NHL Free Agency Tracker: Key Signings and Trades

NHL Free Agency is underway, marking the period when teams across the league aim to bolster their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Many organizations successfully secured key players through contract extensions before the official start date of July 1st.

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 worth $51 million with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ehlers, who spent the first decade of his NHL career with the Jets, will now join the Hurricanes in their bid to overcome recent conference finals hurdles.

The Vancouver Canucks also made a significant move in free agency, re-signing forward Brock Boeser to a seven-year contract extension valued at $7.25 million annually. With several important players now signed to long-term deals, the team`s focus will likely shift towards securing a contract extension for the 2024 Norris Trophy winner, Quinn Hughes.

One of the most impactful transactions of the offseason was executed by the Vegas Golden Knights. Through a sign-and-trade agreement involving the Toronto Maple Leafs, star forward Mitch Marner signed an eight-year deal worth $96 million, committing him to Vegas for the foreseeable future. In exchange, the Maple Leafs acquired third-line center Nicolas Roy.

On the positive side for the Maple Leafs, they managed to retain two significant players. John Tavares will remain in Toronto on a four-year deal worth just over $4 million per year, and young forward Matthew Knies signed a six-year contract valued at $46.5 million before becoming a restricted free agent.

Elsewhere, Florida Panthers General Manager Bill Zito continued his successful work. Facing the potential free agency of Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, the Panthers secured all three players for at least six more years. Each player reportedly accepted a discount on their annual salary to stay in Sunrise and pursue a potential dynasty.

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes

With many prominent names re-signed prior to free agency, Ehlers was a highly sought-after player with multiple interested teams. Ultimately, he signed with the Hurricanes on a contract averaging $8.5 million per season. Over the past two seasons, the fast winger accumulated 49 goals and 75 assists while playing less than 16 minutes per game. Carolina may look to utilize him more extensively to help him reach new performance levels.

Sharks Sign Dmitri Orlov

Another defenseman formerly with the Hurricanes, Dmitri Orlov, has signed a two-year, $13 million contract with the San Jose Sharks. Despite struggling in the recent postseason, Orlov secured a significant payday. The Sharks, having ample cap space, can afford this signing, and Orlov is expected to provide a veteran presence in their very young locker room.

Brent Burns Heads to Avalanche

Even at 40 years old, Brent Burns remains a dependable two-way defenseman. Leaving his tenure in Carolina behind, Burns will join the Colorado Avalanche on a one-year deal worth $1 million plus incentives. Burns will add valuable depth behind key defensemen Cale Makar and Devon Toews, though his performance outside Carolina`s highly-regarded defensive system remains to be seen.

Jets Add Veteran Winger Gus Nyquist

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

Pius Suter Joins Blues on Two-Year Deal

Following the signing of Nick Bjugstad, the St. Louis Blues further strengthened their center depth with Pius Suter. Coming off a career-best year with the Vancouver Canucks, Suter offers solid defensive play along with scoring potential of 15-20 goals. General Manager Doug Armstrong secured a good deal, paying him $4.125 million per year.

Kaedan Korczak Stays with Vegas

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

Red Wings Acquire Mason Appleton for Forward Depth

A key component of the Jets` strong defense was their shutdown line featuring Adam Lowry between Nino Niederreiter and Mason Appleton. Now, Appleton is heading to Detroit. While not known for high offense, Appleton is expected to improve the Red Wings` team defense at a reasonable price of $2.9 million per year for two seasons.

Devils Re-sign Cody Glass

The Devils acquired Cody Glass from the Penguins last year, and he recorded seven points in 14 games. Signing him to a two-year, $2.5 million per season contract is not a significant financial commitment for New Jersey, and he should provide a solid presence on the third or fourth line.

Anthony Mantha Signs with Penguins

Anthony Mantha, who played a combined 31 games over the last two seasons, has signed a contract worth $2.5 million with the Pittsburgh Penguins. When healthy, Mantha has been a reliable middle-six winger. This is a strategic low-risk bet 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 Joins Oilers

In their ongoing pursuit of reliable depth scoring, the Edmonton Oilers added Andrew 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 previous depth acquisitions. Mangiapane signed a two-year contract totaling $7.2 million.

Rangers Re-sign Will Cuylle

Will Cuylle, a 2020 second-round pick, had a breakout season last year with 20 goals and 25 assists, making him a potential target for an offer sheet as a restricted free agent. The New York Rangers secured him with a two-year deal worth $3.9 million per season, preventing him from reaching the market.

