Blueshirt Banter 2026 Free Agent Tracker and Open Thread

One of the most exciting days on the hockey calendar alongside the trade deadline and NHL Draft, the first day of NHL Free Agency is upon us. While this is one of the thinnest free agent classes we've seen in quite some time, there's still no shortage of questions in need of answers from a number of teams around the league, the New York Rangers included.

This post will be updated throughout the day as signings and potentially trade are reported and confirmed, so keep refreshing for the latest deadline news and analysis.

New York Rangers Specific News

Glenn Gawdin

The Rangers haven't officially announced the signing yet but according to PuckPedia, have picked up Gawdin on a two-year deal with an AAV of $875,000. A 6-1, right shot center that was a former fourth round pick, Gawdin is coming off three consecutive 50+ point seasons in the AHL and has 13 career NHL games under his belt. Essentially, the Wolf Pack's Fix-Wolansky replacement.

Casey Fitzgerald

The Hartford Wolf Pack lose their captain as Fitzgerald signs a one-year contract with the Florida Panthers with an AAV of $850,000.

Connor Mackey

It's been a fun journey with Mackey as the emergency call up option but he has signed a two-year, two-way contract with the Chicago Blackhawks for an AAV of $937,500

Vincent Trocheck

As first reported by Eliotte Friedman, Vincent Trocheck is now a Utah Mammoth. You can check out the full details of the return here.

Marcus Pettersson

As initially reported by David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, the Rangers acquired defenseman Marcus Pettersson from the Vancouver Canucks. Pettersson waived his trade protection to come to New York and the Rangers give up a future first rounder with top-ten protection. Full details and breakdown of the trade here.

Conor Sheary

The Buffalo Sabres sign UFA forward Conor Sheary to a one-year contract with an AAV of $850,000. Sheary spent 62 games playing for the Rangers last season and despite his family ties to Mike Sullivan, will not return next season.

Marc Del Gaizo

The Rangers sign 26 year old defenseman Marc Del Gaizo to a two-year, two-way contract. With Casey Fitzgerald and Connor Mackey coming off the books, Del Gaizo brings experience to Hartford's blue line, is coming off a 27 point season with Laval in the AHL last season and has played in 55 NHL games with the Nashville Predators. Solid depth signing for the Rangers.

Oliver Bjorkstrand

Full story on this signing can be found here but the New York Rangers are signing UFA forward Oliver Bjorkstrand according to Eliotte Friedman. Bjorkstrand is coming off a 32 point season in Tampa but has been good for 40-50 point campaigns in the past.

Trey Fix-Wolansky

The Wolf Pack lose one of their top forwards form last season as the Rangers let Trey Fix-Wolansky walk to free agency. The Vancouver Canucks were the team that scooped him up, signing him to a one-year, $900,ooo, two-way deal.

Jonny Brodzinski

Brodzinski did indeed hit free agency and will not return to the Rangers organization as it is being reported that he is signing with the Washington Capitals. The details of his deal include an AAV of $850,000 on a one-way, one-year deal.

Joe Veleno

The New York Rangers are signing forward Joe Veleno to a one-year contract with an AAV of $1.2 million. Veleno had five points in 61 games with Montreal last season and was drafted 30th overall in 2018. He has bounced around a bit since leaving Detroit and doesn't have the best numbers but could be a worthwhile reclamation project for the Blueshirts.

Joonas Korpisalo

The Rangers first official bit of business for the day came as a surprise and a bit of a confusing one at that. You can check out the full story and return details here.

Mavrik Bourque

This is a name that has joined the trade block very recently and while he is a young center that would definitely fit the description of players the Rangers are looking to add, it appears the Rangers are not among the team's making a push for him. Bourque was dealt to the Predators later in the day.

Will Borgen

It appears that the Ottawa Senators are among teams interested in defenseman Will Borgen. Despite just signing an extension over a year ago, Borgen has a 15-team no trade list and four years remaining with an AAV of $4.1 million. Borgen was dealt to the Boston Bruins in exchange for draft capital. Full story here.

Mats Zuccarello

The dream of a Mats Zuccarello reunion in New York is officially gone as he has signed with the Los Angeles Kings on a one-year, $1 million dollar contract. He joins a whole slew of former Rangers in Artemi Panarin, head coach Peter Laviolette, and defenseman Erik Gustafsson who is also signing in LA as a UFA.

