Introduction: The Domino Effect

July 1st in the National Hockey League is a day of organized chaos. It is a high-stakes game of musical chairs. Fortunes are won, lost, and reshaped in a matter of hours. The 2025 edition of Free Agent Frenzy was no exception; in fact, it was supercharged. Fueled by a record-setting salary cap jump to $95.5 million, general managers across the league opened their checkbooks with unprecedented enthusiasm. By the time the dust began to settle on the first day, 117 contracts had been signed. This injected over $666 million into the player market. It fundamentally altered the competitive balance of power.  

The day’s narrative, however, was not set at the noon Eastern Time opening bell. It began hours earlier, with a seismic transaction that sent shockwaves from Toronto to the Nevada desert. The league’s most talked-about pending free agent was off the market before it even opened. This was not achieved through a simple signing but via a complex and brilliantly executed sign-and-trade. This single move established the day’s primary theme: the astronomical price of elite, game-changing talent.  

Day 1 of the 2025 NHL Free Agency was far more than a simple spending spree. It was a vivid showcase of divergent team-building philosophies. The day’s events showcased aggressive, all-in pursuits of established contenders. They highlighted calculated, value-driven moves of teams on the rise. Additionally, the strategic patience of the market’s most coveted prize was evident. The day’s events provided a masterclass in asset management, risk assessment, and franchise direction. It was a day that reshaped rosters and set the stage for a dramatic and compelling offseason still to come.

Section 1: The Marner Blockbuster – A New Knight in Vegas

The single most significant transaction of the day—and perhaps the entire offseason—was the blockbuster move. This move sent superstar winger Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights. The deal defined the market for elite talent. It also encapsulated the core philosophies of two of the league’s most scrutinized franchises.

The Deal Deconstructed

The transaction itself was a masterwork of salary cap navigation. Mitch Marner, who was ranked by TSN as the No. 1 free agent in the 2025 class, was moved in a sign-and-trade. The Toronto Maple Leafs officially signed their homegrown star to a massive eight-year contract worth $96 million. This contract carries an average annual value (AAV) of $12 million. Immediately upon the contract’s registration, Marner was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for versatile center Nicolas Roy.  

The context surrounding Marner’s departure from Toronto had been building for years. Despite consistently elite regular-season production, he achieved a career-high 102 points in the 2024-25 campaign. However, his performance in the Stanley Cup Playoffs became a recurring source of intense fan frustration. As a member of Toronto’s highly touted “Core 4,” he was blamed significantly for the team’s lack of postseason success. During his tenure, the team won just two of 11 playoff series. Marner’s previous contract had a full no-movement clause. This allowed him to control the process entirely. He dictated both the timing and destination of his exit.  

The sign-and-trade mechanism was the critical component that made the deal possible. Under the NHL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, only an incumbent team can offer a player an eight-year contract extension. In this case, that team is the Maple Leafs. Any other team looking to sign Marner as an unrestricted free agent would have been limited to a seven-year term. For Vegas, securing Marner for that crucial eighth year provided long-term cost certainty. It likely resulted in a lower AAV than a seven-year deal would have commanded on the open market. For Toronto, the franchise was facing the near certainty of losing a superstar without compensation. The mechanism was their only source of leverage. By technically “re-signing” him, they transformed a departing player into a tradable asset. This deal used the CBA in a sophisticated and collaborative way. It allowed both general managers to achieve their primary objectives. Vegas landed its coveted star on favorable terms. Toronto salvaged a tangible return for an asset that was otherwise walking out the door.  

For Vegas, An All-In Play for a New Kind of Star

The acquisition of Mitch Marner is the latest affirmation of the Vegas Golden Knights’ unwavering organizational philosophy. It is perhaps their boldest move yet. They relentlessly pursue and acquire elite, difference-making talent. Marner joins a prestigious list of stars. These stars were brought to the desert through aggressive trades and signings. They include Mark Stone, Jack Eichel, Noah Hanifin, and Tomas Hertl. In Marner, however, the Golden Knights acquire a player archetype they have never possessed. He is a true 100-point offensive dynamo. He is capable of driving play on every shift.  

