NHL Free Agency Tracker: Key Signings and Updates

Bowen Byram Re-signs with Sabres

Restricted free agent defenseman Bowen Byram, despite facing trade rumors, has signed a two-year contract extension with the Buffalo Sabres. The deal is reported to be worth $6.25 million per season, totaling $13 million over two years. The 24-year-old, the 4th overall pick in the 2019 draft, has displayed potential but has also experienced inconsistency early in his career. This contract offers him the opportunity to prove he can live up to his pedigree and become a solid top-four defenseman. In 100 appearances for the Sabres, Byram has recorded 10 goals and 37 assists. Although his five-on-five metrics could be better, next season will be a chance for him to showcase his full potential.

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes

Winger Nikolaj Ehlers, previously with the Winnipeg Jets, has decided to sign with the Carolina Hurricanes. After weighing his options, he agreed to a seven-year contract valued at $51 million, carrying an average annual value of $8.5 million. Ehlers played the first decade of his NHL career in Winnipeg. The speedy winger has been effective, scoring 49 goals and adding 75 assists over the last two seasons despite averaging less than 16 minutes of ice time per game. Carolina might look to utilize him more to help the team overcome their recent playoff challenges.

Mitch Marner Traded to Golden Knights

One of the most significant moves this offseason saw the Vegas Golden Knights acquire star forward Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs through a reported sign-and-trade agreement. Marner, 28, is set to sign an eight-year deal with Vegas worth $96 million, carrying a $12 million average annual value. In return, the Maple Leafs reportedly received third-line center Nicolas Roy. Marner, who would have been a top free agent, immediately boosts the scoring power of Vegas`s top line.

Panthers Retain Core Players

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito managed to keep crucial players from hitting the open market, securing extensions for Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad for at least six more years. These players reportedly took reduced salaries to stay with the team and continue their pursuit of Stanley Cups.

• Veteran forward Brad Marchand is reported to have signed a six-year, $32 million extension ($5.33 million AAV). He had a significant impact after joining the team last season, with 20 points in the playoffs.
• Sam Bennett, awarded the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy, signed an eight-year contract worth $64 million ($8 million AAV). His dominant two-way play included leading the playoffs with 15 goals.
• Defenseman Aaron Ekblad extended for eight years at around $6.1 million annually. His offensive contribution (13 points in 19 games) and strong defensive play were vital to the team`s playoff run.

These signings ensure Florida maintains its core for a dynastic push.

Sharks Add Dmitri Orlov and Depth

Defenseman Dmitri Orlov, previously with the Carolina Hurricanes, has signed a two-year contract with the San Jose Sharks for $13 million ($6.5 million AAV). Despite his struggles in the playoffs, Orlov landed a significant deal. The Sharks, with ample cap space, acquired him to add a veteran presence to their young team.

The Sharks have focused on adding veteran depth to complement their exciting young core, signing two other players. Defenseman John Klingberg, who revitalized his play during the Oilers` playoff run, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million. They also brought in forward Adam Gaudette, a bottom-six forward who scored 19 goals with the Senators last season, signing him to a two-year contract worth $4 million ($2 million AAV).

Brent Burns Heads to Avalanche

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns, still effective at age 40, is joining the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year, $1 million contract with incentives, following his tenure with Carolina. He adds depth behind key defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews. A point of interest will be how he performs outside the Hurricanes` strong defensive structure.

Jets Sign Veterans Gus Nyquist and Jonathan Toews

The Winnipeg Jets have continued to focus on adding veteran players, signing winger Gus Nyquist to a one-year contract worth $3.25 million. Nyquist, 35, follows the recent addition of Jonathan Toews.

Jonathan Toews is scheduled to make his return to the NHL after a two-season break, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency commences on July 1. Toews, a veteran with 883 career points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, is a highly accomplished player, having won three Stanley Cups and the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 during his tenure with the Chicago Blackhawks. In his most recent season (2022-23), he posted 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games.

While Nyquist`s play saw a dip in 2024-25, he is anticipated to provide depth and play third-line minutes for the Jets. Toews adds significant leadership and experience.

Blues Add Centers Pius Suter and Nick Bjugstad

The St. Louis Blues have further enhanced their center depth by signing Pius Suter to a two-year deal worth $4.125 million annually. Suter is coming off a career-best season with the Vancouver Canucks and brings reliable defensive play along with offensive production in the 15-20 goal range. This signing is considered a strong move by Blues GM Doug Armstrong given the contract value.

The Blues also addressed their need for center depth by signing Nick Bjugstad to a two-year contract valued at $1.75 million per season. Bjugstad provides size, defensive capabilities, and some offense to the St. Louis lineup at a reasonable price.