Free Agent Signings

The Columbus Blue Jackets re-sign UFA defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a one-year contract (5:45 P.M. 7/2/26)

The Blue Jackets keep their veteran defenseman around for another year on a new contract with an AAV of $1.75 million. Gudbranson has been a valued veteran on their blue line for the last four seasons.

The Minnesota Wild sign UFA forward Maxim Shabanov to a one-year contract (12:49 P.M. 7/2/26)

The Wild add a skilled winger to their arsenal on a one-year deal with an AAV of $1.6 million. Shabanov was not qualified by the Islanders after registering 18 points in 44 games with them last season.

The Washington Capitals re-sign UFA forward Alex Ovechkin to a one-year contract (12:41 P.M. 7/2/26)

Doesn't come as much of a surprise that Alex Ovechkin is back for another year with the Washington Capitals for what could be his final year in the NHL. His new cap hit will be just $1 million but with bonuses, Ovechkin will pocket up to $9 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning sign UFA defenseman John Carlson to a two-year contract (11:59 P.M. 7/1/26)

Despite being dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes, Carlson opted to sign with the Tampa on a two-year deal with an AAV of $8.5 million. This makes a ton of sense for both sides seeing as the Bolts sent their offensive minded right shot defenseman to Toronto in Darren Raddysh. Carlson fills that hole and can help run the power play in Tampa.

The Edmonton Oilers sign UFA forwards Mathieu Joseph and Max Jones to one-year contracts (9:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

Jones split time between Edmonton and Bakersfield last season and returns on a one-year deal with an $850,000 AAV. The Oilers also bring in forward Mathieu Joseph on a one-year, $1 million deal.

The Edmonton Oilers sign UFA goaltender Fredrik Anderson to a one-year contract (8:40 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Oilers sign Stanley Cup Champion goaltender Freddie Anderson to a one-year deal with an AAV of $2.8 million. While Anderson did not start the final games of the Hurricanes run to the Cup, he did have a remarkable 13-2 postseason record with a .910 SV%. There are still some question marks, but this is probably the best the Oilers' goaltending depth has looked in quite a while.

The Dallas Stars sign UFA forward Joel Kiviranta to a one-year contract (8:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Stars bring back forward Kiviranta who has had success with them in the past, specifically in the postseason. Kiviranta had 9 points in 51 games with Colorado last season and signs an AAV of $1 million in Dallas.

The Vegas Golden Knights sign UFA's Ville Heinola, Marc Gatcomb, and Adam Ginning to one and two-year contracts (8:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Golden Knights sign defenseman Ville Heinola to a one-year deal with an AAV of $850,000. Heinola's development has been quite a disaster in Winnipeg as he gets the change of scenery he desperately needed. Gatcomb established himself with the Islanders and joins the Golden Knights on a two-year deal. As does depth defenseman Adam Ginning.

The Winnipeg Jets sign UFA defenseman Mario Ferraro to a three-year contract (8:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Jets land Ferraro on a respectable three-year, $4 million per deal. The contract comes with an eight team no trade list.

The Florida Panthers sign UFA's Tobias Bjornfot, Sam Lafferty, Bokondji Imama, and John Beecher (7:15 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Panthers add a ton of depth in forwards Lafferty, Imama, and Beecher and bring back defenseman Tobias Bjornfot. Imama makes a ton of sense for Florida, as if they needed to get any tougher. Beecher is a Boqvist replacement after the Markstrom trade as Lafferty can also add depth to their bottom six.

The Calgary Flames sign UFA defensemen Andreas Englund and Jake Livingstone to one-year contracts (6:37 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Flames add a pair of depth defenseman in Englund and Livingstone. Englund's AAV comes in at $900,000 while Livingstone's is $850,000. Englund had 13 points in 52 AHL games last season, appearing in three games with the Nashville Predators while Livingstone spent the full season in the AHL with the Charlotte Checkers. 17 points in 52 games.

The Vancouver Canucks sign UFA defenseman Jamie Oleksiak to a two-year contract (6:31 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Canucks get their Marcus Pettersson replacement in 6-8 Jamie Oleksiak on a two-year deal with an AAV of $5 million. Oleksiak had 15 points in 78 games with Seattle last season.

The Florida Panthers sign UFA forward Lars Eller to a one-year contract (6:17 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Panthers add a veteran fourth line center in Lars Eller on a one-year deal with an $850,000 AAV. Eller had 15 points in 68 games with Ottawa last season and comes with almost 1200 games of NHL experience.