Over the past five seasons, Marner ranks third in the entire NHL in assists. He ranks first in takeaways. This is a testament to his dual-threat capabilities. His elite playmaking and defensive acumen fulfill a need for more dynamic scoring off the wing. These skills will add another dimension to an already formidable roster. The somber news further contextualized the move. Future Hall of Fame defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is stepping away from hockey. He is focusing on his health and quality of life. Pietrangelo’s departure is a significant loss on the ice. However, it created the salary cap flexibility needed. It also left a leadership void, making the pursuit of a star like Marner logical.  

From the player’s perspective, the move offers a much-needed change of scenery. Marner was reportedly drawn to the established “family culture” and championship “pedigree” of the Golden Knights organization. A player burdened by past playoff disappointments can find a fresh start. Joining a dressing room filled with Stanley Cup winners provides this opportunity. This setting provides the perfect environment to reset and thrive under a different kind of pressure.  

For Toronto, The Painful but Necessary End of an Era

For the Toronto Maple Leafs, trading Mitch Marner represents the painful but necessary end of an era. The move signals a fundamental “DNA change” for the franchise, a concept GM Brad Treliving has referenced publicly. The organization is reshaping the team’s identity by dismantling the “Core 4.” It is making a deliberate attempt to pivot from a top-heavy, skill-dominant structure. The new focus is on a more balanced scoring attack, distributed leadership, and a grittier, harder-to-play-against style.  

The return in the trade, while valuable, underscores this strategic shift. Nicolas Roy is a solid, responsible, and versatile middle-six center. However, he cannot replace Marner’s prodigious offensive output. The Leafs’ other moves on and around July 1st reinforce this new philosophy. The acquisition of winger Matias Maccelli from Utah shows a focus on building a more complete forward group. Signing hometown depth forward Michael Pezzetta further indicates an emphasis on creating a defensively responsible team.  

The significant blow of Marner’s departure was astutely softened by pre-emptive moves to secure other foundational pieces. In the days leading up to free agency, the Leafs secured burgeoning power forward Matthew Knies. They signed him to a long-term, six-year, $46.5 million extension. They also retained their captain, John Tavares, on a team-friendly four-year contract with an AAV of approximately $4.38 million. These signings provided a crucial measure of stability. They ensured that the departure of one star did not trigger a full-scale roster collapse. This allowed the franchise to build forward on a new foundation.  

Section 2: The Metropolitan Arms Race – A Blue Line Revolution

The Marner blockbuster captured the headlines. Meanwhile, a dramatic series of moves on the back end reshaped the defensive landscape of the Metropolitan Division. Contenders in the division engaged in a veritable arms race. They paid a premium for specific defensive identities. They also utilized creative trade mechanics to secure their targets. The day’s events highlighted a clear league-wide trend. Building a championship-caliber blue line is paramount. Teams are willing to be both aggressive and inventive to do so.

Rangers Land Their Man: The Vladislav Gavrikov Impact

The New York Rangers made the day’s most significant unrestricted free agent signing on defense. They landed Vladislav Gavrikov on a seven-year, $49 million contract with a $7 million AAV. Gavrikov was widely considered the top defenseman available on the open market. Contract extension talks with the Los Angeles Kings broke down. The Kings made aggressive offers but failed to close the gap.  

This was not a speculative signing. It was a highly targeted acquisition. This move was designed to solve a specific, long-standing problem for the Rangers. Gavrikov is the quintessential modern shutdown defenseman. During the 2024-25 season, he led the Kings in blocked shots with 140. He was second only to Drew Doughty in average ice time. He excelled in tough defensive matchups against top opposition. The plan in New York is clear. They want to pair the left-shooting Gavrikov with superstar offensive defenseman Adam Fox. This will provide a stable, defensive conscience that the right-shooting Fox has never had in his career. The move is strategically designed to reduce the high-danger chances in front of elite goaltender Igor Shesterkin. It aims to minimize overall “chaos”. This adjustment is critical for a team that surrendered the sixth-most shots in the league last season.  

The contract itself is a fascinating piece of work. It is heavily front-loaded with signing bonuses, including $8 million bonuses in each of the first two years. This structure makes the contract more difficult to buy out in later years. It likely played a role in keeping the AAV at $7 million. This is considered a relative bargain compared to other top defensemen who signed extensions. Examples include Ivan Provorov in Columbus. A seven-year term for a 29-year-old defenseman carries significant back-end risk. However, the Rangers secured the best player at a key position of need. They did this for a price that was viewed favorably across the league on Day 1.  