Sharks Bolster Depth with Klingberg and Gaudette

The Sharks, building around an exciting young core, spent time adding veteran depth. San Jose signed defenseman John Klingberg, who revitalized his career during the Oilers` playoff run, to a one-year, $4 million deal. They also signed forward Adam Gaudette, a bottom-six player coming off a 19-goal season with the Senators, to a two-year, $4 million contract.

Ducks Acquire Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks, a team aiming for a postseason push next season, signed center Mikael Granlund to a three-year deal with an average annual value of $7.0 million. Granlund, traded to the Dallas Stars last season, recorded 66 points (22 goals, 44 assists) split between San Jose and Dallas. While productive in Dallas, the Stars lacked the cap space to re-sign him.

Anaheim needed center depth after trading Trevor Zegras. Granlund addresses this need and can serve as a mentor for young forwards like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.

Sabres Add Goaltending Depth with Alex Lyon

The Buffalo Sabres enhanced 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 last two seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, posting a 14-9-0 record with a 2.81 GAA and .896 SV% in 2024-25. He joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi, potentially pushing Luukkonen to improve his 3.20 GAA from last season.

With several goalies like Jake Allen, Anton Forsberg, Dan Vladar, and Lyon off the market, remaining options such as Alexandar Georgiev, Ilya Samsonov, and James Reimer are likely seen as tandem solutions.

Nashville Addresses RHD Need with Nick Perbix

With an abundance of left-handed defensemen, the Nashville Predators needed a right-handed defenseman and signed Nick Perbix to a two-year, $2.75 million deal. Perbix played well in a depth role for the Lightning. While his contract isn`t for a top-pairing role, it remains to be seen if he can thrive with increased responsibility in Nashville.

Islanders Sign Jonathan Drouin

The Islanders sought to boost their offense, and Jonathan Drouin is expected to contribute on a two-year deal worth $8 million. After reviving his career with the Colorado Avalanche (63 points in 122 games), Drouin will be a valuable presence in the middle six, providing playmaking ability on the wing for New York.

Los Angeles Kings Busy with Defensive Additions

The Kings have been active, adding defensemen Cody Ceci (four years, $18 million) and Brian Doumolin (three years, $12 million). These defensive acquisitions have raised some questions for a team recently strong in that area. Additionally, Anton Forsberg replaces departed backup goaltender David Rittich.

The Kings also signed veteran forwards Corey Perry (one year, $2 million) and Joel Armia. Perry, known for his recent playoff success with Edmonton, brings veteran leadership after appearing in multiple recent Stanley Cup Finals. Armia adds bottom-six depth.

Mammoth Add Nate Schmidt

Following an excellent postseason performance, Nate Schmidt, who signed a one-year, $800,000 deal with the Panthers for the 2024-25 season, is headed to the Mammoth on a three-year, $10.5 million contract. Schmidt played a depth role for Florida but is expected to take on a bigger role with his new team.

Nick Bjugstad Goes to Blues

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

Kraken Ink Ryan Lindgren

The Seattle Kraken continued their focus on improving the blue line, signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year deal with an average annual value of $4.5 million, according to reports. Lindgren split last season between the Rangers and Avalanche, recording 4 goals and 18 assists in 72 games. He provides solid depth as Seattle aims to return to 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), according to sources. Gavrikov was considered a top free agent defenseman after recording 5 goals and 25 assists with the Los Angeles Kings. He is likely to form a top defensive pairing with Adam Fox under new coach Mike Sullivan.

Flyers Add Goaltending Depth with Dan Vladar

The Philadelphia Flyers have been active, announcing the signing of goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year deal worth $3.35 million annually. Vladar had a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 GAA and .898 SV% in 30 games with Calgary last season. He joins Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov in the Flyers` crease as the team continues to search for a starting caliber goaltender.

Brock Boeser Re-signs with Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks had a busy start to free agency, extending Conor Garland and Thatcher Demko before re-signing winger Brock Boeser to a seven-year, $7.25 million annual contract. Boeser, who preferred to stay in Vancouver, is coming off a season with 25 goals and 25 assists. This was a major move to keep a player with 40-goal potential.

Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak

The Philadelphia Flyers, currently in a rebuild under GM Danny Briere, are spending early in free agency. They signed center Christian Dvorak to a one-year deal worth $5.4 million, according to reports. Dvorak, who spent four seasons with Montreal, recorded 12 goals and 21 assists in a full season. The Flyers needed center depth despite acquiring Trevor Zegras, and while Dvorak`s cap hit is notable, the league`s cap is expected to rise.