The Edmonton Oilers re-sign UFA forward Kasperi Kapanen to a one-year contract (6:10 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Oilers bring Kapanen back on a one-year deal with an AAV of $2.6 million. Kapanen is coming off two seasons in Edmonton where he has carved out a nice role for himself in their bottom six.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Zack MacEwen to a two-year contract (5:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Maple Leafs add another gritty depth forward in Zack MacEwen on a two-year deal with an AAV of $850,000. MacEwen played in just three games with the Devils last season.

The Nashville Predators sign UFA defensemen Jack Ahcan and Hunter Skinner to two-year contracts (5:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Predators sign one time Rangers Hunter Skinner to a two-year, two way deal. The former fourth round pick had 19 points in 60 games with the Springfield Thunderbirds last season. Ahcan is an undersized, left-shot defenseman who had 50 points in 61 games in the AHL last season with the Colorado Eagles.

The Tampa Bay Lightning sign UFA goaltenders Mads Sogaard and Olivier Rodrigue to one-year contracts (5:29 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Lightning get a pair of goaltenders on one-year, two-way deals. Sogaard has spent his entire career up to this point in Ottawa and desperately needed a chance of scenery. Rodrigue appeared in just 10 games with the Rockford IceHogs last season but has potential to be a fringe NHL/AHL goalie.

The Minnesota Wild re-sign UFA forward Nick Foligno to a one-year contract (5:10 P.M. 7/1/26)

Not much of a surprise as the Wild re-up another one of their veterans in Nick Foligno. His new AAV comes in around league minimum at $800,000.

The Ottawa Senators sign five UFA's to two-way deals (5:08 P.M. 7/1/26)

As reported by Julian McKenzie of The Athletic, the Ottawa Senators are taking swings on a number of depth players. A couple of young players with untapped potential in Christian Kyrou and Phillip Tomasino as well as depth players Philippe Daoust, Ryan Suzuki, and former Rangers, Sammy Blais.

The Washington Capitals sign UFA forward Josua Dunne to a one-year contract (5:07 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Capitals add another fourth line center option. Dunne is an undrafted, left-shot center that established himself in Buffalo. Signs to a one-way deal with an $850,00 cap hit.

The Winnipeg Jets sign UFA forward Noah Gregor to a one-year contract (5:05 P.M. 7/1/26)

Winnipeg adds a depth forward in Noah Gregor who most recently, had nine points in 37 games with the Florida Panthers. Gregor's cap hit is $850,000.

The Anaheim Ducks sign UFA goaltender Laurent Brossoit to a one-year contract (5:02 P.M. 7/1/26)

A veteran backup who hasn't been the same since he left Winnipeg, the Ducks get some depth in their crease, signed to a $1.1 million deal.

The Edmonton Oilers sign UFA defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year contract (4:52 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Oilers are signing former Penguins defenseman Ryan Shea to a five-year deal with an AAV of $4 million. With Nurse now in San Jose, Shea along with Mukhamadulin, adds reinforcements to the left side of Edmonton's blue line.

The Colorado Avalanche sign UFA forward Vinnie Hinostroza to a two-year contract (4:49 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Avalanche add a depth forward in Hinostroza who is a bit undersized but plays a solid bottom six game. Can add secondary offense and kill penalties.

The Detroit Red Wings sign UFA defenseman Jacob Bryson to a one-year contract (4:42 P.M. 7/1/26)

Solid depth signing but not a needle mover for the Red Wings who are in desperate need of some needle movement. Bryson's AAV is $850,000.

The Montreal Canadiens sign UFA's Kaapo Kahkonen, Alex Belzile, Samuel Poulin and Ethan Samson to one-year contracts (4:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Canadiens add two depth players in forward Samuel Poulin and defenseman Ethan Samson. Both contracts are league min, two-way deals. Additionally, they add goaltender Kaapo Kahkonen to a one-year, $1 million deal, and bring back one time Ranger Alex Belzile to a one-year, league min deal.

The Philadelphia Flyers sign UFA's Zach Aston-Reese, Jack Studnicka, Danila Klimovich, and Cam Dineen to contracts (4:27 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Flyers make a handful of depth signings, adding veteran forward Aston-Reese to a two-year deal with an AAV of $875,000. Studnicka and Dineen both sign to two-year, two-way deals as Klimovich signs a one-year, two-way deal.

The New York Islanders sign UFA forward Mitchell Chaffee to a one-year contract (4:07 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Islanders make a great depth signing here as Chaffee had 57 points in 54 AHL games with the Syracuse Crunch last season. An undrafted, right winger, Chaffee can get a solid depth player at the NHL level.