The K’Andre Miller Stunner: A Proactive Pivot

The Rangers executed a shocking follow-up move. Their strategy was brilliant. They completed a sign-and-trade involving their own restricted free agent defenseman, K’Andre Miller. The Carolina Hurricanes acquired the 25-year-old, immediately signing him to an eight-year, $60 million contract carrying a $7.5 million AAV. In return, the Rangers received a significant haul. They acquired promising defensive prospect Scott Morrow. They also secured a conditional first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick. 

This transaction was a masterclass in proactive asset management. K’Andre Miller, a young, talented defenseman, had been identified by league insiders as a prime offer sheet candidate. Having just committed $7 million annually to Gavrikov, the Rangers were in a financially vulnerable position. They likely calculated that they would struggle to match a high-value offer sheet for Miller. Doing so without severely compromising their roster flexibility seemed impossible. The Rangers’ front office avoided being backed into a corner. They took control of the situation. They were not forced to either overpay or lose Miller for a predetermined package of draft picks as compensation. They engaged proactively with Carolina. Carolina is known as a team that has long coveted Miller. They orchestrated a trade to maximize their return. By securing a top prospect in Morrow, they gained high-value draft capital as well. They turned a position of high risk—a vulnerable RFA—into a position of strength. They restocked their prospect pipeline while simultaneously remaking their current blue line.  

From Carolina’s perspective, the move is a home run. They acquire a 6-foot-5, 25-year-old defenseman and lock him into a contract that covers his entire prime. Miller immediately joins a strong left-side defense corps. It includes Jaccob Slavin and Shayne Gostisbehere. This reinforces the Hurricanes’ identity as a defense-first powerhouse built from the blue line out.  

Devils Add Gritty, Two-Way Veterans

The New Jersey Devils took a different approach, making targeted, value-driven additions rather than a single blockbuster splash. Their goal was to add depth, resilience, and defensive responsibility to their skilled, young roster. They signed veteran winger Connor Brown to a four-year, $12 million contract ($3M AAV). They added another experienced forward, Evgenii Dadonov, on a low-risk, one-year, $1 million deal. Crucially, they solidified their goaltending tandem for the foreseeable future. They re-signed backup Jake Allen to a surprisingly long but remarkably inexpensive five-year contract with a mere $1.8 million AAV.  

These moves directly address the public declaration made by GM Tom Fitzgerald at the end of last season. He stated he would not return with the same group. Fitzgerald needed to improve his middle-six and bottom-six forward depth. Brown is a highly respected two-way player. He is an excellent penalty killer. His defensive acumen will help insulate the team’s elite offensive stars like Jack Hughes and Nico Hischier. Dadonov is a cheap source of secondary scoring. Allen offers a stable, veteran presence behind their primary starter. Both are available at a bargain price. These are not headline-grabbing moves. However, they are intelligent, complementary additions designed to build a more complete, durable, and playoff-ready roster.  

Section 3: Keeping the Core – Contenders Lock Down Key Pieces

While much of the July 1st focus is on players changing jerseys, an equally important trend emerged. Top teams are successfully retaining their own star players. This path to improvement was fortifying from within. The Vancouver Canucks exemplified this approach best. They turned a situation of potential chaos into one of long-term commitment.

Vancouver’s Masterstroke: From Chaos to Commitment

Brock Boeser re-signed with the Vancouver Canucks. This move was arguably the day’s most pleasant surprise for a single fan base. He was widely expected to command a massive contract on the open market. The deal, a seven-year, $50.75 million contract, carries a team-friendly AAV of $7.25 million and keeps the team’s longest-tenured player in Vancouver for the foreseeable future.  

This cornerstone signing was the capstone of a remarkable day for the Canucks’ front office. It was announced along with two other critical long-term extensions. Star goaltender Thatcher Demko signed for three additional years at an $8.5 million AAV. Versatile, high-energy winger Conor Garland signed a six-year extension with a $6 million AAV. In the span of a few hours, GM Patrik Allvin secured three pillars of his franchise through their prime years.  