Kaedan Korczak Stays with Golden Knights

The Vegas Golden Knights addressed their defensive needs, stemming from Nic Hague`s move and Alex Pietrangelo`s season-ending injury, by signing defenseman Kaedan Korczak to a four-year, $13 million contract ($3.25 million AAV). Vegas hopes the 24-year-old can step into a bigger role. He played effectively in limited minutes last season and is expected to take on tougher assignments.

Red Wings Sign Mason Appleton and Patrick Kane

The Detroit Red Wings have added forward Mason Appleton, who was part of a strong shutdown line for the Winnipeg Jets. Appleton signed a two-year deal worth $2.9 million per season. While not a high-scoring player, he is expected to improve Detroit`s team defense at a reasonable price point.

Veteran winger Patrick Kane is returning to the Detroit Red Wings for a third season, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. While his production isn`t at the level of his prime years with the Chicago Blackhawks, he has surpassed the 20-goal mark in his first two seasons with the Red Wings. Kane offers a top-six scoring threat as Detroit continues its push to end its playoff drought.

Devils Re-sign Cody Glass and Jake Allen

The New Jersey Devils have brought back forward Cody Glass on a two-year contract worth $2.5 million annually. Glass was acquired from the Penguins last year and contributed seven points in 14 games. This signing provides valuable depth at center for the third or fourth line without a high salary commitment.

The New Jersey Devils have also signed goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year contract extension with an annual value of $1.8 million, further reducing available options on the goaltender market. Allen was acquired from the Montreal Canadiens at the 2024 trade deadline. Last season, playing alongside Jacob Markstrom, he recorded a 13-16-1 record, a 2.66 goals-against-average, and a .908 save percentage in 31 games. His signing leaves fewer options for teams needing help in net.

Penguins Sign Anthony Mantha

Winger Anthony Mantha has signed a contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins worth $2.5 million (presumably per year, though term is not specified with the value). Mantha has played limited games (31 over two seasons) but has been effective as a middle-six forward when healthy. This signing seems like a low-risk move for the rebuilding Penguins, who could potentially trade him for future assets if he performs well.

Oilers Add Andrew Mangiapane and Re-sign Evan Bouchard

The Edmonton Oilers, aiming to bolster their reliable depth scoring, have signed forward Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract valued at $7.2 million ($3.6 million AAV). Mangiapane, 29, is coming off a 14-goal season with the Capitals and is projected to play a middle-six role for the Oilers. Edmonton is hoping this signing proves more effective than some of their recent depth acquisitions.

Defenseman Evan Bouchard has re-signed with the Edmonton Oilers on a four-year contract valued at $10.5 million per season. Bouchard has established himself as a crucial top defenseman for the team, particularly effective as a power-play quarterback. This deal, along with Darnell Nurse`s contract, means the Oilers are committing almost $20 million annually to two of their key blueliners.

Rangers Re-sign Will Cuylle and Sign Vladislav Gavrikov

The New York Rangers have re-signed forward Will Cuylle to a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $3.9 million. Cuylle, a second-round pick from the 2020 draft, had a notable season last year with 20 goals and 25 assists, making him a potential restricted free agent offer sheet target. The Rangers ensured he remained with the team by signing him to this extension.

The New York Rangers have significantly upgraded their defense by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract with a $7.0 million average annual value. Gavrikov was considered a top defenseman available in free agency. He posted five goals and 25 assists for the Los Angeles Kings in 2024-25 and is projected to partner with Adam Fox on the Rangers` top defensive pair. This signing provides a major addition for new coach Mike Sullivan.

Ducks Acquire Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks, aiming to make a postseason push next season, have signed center Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract with a $7.0 million average annual value. Granlund split last season between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars, accumulating 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists). He was effective after joining Dallas but could not be re-signed there due to salary cap issues. Granlund fills a need for center depth after the Ducks traded Trevor Zegras and can serve as a mentor to prospects like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.

Sabres Add Goaltender Alex Lyon

The Buffalo Sabres have added depth in net by signing veteran goaltender Alex Lyon to a two-year deal with an annual cap hit of $1.5 million. Lyon, 32, played for the Detroit Red Wings for the past two seasons, recording a 14-9-0 record, 2.81 GAA, and .896 SV% in 2024-25. He will join Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in Buffalo`s goaltending group, potentially challenging Luukkonen, who had a 3.20 GAA last season.

With several notable goaltenders, including Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg, Dan Vladar, and Alex Lyon, having signed, the free-agent market for netminders is becoming less deep. Remaining options like Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer are likely viewed as tandem or backup goaltenders rather than clear starters.

Predators Add Nick Perbix

The Nashville Predators, needing a right-handed defenseman to complement their left-handed depth, signed Nick Perbix to a two-year contract worth $2.75 million per season. Perbix performed well in a depth capacity for the Lightning. While it`s uncertain if he will thrive in a bigger role with Nashville, his contract doesn`t position him as a top-pair solution.