The Washington Capitals sign Boone Jenner to a four-year contract (4:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

Friedman reports that the Capitals are the team that will be signing veteran forward Boone Jenner. The Blue Jackets captain has spent his entire career up to this point in Columbus. His AAV comes in at $5.75 million.

The Utah Mammoth re-sign UFA forward Kevin Stenlund to a one-year contract (3:50 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Mammoth have agreed to terms on a new contract for Kevin Stenlund who has had success with them across the last two seasons. His one-year deal has an AAV of $2.75 million.

The Minnesota Wild re-sign UFA defenseman Zach Bogosian to a one-year contract (4:36 P.M. 7/1/26)

The veteran defenseman remains in Minnesota as he looks to finish his career with a Stanley Cup. Bogosian's new cap hit is $1.25 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Brandon Duhaime to a three-year contract (3:35 P.M. 7/1/26)

As was reported earlier the afternoon, the Maple Leafs sign Duhaime to a three-year deal with an AAV of $2.6 million. Duhaime had just nine points in Washington last season but 21 points the year prior.

The San Jose Sharks sign UFA goaltender Eric Comrie to a two-year contract (3:27 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Sharks pick up a valuable backup goaltender in Eric Comrie. Spending most of his career in Winnipeg, Comrie had a record of 12-11-1 last season and joins the Sharks on a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.15 million.

The Anaheim Ducks sign UFA forward Jeff Malott to a three-year contract (3:26 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Ducks replace the hole left by Ross Johnston by signing former LA King Jeff Malott to a three-year deal. His cap hit carries an AAV of $1.85 million.

The Detroit Red Wings sign UFA goaltender Daniil Tarasov to a one-year contract (3:26 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Red Wings bring on another goaltender in Tarasov who had a .895 SV% in 33 games with the Panthers last season. Tarasov gets a nice pay raise with an AAV of $2 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights sign UFA forward Victor Olofsson (3:23 P.M. 7/1/26)

According to Darren Dreger, the Golden Knights are bringing back forward Victor Olofsson who had 29 points with them in 56 points in the 2024-25 season. Olofsson more recently had 31 points split between stints with the Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames last season. The deal was officially announced by Vegas around 8:30 P.M.

The Anaheim Ducks sign UFA defenseman Nick Jensen to a two-year contract (3:19 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Ducks let John Carlson, Radko Gudas, and Jacob Trouba all walk to free agency. They needed some reinforcements on the right side so they bring in Jensen on a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.25 million. Jensen had 17 points in 61 games with Ottawa last season.

The Florida Panthers sign UFA defenseman Alex Petrovic to a two-year contract (3:16 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Panthers bring back defenseman Alex Petrovic who spent the majority of his career in Florida. The former second round pick is coming off a ten point season in Dallas last season.

The Minnesota Wild sign UFA goaltender Calvin Pickard to a one-year contract (3:15 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Wild add a great third string goaltender in Calvin Pickard on a one-year, $1 million deal. Could also be insurance in the event they trade one of Jesper Wallstedt or Filip Gustavsson.

The Washington Capitals sign UFA defenseman Vincent Desharnais to a four-year contract (2:49 P.M. 7/1/26)

A significant deal for a bottom pair defenseman who is probably best used as a seventh defenseman on a contending team. Desharnais shoots right and has size but mainly plays a defensive-defenseman role.

The Washington Capitals sign UFA defenseman Justin Holl to a one-year contract (2:49 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Capitals add some more depth on their blue line, signing Justin Holl to a one-year, one-way deal with a cap hit of $900,ooo. Holl mainly played in the AHL last season but had two points in nine games with the St. Louis Blues

The Pittsburgh Penguins sign UFA forward Andrei Kuzmenko to a one-year contract (2:49 P.M. 7/1/26)

A good short term deal for a middle six forward that can score goals. Kuzmenko is coming off a 25 point season in Los Angeles and while he's never come close to the 75 points he put up his first season in North America, he can still contribute offense and help a team out. His AAV in Pittsburgh is going to be $5 million.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Teddy Blueger to a two-year contract (2:29 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Leafs add another bottom-six center by adding Teddy Blueger to the mix. His two-year deal carries an AAV of $2.5 million.

The Los Angeles Kings re-sign UFA forward Scott Laughton to a three-year contract (2:23 P.M. 7/1/26)

After spending time with LA after the trade deadline, Laughton did indeed test the open market but ultimately decided to return to the Kings. His new contract comes with an AAV of $3.5 million on a three-year term.