This trifecta of signings is not just about good asset management. It represents a monumental cultural victory. This translates directly into salary cap value. Many perceived the Canucks as a franchise in turmoil. They endured a disappointing season and a mid-season coaching change. There were also persistent rumors of rifts between star players. Management retained these key players. They also convinced Boeser to sign for significantly less than his projected open-market value. This is a testament to a successful internal campaign. Analytics models had projected Boeser to command a contract with an AAV well over $8 million. He left more than a million dollars per year on the table to stay. This indicates that management and new head coach Adam Foote successfully sold a unified vision for the future. The team’s leadership group turned a narrative of dysfunction into one of commitment. This cultural reset provides millions of dollars in crucial salary cap savings. It also brings long-term stability to a franchise that appeared to be on shaky ground just months ago.  

The immediate value of the Boeser contract became clear. This was especially evident when compared to other deals signed on Day 1. At a $7.25 million AAV, it looks like a “steal.” The Anaheim Ducks gave a three-year, $7 million AAV deal. They offered it to the 33-year-old Mikael Granlund. Considering their ages and goal-scoring capabilities, the Boeser signing was an instant win for Vancouver. It was seen as decisive for their future roles. 

Florida’s Dynasty Blueprint

The Florida Panthers’ most significant moves were finalized just before July 1st. These moves cast a long shadow over the entire free agent market. They successfully re-signed their big three pending unrestricted free agents. These players are center Sam Bennett, winger Brad Marchand, and defenseman Aaron Ekblad. This effectively removed three of the biggest names from the board. Other teams didn’t even have a chance to make a pitch.  

GM Bill Zito’s ability to retain the entire core of a two-time defending Stanley Cup champion team is remarkable. It is praised as a “masterclass” in roster and salary cap maneuvering. He skillfully convinced all three players to sign contracts for less than their likely open-market value. This was achieved by leveraging both the financial advantages. Florida’s lack of state income tax provides one of these advantages. More importantly, there is the powerful allure of its established, winning culture. Players are willing to sacrifice some earning potential for the chance to compete for championships. This series of moves solidified the Panthers as the undisputed favorite to win a third consecutive Stanley Cup. It set an impossibly high standard for other contenders to meet.  

Section 4: Winners, Losers, and Question Marks

The frenetic activity of Day 1 produced clear winners. They executed their strategies to perfection. There were also teams whose moves left analysts with more questions than answers. A critical look at the day’s transactions reveals which front offices navigated the turbulent market most effectively.

Category	Team	Key Moves	Rationale
Winner	Vegas Golden Knights	Acquired Mitch Marner (8x$12M)	Added a 100-point superstar to an already elite roster, cementing their status as a top contender.
Winner	New York Rangers	Signed Vladislav Gavrikov (7x$7M), Traded K’Andre Miller	Landed the best shutdown D-man on the market and expertly navigated a tricky RFA situation to maximize their asset return.
Winner	Vancouver Canucks	Re-signed Brock Boeser (7x$7.25M), Extended Demko & Garland	Turned potential chaos into long-term stability, locking in their core at team-friendly prices in a huge cultural victory.
Winner	Florida Panthers	Retained Bennett, Marchand, Ekblad	Kept their two-time championship core intact at below-market rates, solidifying their dynasty potential.
Question Mark	Boston Bruins	Signed Tanner Jeannot (5x$3.4M), Traded for Viktor Arvidsson	Showed a conflicting strategy, making a savvy, low-cost trade for skill (Arvidsson) but then significantly overpaying for grit (Jeannot).
Question Mark	Los Angeles Kings	Signed Perry, Armia, Ceci, Dumoulin	Spent heavily on veteran depth and toughness. It’s unclear if these moves will be enough. They need to get over the hump after four straight first-round exits.

The Day’s Clear Winners

The teams in the “Winner” category distinguished themselves by executing clear, decisive strategies that demonstrably improved their standing. The Vegas Golden Knights continued their relentless pursuit of excellence. They acquired Mitch Marner, adding an offensive dimension they previously lacked. This acquisition solidifies their place among the league’s elite.

The New York Rangers addressed their single biggest need by signing top shutdown defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov. Then, they brilliantly pivoted on the K’Andre Miller situation. This move turned a potential liability into a wealth of future assets.

The Vancouver Canucks achieved a massive cultural victory. They also secured a financial victory by getting their core players on team-friendly deals. This has charted a stable course for the future. Although their work was done early, the Florida Panthers won the day. They ensured their championship-caliber roster would remain intact for a run at a historic three-peat.  

