NHL Free Agency Tracker: Canucks Re-Sign Brock Boeser, Maple Leafs Trade Mitch Marner to Golden Knights

NHL free agency has officially begun, with teams across the league actively working to enhance their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 season. Many teams finalized deals and extensions with key players before the July 1 deadline.

A major move on day one saw the Vancouver Canucks successfully re-sign forward Brock Boeser to a seven-year extension valued at $7.25 million annually. Boeser had consistently expressed interest in remaining with Vancouver, and with several core players now signed long-term, the team`s attention is expected to shift towards securing 2024 Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes with a contract extension.

One of the most significant pending free agents, Mitch Marner, is already off the market. He was involved in a sign-and-trade deal that sent him from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner signed an eight-year contract worth $96 million to join Vegas. In return, the Maple Leafs acquired third-line center Nicolas Roy.

Before the Marner trade, Toronto had already secured two important players: captain John Tavares on a four-year deal averaging slightly over $4 million per year, and young forward Matthew Knies, who signed a six-year, $46.5 million extension before reaching restricted free agency.

Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito continued his impressive work by locking up key players who were set to become free agents. Despite being scheduled to hit the market, Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad all signed extensions for at least six more years, reportedly taking annual discounts to stay with the Panthers and pursue further Stanley Cup success.

While some top names are off the board, several intriguing free agents remain available as free agency opened at noon ET on Tuesday. Potential scoring additions include Winnipeg Jets winger Nikolaj Ehlers, and veteran forwards like Pius Suter and Jack Roslovic. On the defensive side, Brent Burns is among the top options available.

Latest NHL Free Agency Signings:

Ducks Land Mikael Granlund

The Anaheim Ducks, aiming for a postseason push next season, signed veteran center Mikael Granlund to a three-year contract with a $7.0 million average annual value. Granlund, who split last season between the San Jose Sharks and Dallas Stars (totaling 66 points), provides needed depth down the middle for Anaheim, especially after trading Trevor Zegras. He could also mentor young forwards like Leo Carlsson, Mason McTavish, and Cutter Gauthier.

Sabres Add Goaltending Depth with Alex Lyon

The Buffalo Sabres bolstered their goaltending by adding veteran netminder Alex Lyon on a two-year deal worth $1.5 million annually. Lyon joins Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Devon Levi in Buffalo, potentially pushing Luukkonen after his 3.20 goals-against-average last season. Lyon posted a 14-9-0 record with a 2.81 GAA and .896 SV% for the Detroit Red Wings in 2024-25.

Nashville Fills RHD Need with Nick Perbix

With a surplus of left-handed defensemen, the Nashville Predators addressed their need for a right-handed shot by signing Nick Perbix to a two-year, $2.75 million contract. Perbix played a depth role effectively for the Lightning and will get an opportunity for a potentially bigger role in Nashville, though his contract reflects a depth signing.

Islanders Ink Jonathan Drouin to a Two-Year Deal

The New York Islanders looked to boost their offense by signing Jonathan Drouin to a two-year, $8 million contract. Drouin should provide middle-six scoring and playmaking ability, following a career revival season with the Colorado Avalanche where he accumulated 63 points in 122 games.

Los Angeles Continues Busy Day with Defensive Additions

The Los Angeles Kings were active, adding defensemen Cody Ceci on a four-year, $18 million deal and Brian Doumolin for three years and $12 million. These defensive signings were noted as potentially questionable given the team`s recent strong defensive performance. The Kings also signed goaltender Anton Forsberg to replace the departed David Rittich as backup.

Kings Bring in Corey Perry, Joel Armia

In addition to defensive moves, Los Angeles signed veteran forwards Corey Perry and Joel Armia. Perry, coming off a productive playoff run with Edmonton, signed a one-year, $2 million contract. Armia adds depth to the bottom six. Perry brings significant veteran leadership, having appeared in the Stanley Cup Final multiple times recently.

Nate Schmidt Signs Elsewhere After Excellent Postseason

Nate Schmidt, who had a strong postseason with the Florida Panthers contributing 12 points en route to a Stanley Cup, signed a three-year contract worth $10.5 million with another team. After playing on a one-year, $800,000 deal last season, he`s likely headed for a more significant role.

Nick Bjugstad Goes to Blues

The St. Louis Blues added center depth by signing Nick Bjugstad to a two-year, $1.75 million deal. Bjugstad brings size, defensive responsibility, and some offense at a reasonable cap hit.

Kraken Ink Ryan Lindgren

The Seattle Kraken continued their focus on improving the blue line, signing defenseman Ryan Lindgren to a four-year contract with a $4.5 million average annual value. Lindgren split last season between the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche, recording 22 points. He adds solid depth as the Kraken aim to return to the playoffs.