The Nashville Predators sign UFA forward Alex Kerfoot to a two-year contract (2:03 P.M. 7/1/26)

Kerfoot had 13 points in 34 games in Utah last season. Is typically good for anywhere between 20-50 points a season, could be a good depth forward for Nashville. AAV is $3.5 million.

The Boston Bruins sign UFA defenseman Connor Clifton to a two-year contract (2:03 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Bruins bring back right-handed defenseman Connor Clifton who spent five seasons in Boston, including a trip to the 2019 Stanley Cup Final. Clifton's cap hit comes in at $2.3 million which explains why the Bruins were looking to shed Korpisalo's cap hit.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year contract (2:03 P.M. 7/1/26)

Bobrovsky was being linked to Toronto pretty much since it was official that he wouldn't be back with Florida. The Leafs get a new clear-cut starting goaltender with Cup experience which sounds great on paper. However, Bobrovsky turns 38 this fall and is now making $7 million for the next three seasons.

The Dallas Stars sign UFA goaltender Brandon Halverson to a one-year contract (2:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Stars sign once upon a time Rangers draft pick Brandon Halverson to a one-year, two-way deal. Halverson adds goaltending depth in Dallas after three seasons in Tampa's system.

The San Jose Sharks sign UFA defenseman Jacob Trouba to a four-year contract (1:50 P.M. 7/1/26)

This one doesn't come as much of a surprise. The Sharks needed help on the right side and Trouba just felt like a good fit there. The former Rangers captain gets quite the raise as he's making even more than he made in New York with an AAV of $8.25 million.

The Vancouver Canucks sign UFA defenseman Luke Schenn to a one-year contract (1:38 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Canucks bring back 36 year old Luke Schenn who spent a pair of seasons with them back in 2022/2023. Schenn has bounced around the league a ton, has plenty of miles under him (including a pair of Cups in Tampa, and finished last season in Buffalo. He appeared in just two playoff games with them down the stretch. His AAV with Vancouver will be $2.25 million.

The New York Islanders sign UFA defenseman Matt Kessel to a one-year contract (1:36 P.M. 7/1/26)

Scoring twice and assisting once in 29 games with the Blues last season, the Islanders add another right-handed defenseman to their system with Matt Kessel. His one-year deal is a two-way contract that carries a cap hit of $850,000 at the NHL level.

The New York Islanders sign UFA goaltender Vitek Vanacek to a one-year contract (1:26 P.M. 7/1/26)

An insurance signing for the Islanders as Semyon Varlamov is getting up there in age. Vanacek played in 22 games with the Mammoth last season and got an A on the group project with the Florida Panthers when they last won the Stanley Cup.

The Los Angeles Kings sign UFA defenseman Scott Perunovich to a one-year contract (1:25 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Kings add depth defenseman Scott Perunovich on a one-year, two-way deal. Perunovich was a former second round draft pick that has bounced around in recent years, spending all of last season in the AHL. He had 49 points in 64 games with the Tuscon Roadrunners.

The Minnesota Wild sign UFA forward Justin Kirkland to a one-year contract (1:24 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Wild add another depth forward to a one-year, two-way deal. Kirkland had two points in 20 games with the Calgary Flames last season as he split time between the NHL and AHL.

The New York Islanders sign UFA forward Matias Maccelli to a one-year contract (1:21 P.M. 7/1/26)

After not receiving a qualifying offer from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Maccelli (who would have been great for the Rangers) signs with the New York Islanders on a one year deal. His new AAV is just north of two million ($2.25 million).

The Vancouver Canucks sign UFA forward Paul Cotter to a one-year contract (1:21 P.M. 7/1/26)

A versatile depth forward with intriguing qualities coming off a slight drop in production in New Jersey, Cotter heads to Vancouver on a one-year deal with an AAV of $2.15 million.

The Winnipeg Jets sign UFA goaltender Stuart Skinner to a two-year contract (1:09 P.M. 7/1/26)

This is...not great news if you're a Winnipeg fan. With all the trade rumors surrounding Connor Hellebuyck, adding Stuart Skinner is not an encouraging sign in those developments. Skinner's deal is two years with an AAV of $3.75.

The Philadelphia Flyers sign UFA forward Noel Acciari to a two-year contract (1:09 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Flyers add a depth forward in Acciari on a two-year deal with an AAV of $2.8 million. Acciari had 25 points in 67 games in Pittsburgh last season.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Jack Roslovic to a two-year contract (1:04 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Toronto Maple Leafs get a former Ranger in Jack Roslovic for two-years with an AAV of $4 million. Roslovic had 36 points in 69 games with Edmonton last season.