The Jury’s Still Out – The Boston Bruins’ Conflicting Strategy

The Boston Bruins were one of the day’s most active teams. Their moves revealed a seemingly disconnected strategy. It was also high-risk. The day began with a shrewd, low-cost trade. They acquired skilled scoring winger Viktor Arvidsson from the Edmonton Oilers. The cost was just a 2027 fifth-round pick. This was a clear value play that added offensive talent for next to nothing. 

However, this savvy move was followed by the signing of UFA winger Tanner Jeannot. He received a lengthy and expensive five-year, $17 million contract. This contract carries a $3.4 million AAV. This deal represents a massive gamble. The commitment of a five-year term to a bottom-six forward is a significant risk. His primary identity is “grit” and “physicality,” which is less valued in the modern NHL. Jeannot’s offensive production has declined dramatically since a single 24-goal outlier season in 2021-22. He has struggled to find a permanent home and has played for three different teams in the last three years. The contract was widely considered too expensive. It was an overpayment in both term and annual value. This was especially true when compared to other deals on the market.  

The Bruins’ Day 1 strategy appears internally inconsistent. The Arvidsson trade was a modern, efficient acquisition of skill. The Jeannot signing, conversely, feels like a premium price paid for an old-school identity. This indicates a front office caught between two competing philosophies. This situation makes their offseason direction a major question mark. As a result, their Day 1 performance is difficult to evaluate positively.

The Cap-Floor Spenders & The California Shuffle

The NHL’s three California-based teams were among the day’s biggest spenders, shelling out a combined $60 million in new contracts. However, their motivations and strategies differed significantly. For the  

Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. The day’s moves were driven by the need to comply with the CBA’s salary cap floor. They were also driven by immediate competitive aspirations.  

Anaheim signed veteran playmaker Mikael Granlund to a three-year, $21 million contract ($7M AAV). Granlund, who is coming off a productive 66-point season, provides a valuable veteran presence. He also offers high-end playmaking ability for the Ducks’ young core of Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, and Mason McTavish. However, the $7 million AAV is a clear overpayment designed to help the team reach the cap floor. For San Jose, signing defenseman John Klingberg to a one-year, $4 million deal is a low-risk, high-reward reclamation project. This deal also helps them meet their spending obligations.  

The Los Angeles Kings’ strategy was entirely different. After four consecutive first-round playoff exits at the hands of the Edmonton Oilers, the Kings spent heavily. They added veteran depth, toughness, and experience. They brought in defensemen Cody Ceci (4 years, $4.5M AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (3 years, $4.0M AAV), and forwards Joel Armia (2 years, $2.5M AAV) and Corey Perry (1 year, $2.0M AAV). Perry’s return to Southern California to play for his former arch-rival is a particularly compelling storyline. He hopes to win over a fan base that is accustomed to booing him. The Kings’ series of moves is a clear attempt to redefine their roster. They aim to finally overcome their playoff struggles.  

Section 5: The Ehlers Enigma & The Best of the Rest

The initial wave of signings subsided. The league’s focus shifted to the biggest unresolved storyline. It also focused on the pool of talent that will shape the second phase of free agency.

The Waiting Game: All Eyes on Nikolaj Ehlers

In a move rarely seen from a top-tier unrestricted free agent, Nikolaj Ehlers—ranked by TSN as the No. 1 available UFA on July 1st—deliberately chose to let the market’s initial frenzy pass without signing a contract. This was not a sign of a lack of interest. On the contrary, his camp is methodically managing a high volume of inquiries. Ehlers’ agent, Andre Rufener, is fielding calls from a host of suitors. He has indicated that the process will be a patient one. Ehlers is desired to speak directly with head coaches about his potential role before engaging in serious financial discussions.  

The list of interested teams is long and impressive. It reportedly includes the Colorado Avalanche, Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Washington Capitals, and Toronto Maple Leafs, among others. Carolina and Washington are viewed by many insiders as particularly strong contenders for his services.  

Ehlers’ decision to wait is a calculated strategic move that is actively shaping the rest of the market. As the most significant offensive domino left to fall, his eventual signing will have a cascading effect. His choice is creating a bottleneck for the secondary tier of free-agent wingers. Talented players like Jeff Skinner, Pius Suter, and Jack Roslovic are in a holding pattern. Their market value and list of potential destinations depend directly on which teams miss out on Ehlers. These teams are then forced to pivot to their “Plan B” or “Plan C”. By leveraging his position as the top available forward, Ehlers is ensuring he finds the perfect fit. He is controlling the timeline for a dozen other players and teams across the league in doing so.  