Jake Allen Stays with Devils

The goaltender market thinned further as Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils on a five-year contract extension worth $1.8 million annually, according to reports. The Devils acquired Allen last year. He posted a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 GAA and .908 SV% in 31 games while splitting time with Jacob Markstrom. Goalie-needy teams will now need to explore other 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 pick, according to reports. Edmonton shed Arvidsson`s $4 million cap hit. Arvidsson will provide middle-six depth for Boston, having scored 15 goals and 12 assists last season, plus 2 goals and 5 assists in the playoffs.

Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko and Conor Garland

Vancouver completed two key pieces of business before free agency by extending 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 year of their contracts. Demko had an injury-affected season with a 10-8-3 record, 2.90 GAA, and .889 SV%, but is tied for fourth in franchise wins. Garland had a strong season with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), his second-highest total, and has scored 39 goals over the past two seasons.

Mitch Marner Traded to Golden Knights

On the eve of free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs traded Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a reported sign-and-trade. Marner, 28, is expected to sign an eight-year, $96 million deal ($12 million AAV). The return for Toronto was Nicolas Roy. Marner was a top free agent option and provides immediate scoring power for Vegas.

Panthers Keep Core Together with Ekblad Deal

Aiming for a dynasty, GM Bill Zito worked to keep his core. After back-to-back Cups, it seemed difficult to retain Marchand, Bennett, and Ekblad. However, the Panthers signed Marchand and Ekblad before July 1. Ekblad reportedly took a significant discount, signing for eight years at around $6.1 million annually. He was crucial in the Panthers` playoff success with 13 points in 19 games and excellent five-on-five play. He will patrol Florida`s blue line well into his 30s.

Brad Marchand Signs Long-Term with Panthers

Brad Marchand is reportedly close to signing a six-year, $32 million extension with the two-time champion Panthers. Traded to Florida last season after 16 years with Boston, he made an immediate impact with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in their playoff run.

Sam Bennett Remains with Panthers

The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Sam Bennett, is staying in Sunrise, re-signing with the Panthers on an eight-year, $64 million contract. Bennett was dominant during Florida`s Cup run, leading the league with 15 goals while maintaining strong defensive play. His performance could have earned him a massive payday on the open market, but he chose to re-sign.

Evan Bouchard Signs Big Deal with Oilers

Evan Bouchard`s future in Edmonton was never truly in doubt. He has emerged as a premier defenseman and power-play quarterback. On Monday, the Oilers announced his re-signing to a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season. With Bouchard and Darnell Nurse, the Oilers have nearly $20 million committed to two of their top defensemen.

Patrick Kane Returns to Red Wings

Veteran winger Patrick Kane is returning to Detroit for a third season on a one-year, $3 million deal. While not as productive as in his Chicago prime, Kane has surpassed 20 goals in his first two seasons with the Wings. He provides a top-six scoring option as Detroit seeks to end its playoff drought.

Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov to Massive Contract

One surprising move was the Columbus Blue Jackets announcing a seven-year, $59.5 million contract ($8.5 million AAV) for Ivan Provorov. Columbus has used him in a top-four role, but he has struggled to find success there at five-on-five. This contract for a defenseman with documented struggles at even strength appears to be questionable business.

John Tavares Re-signs with Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs are keeping an offensive threat, re-signing John Tavares to a four-year contract with a $4.38 million annual cap hit. Tavares was set to be an unrestricted free agent and would have drawn significant interest. The 34-year-old recorded 74 points (38 goals, 36 assists) in 75 games last season, his seventh with the Maple Leafs. Retaining Tavares on an affordable deal is a significant win, especially with Mitch Marner`s departure. He is expected to center the second line in 2025-26.

Jonathan Toews to Sign with Jets

Jonathan Toews is set to return to the NHL after a two-season absence, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens. Toews has an impressive career with 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) in 1,067 games, ranking high in Blackhawks history across several categories. In his last full season (2022-23), he scored 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. A three-time Stanley Cup champion and 2010 Conn Smythe winner, Toews brings a wealth of experience and accolades.

Matt Duchene Stays with Stars

The Dallas Stars are bringing back a key veteran, re-signing Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene was set to become an unrestricted free agent. He led the Stars in scoring last season with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists), setting a career high in assists and achieving his second-highest point total. Duchene also added six points in the playoffs and is expected to remain a productive top-six forward for Dallas.

Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson

The Colorado Avalanche are keeping arguably their top free agent, signing forward Brock Nelson to a three-year extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson was acquired from the New York Islanders last season, recording 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games for Colorado, and 56 combined points overall. He added four assists in the playoffs. Nelson is expected to continue centering the second line, potentially playing with Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Nelson will be 34 around the start of the 2025-26 season.