The Calgary Flames sign UFA defenseman Mike Benning to a one-year contract (1:01 P.M. 7/1/26)

An undersized right-handed defenseman who played 18 games in Florida last season, Benning heads to Calgary on a one-year, two-way contract per Darren Dreger.

The Pittsburgh Penguins sign UFA defenseman Declan Carlile to a two-year contract (1:01 P.M. 7/1/26)

Carlile has loads of AHL experience and just played in half a seasons worth of games with the Tampa bay Lightning last season. He heads to Pittsburgh on a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.5 million.

The Colorado Avalanche sign UFA defenseman Noah Juulsen to a two-year contract (1:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

Coming off a career high ten points with the Philadelphia Flyers, Noah Juulsen is a solid right-handed depth defenseman that will surely thrive in Colorado. his AAV comes in just over a million at $1.1 million.

The Tampa Bay Lightning sign UFA forward Jeffrey Viel to a five-year contract (12:59 P.M. 7/1/26)

A gritty depth forward that stood out in Anaheim's playoff run, Viel signs (per Eliotte Friedman) a five-year deal in Tampa with an AAV of $2.5 million.

The Buffalo Sabres sign UFA defenseman Dennis Gilbert to a one-year contract (12:58 P.M. 7/1/26)

Included in the trade that sent Dylan Cozens to Ottawa, the Sabres bring back depth defenseman Dennis Gilbert on a one-year deal with an AAV of $850,000.

The Tampa Bay Lightning sign UFA forward Ilya Mikheyev to a four-year contract (12:46 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Bolts bring on a versatile middle-six forward in Mikeyev on a four-year deal. Mikheyev's AAV will come in at $3.85 million.

The Chicago Blackhawks sign UFA defenseman Ian Cole to a one-year contract (12:42 P.M. 7/1/26)

A pretty penny for the 37-year-old defenseman who won a pair of Stanley Cups with the Penguins in 16/17. Cole is signing a one year deal with an AAV of $4.75.

The Los Angeles Kings sign UFA forward Corey Perry to a one-year contract (12:40 P.M. 7/1/26)

The 41-year-old veteran continues his chase for another Stanley Cup as he returns to the Los Angeles Kings on a one year deal with an AAV of $1 million.

The Columbus Blue Jackets sign UFA forward Ryan Lomberg to a two-year contract (12:40 P.M. 7/1/26)

The former Cup Champion with Florida, Lomberg heads to Columbus after a two-year stint in Calgary. Lomberg averaged 11 points across the last two seasons but brings grit and valued veteran experience in a fourth line role.

The Colorado Avalanche sign UFA forward Jaden Schwartz to a three-year deal (12:36 P.M. 7/1/26)

After spending the last five seasons with the Seattle Kraken, Schwartz will look to add another Stanley Cup to his resume as he joins the contending Colorado Avalanche on a three-year deal. While the deal was reported early into free agency, it was officially announced by the team at 11:06 A.M on July 2. The 34-year-old signs an AAV of $3.25 million with full trade protection this year and a 15-team trade list the next two.

The Chicago Blackhawks sign UFA forward Cole Smith to a three-year contract (12:32 P.M. 7/1/26)

Initially reported by Frank Seravalli, the Chicago Blackhawks are signing Cole Smith to a three-year deal with an AAV of $3 million. Smith had three goals and assists with the Golden Knights across 22 playoff games.

The San Jose Sharks sign UFA forward Mason Marchment to a five-year contract (12:30 P.M. 7/1/26)

Being reported by Eliotte Friedman, it appears that Mason Marchment will head to San Jose on a five-year deal. Makes sense given his father's (Bryan Marchment) history with the team as a player as well as a coach and scout. The reported AAV is $7 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign UFA forward Mats Zuccarello to a one-year contract (12:19 P.M. 7/1/26)

A potential free agent target for the Rangers is expected to come off the board as ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports he is expected to sign with LA. Further reported by Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Zuccarello's AAV will be bonus heavy with a $1 million cap hit.

The St. Louis Blues sign UFA forward Ross Johnston to a three-year contract (12:20 P.M. 7/1/26)

David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reports that Ross Johnston is signing with the St. Louis Blues. A gritty, enforcer-type forward that can plug into your fourth line that had 14 points across 62 games with Anaheim last season. The Blues made the signing official with a $2 million AAV.