Islanders Sign Jonathan Drouin

The New York Islanders, looking for an offensive boost, have signed forward Jonathan Drouin to a two-year contract valued at $8 million ($4 million AAV). Drouin, who revitalized his career with the Colorado Avalanche (63 points in 122 games), is expected to provide playmaking and a positive presence in the Islanders` middle-six forward lines.

Kings Make Defensive and Forward Additions

The Los Angeles Kings had a busy day with defensive signings that were met with some skepticism. Cody Ceci signed a four-year, $18 million contract ($4.5 million AAV), and Brian Dumoulin signed for three years and $12 million ($4 million AAV). These signings are seen by some as curious decisions for a team that has been strong defensively recently. The Kings also acquired goaltender Anton Forsberg to replace David Rittich, who left in free agency.

The Los Angeles Kings have also signed veteran forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia to bolster their lineup. Perry, a 40-year-old winger who had a productive playoff run with Edmonton and has a history of reaching the Stanley Cup Final frequently, signed a one-year contract worth $2 million. He adds valuable veteran leadership. Armia provides depth for the Kings` bottom six forwards.

Nate Schmidt Signs with Kraken (Presumed)

Following a strong playoff performance with the Florida Panthers (contributing 12 points during their Stanley Cup run), defenseman Nate Schmidt signed a three-year contract worth a total of $10.5 million ($3.5 million AAV) with the Seattle Kraken (assuming typo for “Mammoth”). He had signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with Florida prior to the 2024-25 season. Schmidt played a depth role for the Panthers but is anticipated to take on a bigger role with his new team.

Kraken Add Ryan Lindgren

The Seattle Kraken have continued their efforts to reinforce their blueline by signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract with a $4.5 million average annual value. Lindgren played for both the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche last season, registering four goals and 18 assists in 72 total games. He provides valuable depth to Seattle`s defense as the team looks to rebound and make the playoffs.

Flyers Sign Goaltender Dan Vladar and Center Christian Dvorak

The Philadelphia Flyers, active early in free agency, have signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year contract with an annual value of $3.35 million. Vladar appeared in 30 games for the Calgary Flames last season, posting a 12-11-6 record, a 2.80 GAA, and a .898 SV%. He joins Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov in the Flyers` crease as they continue their search for a starting-caliber goaltender.

The rebuilding Philadelphia Flyers have signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year contract reportedly worth $5.4 million. Dvorak, who played the last four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in his last 82-game season. This signing addresses the Flyers` need for center depth, even after acquiring Trevor Zegras. Although the $5.4 million cap hit seems high relative to his recent production, the rising salary cap is noted as context.

Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland

The Vancouver Canucks completed key business before free agency, signing extensions for goaltender Thatcher Demko and forward Conor Garland. Demko received a three-year extension with an $8.5 million annual average value. He is recovering from an injury-affected season (10-8-3, 2.90 GAA, .889 SV% in 23 games) but has spent his entire eight-year career with Vancouver and ranks fourth in franchise wins (126). Garland signed a six-year extension worth $6.0 million per season. He is coming off a strong season with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), his second-best career total, and has scored 39 goals over his last two seasons. These extensions lock up important players for Vancouver.

Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed defenseman Ivan Provorov to a seven-year contract worth $59.5 million ($8.5 million AAV), a move considered surprising by some. Provorov has been utilized in a top-four role but has struggled with his even-strength impacts. The contract value is viewed by some as high for a player with his recent performance metrics.

Maple Leafs Re-sign John Tavares

The Toronto Maple Leafs have re-signed forward John Tavares to a four-year contract carrying a $4.38 million annual cap hit. Tavares, 34, was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and likely would have received significant interest. Last season, he put up 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games. This deal is seen as a major success for the Maple Leafs, retaining a key offensive player at a seemingly favorable cap hit, particularly after trading Mitch Marner. Tavares is expected to remain the team`s second-line center.

Stars Re-sign Matt Duchene

The Dallas Stars have retained a key veteran forward, re-signing Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Last season, he led the Stars in scoring with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists) in 82 games, including a career-high 52 assists. He also contributed six points in the playoffs. Duchene is expected to continue being a productive top-six forward as Dallas pursues a Stanley Cup.

Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson

The Colorado Avalanche have extended forward Brock Nelson, acquired from the New York Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline. Nelson, who was scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent, signed a three-year contract with a $7.5 million average annual value. He recorded 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 games for Colorado after the trade and had a total of 56 points (26 goals, 30 assists) last season, adding four assists in the playoffs. Nelson, who turns 34 around the start of the 2025-26 season, is expected to continue centering the second line.

Bruins Acquire Viktor Arvidsson

The Boston Bruins have acquired winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. The trade allowed the Oilers to clear $4 million in salary cap space. Arvidsson, who posted 15 goals and 12 assists last season (along with 2 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs), will add depth to Boston`s middle-six forward lines.