitalizing his career with the Colorado Avalanche, where he accumulated 63 points in 122 games. While Drouin won`t be playing with Nathan MacKinnon, he should still contribute playmaking ability from the wing for New York.

Los Angeles Continues Busy Day with Defensive Additions

The Kings have been active today, though the effectiveness of their moves is debatable. Cody Ceci has signed a four-year deal worth $18 million, and Brian Dumoulin signed for three years at $12 million. These defensive acquisitions are somewhat surprising for a team that has recently excelled in that area. Additionally, Anton Forsberg replaces backup goaltender David Rittich, who departed in free agency.

Kings Bring In Corey Perry, Joel Armia

Congratulations to the Los Angeles Kings on winning the Western Conference title, and condolences on their Stanley Cup Final loss. Los Angeles has signed Perry, who has been on the losing side in five of the last six Cup Final matchups, to a one-year deal worth $2 million. Perry is coming off a productive playoffs in Edmonton. Joel Armia provides the Kings with additional bottom-six depth.

Mammoth Add Nate Schmidt After Excellent Postseason

Before the 2024-25 season, Schmidt signed a one-year deal with the Panthers for $800,000. He performed well in a depth role for Florida and had a stellar postseason with 12 points en route to a Stanley Cup victory. Now, Schmidt is set to earn $10.5 million over the next three seasons with the Mammoth, where he will likely take on a more significant role.

Nick Bjugstad Goes to Blues

The Blues needed to enhance their center depth and addressed this by signing Bjugstad to a two-year deal. Bjugstad brings size, defensive reliability, and some offensive contribution to the St. Louis lineup at a reasonable price of $1.75 million per season.

Kraken Ink Ryan Lindgren

The Seattle Kraken aimed to strengthen their defense for the second consecutive offseason. After signing Brandon Montour from the Florida Panthers last summer, the Kraken have signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million, according to reports.

Lindgren split the previous season between the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche. The veteran blue-liner tallied four goals and 18 assists in 72 games in 2024-25. Lindgren provides solid depth to Seattle`s defense as the franchise looks to rebound from missing the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Vladislav Gavrikov Signs with Rangers

The New York Rangers have significantly improved their defense. According to reports, the Rangers signed defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract carrying a $7.0 million average annual value.

Gavrikov was considered a top defenseman available on the free agent market this summer. He recorded five goals and 25 assists with the Los Angeles Kings in 2024-25. He is now expected to likely pair with Adam Fox as part of New York`s top defensive unit. New coach Mike Sullivan secures one of the most sought-after free agents.

Corey Perry Lands with Kings

The Los Angeles Kings are positioning themselves for a run in the Western Conference playoffs next season. According to reports, veteran forward Corey Perry is signing a one-year deal with the Kings.

Perry spent the last two seasons with the Edmonton Oilers and scored 19 goals and added 11 assists last season. The 40-year-old winger has a remarkable history, having played in the Stanley Cup Final in each of the past six seasons. Perry adds veteran leadership to a Kings team aiming to take the next step.

Flyers Add Goaltending Depth with Dan Vladar

The Philadelphia Flyers have been quite active at the start of free agency. The team announced they signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year deal valued at $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 with the Calgary Flames last season. The Flyers continue their search for a starting caliber goaltender. Vladar joins a goaltending group that includes Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov.

Brock Boeser Re-signs with Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks have had a busy commencement to free agency. After extending forward Conor Garland and goaltender Thatcher Demko earlier in the day, the Canucks have re-signed winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year contract worth $7.25 million per year.

Securing Boeser`s return is certainly a significant move for Vancouver. Boeser is coming off a season in 2024-25 where he scored 25 goals and dished out 25 assists. Throughout the negotiation process, Boeser expressed a preference to stay with the Canucks, and the two parties ultimately reached an agreement on a new contract. With teammate Pius Suter also a free agent attracting significant interest, keeping a forward with 40-goal scoring potential in the fold was crucial.

Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak to One-Year Deal

Under General Manager Danny Briere, the Philadelphia Flyers are in the midst of a rebuild but are spending at the outset of free agency. According to reports, the Flyers have signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million.

Dvorak spent the last four seasons as a member of the Montreal Canadiens. The veteran forward recorded 12 goals and 21 assists over a full 82-game season. Even with the addition of Trevor Zegras in last week`s trade with the Anaheim Ducks, the Flyers still require depth down the middle. While Dvorak`s cap hit is $5.4 million, the league`s salary cap is projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons.

Jake Allen to Stay with Devils

The goaltender market has become even thinner. According to reports, the New Jersey Devils are signing goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year contract extension valued at $1.8 million annually.

The Devils acquired Allen at the 2024 trade deadline from the Montreal Canadiens. Allen posted a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 goals-against-average and a .908 save percentage in 31 games while splitting time with starter Jacob Markstrom last year. Now, teams in need of goaltending will have to explore other avenues to fill their vacancies with Allen off the board.

Bruins Land Viktor Arvidsson in Trade

The Boston Bruins added another forward to their roster before free agency. According to reports, the Bruins are acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick.

The Oilers are attempting to shed salary, with trading Arvidsson freeing up $4 million in cap space. Arvidsson will provide depth to the Bruins` middle-six, having tallied 15 goals and 12 assists with the Oilers last season. He also added two goals and five assists during the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2024-25.

Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland

The Vancouver Canucks completed two important pieces of business before free agency commenced. The team agreed to terms with goaltender Thatcher Demko on a three-year contract extension ($8.5 million AAV) and forward Conor Garland on a six-year contract extension ($6.0 million AAV).