The Toronto Maple Leafs sign UFA forward Colton Sissons to a two-year contract (12:20 P.M. 7/1/26)

Colton Sissons is joining the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sissons had eight points in 22 playoff games with the Vegas Golden Knights this postseason and is a great bottom six forward to add to your roster. The deal became official ten past 4 P.M. on a two-year deal with an AAV of $4.25 million

The Detroit Red Wings sign UFA forward Viktor Arvidsson to a two-year contract (12:18 P.M. 7/1/26)

As reported by ESPN's Emily Kaplan, Arvidsson is expected to join the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal. Arvidsson had 54 points in 69 games with the Boston Bruins last season. Friedman later reported the AAV to be $5 million.

The Los Angeles Kings sign UFA forward Erik Haula to a two-year contract (12 P.M. 7/1/26)

Coming off a 38 point season in Nashville, Haula is an incredibly useful bottom six forward that can play a role and contribute secondary offense. His AAV comes in at $3.5 million for the next two seasons.

The Pittsburgh Penguins sign UFA defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk to a two-year contract (12 P.M. 7/1/26)

The veteran defenseman has spent the last six seasons with the Washington Capitals and is coming off a 14 point campaign across 68 games played. The details of his deal were later reported to be two years with a $4 million AAV.

Around the League Extensions

The Montreal Canadiens signed goaltender Jakob Dobes to a three-year contract extension (3:40 P.M. 7/2/26)

After an impressive postseason, Dobes has earned a three-year extension to remain in Montreal. His new contract carries an AAV of $5,357,575. Very specific numbers, but a well-deserved pay raise as he is expected to start for the Canadiens this season.

The Ottawa Senators signed goaltender Sam Ersson to a two-year contract (12:32 P.M. 7/1/26)

After being dealt to Ottawa from Toronto who acquired him in the Joseph Woll trade, Ersson is signing a two-year contract with the Senators. His AAV comes in at $2.2 million as he will have a chance to back up Linus Ullmark next season.

The Seattle Kraken signed forward Mackie Samoskevich to a three-year contract extension (12:15 P.M. 7/1/26)

Acquired via trade in the days leading up to the draft, the Kraken have signed Samoskevich to a three year extension with an AAV of $3.85 million. A solid young winger for the Kraken to slot into their middle six.

The Philadelphia Flyers signed forward Tyson Foerster to an eight-year contract extension (11:54 A.M. 7/1/26)

Despite appearing in just 29 games this season, Foerster collected 13 goals and is expected to re-up with the Flyers for the next eight seasons as he enters the final year of his contract. The AAV will come in around $7 million and should become official after noon.

The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Ivan Demidov to an eight-year contract extension (11:53 A.M. 7/1/26)

Another player entering the final year of his current deal, it is expected that Ivan Demidov will extend on an eight-year deal that carries an AAV of $9.125 million once the clock hits noon.

The Philadelphia Flyers signed goaltender Dan Vladar to a five-year contract extension (11:44 A.M. 7/1/26)

According to Dan Milstein (Vladar's agent), Vladar will remain a Flyer for the next five seasons. His AAV comes in at $5.5 million.

The Florida Panthers signed defenseman Radko Gudas to a six-year contract extension (11:32 A.M. 7/1/26)

Yes, you read that correctly. 36 year old Radko Gudas has reunited with Florida on a six-year deal after acquiring his rights in the A.J. Greer trade. Given the term, the cap hit comes in rather low at $1.5 million.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed Rasmus Andersson to a seven-year extension (11:24 A.M. 7/1/26)

PuckPedia expects Rasmus Andersson to remain with the Golden Knights on a seven-year deal. The AAV is expected to be $8.5 million which feels like an underpayment in comparison to what he could have gotten on the open market.

The Buffalo Sabres signed defenseman Olen Zellweger to a three-year contract extension (11:11 A.M. 7/1/26)

According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, later confirmed by Eliotte Friedman, the Sabres are signing Zellweger to a three-year extension. The former Ducks defenseman was just acquired by the Sabres on draft day and has been given his qualifying offer in the meantime. The deal was made official at noon and carries an AAV of $3.1 million.

The New Jersey Devils signed forward Nico Hischier to a five-year contract extension (7/1/26)

The Devils made it official five past noon that they have signed their captain to a six-year extension with an AAV of $11.7 million. Hischier was going to be a UFA next season but will remain with the team for the next half decade.