Top Available Talent Heading into Day 2

Ehlers is the main attraction. However, a significant amount of talent remains on the board. This is true as we head into the second day of free agency. Teams that struck out on their initial targets will have plenty of quality options to consider. Teams looking for value deals also have many choices.

Rank	Player	Position	Age	2024-25 Stats (G-P)	AFP Analytics Contract Projection
1	Nikolaj Ehlers	LW	29	24 G – 63 P	6 years x $8.1M
5	Dmitry Orlov	LD	33	6 G – 28 P	3 years x $5.8M
8	Pius Suter	C	28	25 G – 46 P	4 years x $5.0M
9	Jack Roslovic	RW	28	22 G – 39 P	3 years x $4.1M
28	Brent Burns	RD	40	6 G – 29 P	1 year x $5.3M
36	Jeff Skinner	LW	32	16 G – 29 P	1 year x $2.5M
39	Ilya Samsonov	G	28	2.82 GAA,.891 SV%	1 year x $2.0M

Beyond Ehlers, the remaining talent pool offers solutions for various team needs. Top-four defensemen like Dmitry Orlov could provide a huge boost to a contender’s blue line. Brent Burns, who seems ageless, is another valuable option. Scoring forwards like Pius Suter, who tallied 25 goals last season, add valuable secondary offense. Jack Roslovic also offers value for teams looking to deepen their forward corps. The goaltending market dried up remarkably quickly on Day 1. Now, the remaining options like Ilya Samsonov and Alexandar Georgiev are intriguing. They offer high-upside reclamation projects for teams in need of help between the pipes. 

Conclusion: A Market Reshaped

The first day of 2025 NHL Free Agency was a whirlwind of activity. It reshaped rosters and reset expectations across the league. It was a day defined by several clear and compelling trends. We saw the immense premium teams are willing to pay for elite, game-changing talent. The Mitch Marner blockbuster evidenced this fact. We witnessed a defensive arms race in the Metropolitan Division. Teams paid top dollar for specific blue-line archetypes. The shutdown defender role was embodied by Vladislav Gavrikov. We noticed the immense value of retaining core players. A strong organizational culture can significantly impact the salary cap. This was exemplified by the masterful work of the front offices in Vancouver and Florida. Finally, the day exposed the clear philosophical divides in modern team-building. Some teams are all-in contenders, while others are patient rebuilders. There is also compliance-driven spending by cap-floor teams.

While the initial frenzy has subsided, the drama is far from over. The unresolved status of Nikolaj Ehlers, the market’s most coveted forward, looms large over the league. His decision will trigger the next wave of signings and set off a new chain reaction of moves. With a wealth of quality veterans and intriguing reclamation projects still available, the NHL’s offseason landscape is far from settled. Day 2 awaits, with a new set of dominoes ready to fall and reshape the league once more.

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Appendix

2025 NHL Free Agency Day 1 – Comprehensive Transaction Log

The following table offers a detailed log. It includes major trades, extensions, and free agent signings. These events took place on July 1, 2025.