Both Demko and Garland were entering the final years of their respective contracts next season. Demko is coming off an injury-plagued campaign that limited him to just 23 games, where he posted a 10-8-3 record along with a 2.90 goals-against-average, an .889 save percentage, and one shutout. He has spent his entire eight-year career with the Canucks and is tied for fourth on the franchise`s all-time goaltender wins list (126).

Meanwhile, Garland had a strong season, tallying 50 points (19 goals & 31 assists), his second-highest career total. The skilled winger has combined for 39 goals over his past two seasons in Vancouver and could take on an even bigger role if Brock Boeser had signed elsewhere in free agency.

Mitch Marner Dealt to Golden Knights

On the eve of NHL free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal. According to multiple reports, Marner, 28, is expected to sign an eight-year, $96 million contract with an average annual value of $12 million. The return for Toronto is not yet finalized. Marner would have been one of the top players available on the open market. Instead, he immediately boosts Vegas` top line scoring.

Panthers Keep Core Together with Ekblad Deal

General Manager Bill Zito is not satisfied with two consecutive Stanley Cups. With Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand all set to become free agents on July 1st, it seemed improbable that Florida could retain all three. However, on the eve of free agency, the Panthers signed Marchand and Ekblad to new contracts. Regarding Ekblad, he accepted a significant discount to remain with the team, signing for eight years at roughly $6.1 million, according to reports.

Ekblad was once again vital to Florida`s postseason success, contributing 13 points in 19 games while also posting excellent five-on-five metrics. He will now anchor the blue line in Sunrise well into his thirties.

Brad Marchand Signs Long-Term with Panthers

Marchand isn`t leaving. The veteran forward is reportedly nearing a six-year, $32 million extension with the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers, according to reports. Marchand was acquired by Florida at the deadline last season after spending 16 years with the Boston Bruins. He made an immediate impact, recording 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) during the Panthers` playoff run.

Sam Bennett Will Remain with Panthers

The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is staying in Sunrise. In the Panthers` quest for consecutive Stanley Cup victories, Bennett was a dominant force. His 15 goals led the league, and he achieved this offensive output without sacrificing his defensive play. The veteran center was exceptional at both ends of the ice. Bennett`s performance could have commanded a massive payday in free agency, but he has re-signed with the Panthers on an eight-year contract worth $64 million.

Evan Bouchard Inks Big Deal with Oilers

There was little doubt about Bouchard`s future with the Oilers. He has developed into a top-tier defenseman for them and excels at quarterbacking the power play. On Monday, Edmonton announced they had re-signed Bouchard to a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season. Between Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, the Oilers now have just under $20 million committed annually to two of their primary defensemen.

Patrick Kane Returns to Red Wings

The veteran winger is remaining in Detroit for a third season after signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. While Kane may not match the production seen during his three Stanley Cup wins with the Chicago Blackhawks, he has surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of his first two seasons with the Wings. He will continue with the team, providing a top-six scoring option as they aim to end their playoff drought.

Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov to Massive Contract

One of the more surprising moves during the re-signing period was the Blue Jackets announcing a seven-year, $59.5 million contract for Provorov. Columbus has utilized him in a top-four role over the past two years, but he hasn`t consistently found success in those minutes. Paying $8.5 million per year for a defenseman who has struggled at five-on-five play seems like questionable business.

John Tavares Re-signs with Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are retaining one of their offensive threats. The team announced they have re-signed Tavares to a four-year contract with a $4.38 million annual cap hit. Tavares was slated to become an unrestricted free agent next week and would likely have garnered significant interest on the open market.

Tavares, 34, recorded 74 points (38 goals & 36 assists) in 75 regular-season games for Toronto last season. He has spent the past seven seasons with the Maple Leafs after signing a seven-year, $77 million contract as a free agent.

With the Maple Leafs expected to lose star winger Mitch Marner in free agency this summer, bringing back Tavares on a very cap-friendly multi-year deal is a significant win. Tavares is likely to continue centering Toronto`s second line when the 2025-26 season begins.

Jonathan Toews to Sign with Jets

Jonathan Toews is set to make his anticipated NHL return after two seasons away from the game. The Jets announced that Toews will sign with the franchise when free agency opens on July 1st.

Toews has accumulated 883 points (372 goals & 511 assists) over 1,067 career regular-season games. He ranks fifth in games played, sixth in points, sixth in goals, eighth in assists, and third in game-winning goals (69) in Blackhawks history. In his last full season in 2022-23, the Blackhawks captain scored 15 goals and dished out 16 assists in 53 games. Toews boasts an extensive list of achievements, including three Stanley Cups with the Blackhawks and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010.

Matt Duchene Stays with Stars

The Stars are bringing back a key member of their veteran core. Dallas has re-signed the forward to a four-year contract extension valued at $4.5 million per season. Duchene was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Duchene recorded 30 goals and 52 assists in 82 regular-season games, leading the Stars in scoring in 2024-25. His 52 assists marked a career-high last season, and his 82 points were the second-highest scoring total of his 16-year career. Duchene also contributed six points (one goal & five assists) in 18 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Duchene is expected to continue being a highly productive player in the team`s top six forwards as they pursue a Stanley Cup next season.

Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson

The Avalanche are keeping arguably their top free agent for the foreseeable future. The team has signed forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension carrying an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Nelson was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline from the New York Islanders and tallied 13 points (6 goals & 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games with Colorado. He recorded a combined 56 points (26 goals & 30 assists) between the Avalanche and Islanders, while also registering four assists in the team`s first-round series loss to the Dallas Stars. Nelson will likely continue centering the Avalanche`s second line, potentially playing alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.

Nelson is set to turn 34 years old around the start of the 2025-26 season this fall.