Vladislav Gavrikov Signs with Rangers

The New York Rangers significantly upgraded their defense by signing defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov to a seven-year contract with a $7.0 million average annual value. Considered a top free agent defenseman, Gavrikov tallied 30 points with the Los Angeles Kings last season and 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, busy early in free agency, announced the signing of goaltender Dan Vladar to a two-year deal worth $3.35 million annually. Vladar posted a 12-11-6 record with a 2.80 GAA and .898 SV% for the Calgary Flames last season. He joins Samuel Ersson and Ivan Fedotov in the Flyers` crease as the team continues its search for a starting-caliber netminder.

Flyers Sign Christian Dvorak to One-Year Deal

As part of their rebuild, the Philadelphia Flyers also added center depth by signing Christian Dvorak to a one-year contract worth $5.4 million. Dvorak spent the past four seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, recording 33 points in a full season last year. While the cap hit is notable, the league`s salary cap is projected to rise in future years.

Jake Allen to Stay with Devils

The goaltender market thinned further as the New Jersey Devils re-signed/extended goaltender Jake Allen to a five-year contract worth $1.8 million annually. Allen, acquired from Montreal in 2024, split time last season posting a 13-16-1 record with a 2.66 GAA and .908 SV%. His signing limits options for goalie-needy teams.

Bruins Land Viktor Arvidsson in Trade

The Boston Bruins acquired winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for a 2027 fifth-round draft pick. Edmonton made the move to free up $4 million in cap space. Arvidsson tallied 27 points in the regular season and added 7 points in the playoffs for the Oilers, bringing middle-six depth to Boston.

Canucks Extend Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland

Before free agency officially opened, the Vancouver Canucks secured two important pieces by extending goaltender Thatcher Demko to a three-year deal ($8.5 million AAV) and forward Conor Garland to a six-year deal ($6.0 million AAV). Demko, despite an injury-hit season, is a franchise goalie. Garland is coming off a strong 50-point campaign, the second-highest of his career.

Mitch Marner Dealt to Golden Knights

As mentioned, a blockbuster trade saw the Toronto Maple Leafs send Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million contract ($12 million AAV) as part of the sign-and-trade. While the full return for Toronto was not immediately clear, Marner provides immediate top-line scoring punch for Vegas.

Panthers Keep Key Pieces: Ekblad and Marchand

Adding to their dynasty bid, the Florida Panthers re-signed defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Brad Marchand. Ekblad signed for eight years at roughly $6.1 million annually, reportedly a significant discount. He was crucial in their playoff success with 13 points in 19 games. Marchand signed a six-year, $32 million extension. Acquired last deadline, he had an immediate impact with 20 points in their playoff run.

Sam Bennett Will Remain with Panthers

The Panthers also secured their 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, Sam Bennett. Bennett, who led the league with 15 goals in the playoffs and was strong defensively, signed an eight-year contract worth $64 million. His performance could have commanded a massive free-agent payday, but he chose to stay in Sunrise.

Evan Bouchard Inks Big Deal with Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers re-signed their top defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year contract worth $10.5 million per season. Bouchard has emerged as a No. 1 blue liner and power play quarterback. This deal represents a significant commitment to their defensive core alongside Darnell Nurse.

Patrick Kane Returns to Red Wings

Veteran winger Patrick Kane is returning to the Detroit Red Wings for a third season, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million. Kane, a multi-Cup winner, has surpassed the 20-goal mark in his previous two seasons with Detroit and provides a top-six scoring option as the team aims to end its playoff drought.

Blue Jackets Sign Ivan Provorov to Massive Contract

One of the more surprising re-signings saw the Columbus Blue Jackets announce a seven-year, $59.5 million contract for defenseman Ivan Provorov. This $8.5 million annual cap hit for a defenseman who has reportedly struggled in a top-four role over the past two years was viewed by some as questionable business.

John Tavares Re-signs with Maple Leafs

Before the Marner trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs ensured captain John Tavares would stay, re-signing him to a four-year contract with a $4.38 million cap hit per season. Tavares, 34, recorded 74 points last season and has spent seven years with the Leafs. His return on an affordable multi-year deal is seen as a win, and he is expected to continue centering the second line.

Jonathan Toews to Sign with Jets

Three-time Stanley Cup champion Jonathan Toews is set to make his NHL return after two seasons away, signing with the Winnipeg Jets when free agency opens. Toews, a veteran with 883 career points, brings leadership and experience to the Jets roster.

Matt Duchene Stays with Stars

The Dallas Stars retained a key veteran forward, re-signing Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season. Duchene led the Stars in scoring last season with 82 points (30 goals, 52 assists – a career high in assists) and added 6 points in the playoffs. He will continue to be a productive member of their top six forwards.

Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson

The Colorado Avalanche extended forward Brock Nelson, acquired at the 2025 trade deadline, to a three-year contract extension carrying a $7.5 million average annual value. Nelson recorded 56 points combined last season and 4 assists in the playoffs for Colorado. The 33-year-old is expected to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line.