Player	Position	New Team	Previous Team	Transaction Type	Contract Details (Term x AAV)
Joel Armia	RW	Los Angeles Kings	Montreal Canadiens	UFA	2 yrs x $2.5M
Viktor Arvidsson	LW	Boston Bruins	Edmonton Oilers	Trade	–
Sammy Blais	LW	Montreal Canadiens	Vancouver Canucks	UFA	1 yr x $775K
Matej Blumel	RW	Boston Bruins	Dallas Stars	UFA	1 yr x $875K
Zachary Bolduc	RW	Montreal Canadiens	St. Louis Blues	Trade	–
Brock Boeser	RW	Vancouver Canucks	Vancouver Canucks	UFA (Re-signed)	7 yrs x $7.25M
Justin Brazeau	RW	Pittsburgh Penguins	Minnesota Wild	UFA	2 yrs x $1.5M
Connor Brown	RW	New Jersey Devils	Edmonton Oilers	UFA	4 yrs x $3.0M
Cody Ceci	RD	Los Angeles Kings	Dallas Stars	UFA	4 yrs x $4.5M
Will Cuylle	LW	New York Rangers	New York Rangers	RFA (Re-signed)	2 yrs x $3.9M
Evgenii Dadonov	LW/RW	New Jersey Devils	Dallas Stars	UFA	1 yr x $1.0M
Justin Danforth	RW	Buffalo Sabres	Columbus Blue Jackets	UFA	2 yrs x $1.8M
Jonathan Drouin	LW	New York Islanders	Colorado Avalanche	UFA	2 yrs x $4.0M
Brian Dumoulin	LD	Los Angeles Kings	New Jersey Devils	UFA	3 yrs x $4.0M
Christian Dvorak	C	Philadelphia Flyers	Montreal Canadiens	UFA	1 yr x $5.4M
Lars Eller	C	Ottawa Senators	Washington Capitals	UFA	1 yr x $1.25M
Michael Eyssimont	LW	Boston Bruins	Seattle Kraken	UFA	2 yrs x $1.45M
Radek Faksa	C	Dallas Stars	St. Louis Blues	UFA	3 yrs x $2.0M
Anton Forsberg	G	Los Angeles Kings	Ottawa Senators	UFA	2 yrs x $2.25M
Vladislav Gavrikov	LD	New York Rangers	Los Angeles Kings	UFA	7 yrs x $7.0M
Mikael Granlund	C/W	Anaheim Ducks	Dallas Stars	UFA	3 yrs x $7.0M
Tanner Jeannot	LW	Boston Bruins	Los Angeles Kings	UFA	5 yrs x $3.4M
Kaapo Kahkonen	G	Montreal Canadiens	Florida Panthers	UFA	1 yr x $1.15M
John Klingberg	RD	San Jose Sharks	Edmonton Oilers	UFA	1 yr x $4.0M
Sean Kuraly	C	Boston Bruins	Columbus Blue Jackets	UFA	2 yrs x $1.85M
Sam Lafferty	C	Chicago Blackhawks	Buffalo Sabres	Trade	–
Ryan Lindgren	LD	Seattle Kraken	Colorado Avalanche	UFA	4 yrs x $4.5M
Alex Lyon	G	Buffalo Sabres	Detroit Red Wings	UFA	2 yrs x $1.5M
Logan Mailloux	D	St. Louis Blues	Montreal Canadiens	Trade	–
Andrew Mangiapane	LW	Edmonton Oilers	Washington Capitals	UFA	2 yrs x $3.6M
Mitch Marner	RW	Vegas Golden Knights	Toronto Maple Leafs	Sign-and-Trade	8 yrs x $12.0M
Ryan McLeod	C	Buffalo Sabres	Buffalo Sabres	RFA (Re-signed)	4 yrs x $5.0M
K’Andre Miller	LD	Carolina Hurricanes	New York Rangers	Sign-and-Trade	8 yrs x $7.5M
Scott Morrow	D	New York Rangers	Carolina Hurricanes	Trade	–
Matt Murray	G	Seattle Kraken	Toronto Maple Leafs	UFA	1 yr x $1.0M
Alex Nedeljkovic	G	San Jose Sharks	Pittsburgh Penguins	Trade	–
Corey Perry	RW	Los Angeles Kings	Edmonton Oilers	UFA	1 yr x $2.0M
Michael Pezzetta	LW	Toronto Maple Leafs	Montreal Canadiens	UFA	2 yrs x $787.5K
Ivan Prosvetov	G	Calgary Flames	CSKA Moskva (KHL)	UFA	1 yr x $950K
David Rittich	G	New York Islanders	Los Angeles Kings	UFA	1 yr x $1.0M
Nicolas Roy	C	Toronto Maple Leafs	Vegas Golden Knights	Trade	–
Nate Schmidt	LD	Utah Mammoth	Florida Panthers	UFA	3 yrs x $3.5M
Logan Stankoven	C	Carolina Hurricanes	Carolina Hurricanes	Extension	8 yrs x $6.0M
Nico Sturm	C	Minnesota Wild	Florida Panthers	UFA	2 yrs x $2.0M
Brandon Tanev	LW	Utah Mammoth	Winnipeg Jets	UFA	3 yrs x $2.5M
Vitek Vanecek	G	Utah Mammoth	Florida Panthers	UFA	1 yr x $1.5M
Dan Vladar	G	Philadelphia Flyers	Calgary Flames	UFA	2 yrs x $3.35M