The Florida Panthers signed forward Eetu Luostarinen to an eight-year contract extension (7/1/26)

The Panthers are clearly set on keeping the entire band together as it appears Luostarinen will remain a Florida Panther for the next eight seasons. A very modest deal for the Finnish-forward as his new AAV will come in at $5 million beginning next season.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year contract extension (7/1/26)

This might seem like a wild price to pay for Bowen Byram but after giving up the fourth overall pick to acquire him, it was necessary business for Chicago. This extension will make Byram the highest paid defenseman in the NHL when the deal kicks in next season. The AAV comes in at $12.5 million with Rasmus Dahlin and Thomas Harley being the next two highest paid defensemen. Friendly reminder, Adam Fox's contract is an absolute steal.

The Anaheim Ducks signed forward A.J. Greer to a four-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Acquired from Florida just two days ago in exchange for the rights to Radko Gudas, A.J. Greer will be an Anaheim Duck for the next four seasons. The pesky bottom-six winger is coming off a career high season in Florida, collecting 32 points (and 113 PIM) across 78 games. Another player that may have been of interest to Chris Drury and the Rangers off the board.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed defenseman Jeremy Lauzon to a six-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Notable for Rangers fans as Lauzon was an interesting potential free agent target for New York, the 29-year-old defenseman will remain with Vegas on a six-year deal and an AAV of $4 million. A modest deal for a useful defenseman that fell one point short of his career best with the Golden Knights last season.

The New Jersey Devils signed forward Arseny Gritsyuk to a three-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Gritsyuk was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 draft and finally made the jump to North America last season where he registered 31 points in 66 games with the Devils. New Jersey will keep him around for the next three seasons on a deal that carries an AAV of $3.25 million

The Minnesota Wild signed forward Bobby Brink to a one-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Acquired at the trade deadline, Brink was also at risk of hitting the open market after the Wild did not extend him a qualifying offer. He will remain in Minnesota for another year with a cap hit of $2.75 million.

The Utah Mammoth signed goaltender Sebastian Cossa to a two-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Acquired during the draft, Cossa signs a two-year deal with an AAV of $2 million in Utah. The former 15th overall pick made his NHL debut in the 2024-25 season in Detroit but has split time in the AHL with Grand Rapids the last two seasons. It's expected he will compete to split time with Karel Vejmelka as a full time NHLer this season.

The St. Louis Blues signed forward Jonatan Berggren to a one-year contract extension (6/30/26)

There was some speculation when he didn't receive a qualifying offer that he would hit the open market but Berggren will remain in St. Louis for another year. His AAV comes in at an even $2 million after just 16 points in 36 games last season.

The Ottawa Senators signed forward Nick Cousins to a two-year contract extension (6/30/26)

Notable news as many expected Cousins to join Brady Tkachuk and the super team in Florida, Cousins remains an Ottawa Senator on a two-year deal with an AAV of $1,587,500. Cousins played in all but one game with the Senators last season, finishing the year with 23 points.

The Philadelphia Flyers are extending forward Carl Grundstrom on a one-year contract extension (6/30/26)

The Flyers hold onto a useful depth forward in Grundstrom one a one-year deal with an AAV of $1 million. Grundstrom appeared in three playoff games with the Flyers this postseason and finished the regular season with 13 points in 47 games.

Trades

The Minnesota Wild Acquire Blake Coleman and Olli Maatta from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Jake Middleton, a 2027 third, 2028 fourth, and 2029 second.

The Wild swap defensemen and get a center for a slew of draft picks, Don't really like this trade for either side. In theory, Calgary would like to get a better haul for Coleman and the Wild need top six center help, not a third line center. Can't imagine Bill Guerin is done tinkering however.

The Detroit Red Wings acquire Keegan Kolesar from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for a 2029 third round pick and a 2027 seventh.

The Golden Knights shed some cap space by moving Kolesar. The Red Wings get a very useful bottom six forward that can help them make a playoff push.

The Tampa Bay Lighting acquire Dennis Hildeby, a 2027 fourth round pick, and a 2028 third round pick from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for forward Nick Paul.

A surprising move as the Leafs send a young goaltender to Tampa in exchange for Nick Paul. Paul has spent the last five seasons in Tampa and is a great veteran role player with experience.

The San Jose Sharks acquire Darnell Nurse from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Shakir Mukhamadullin and Zach Sharp

Edmonton will not be retaining salary on Nurse. A bit of a risky move for San Jose but certainly one that shows they're looking to make the playoffs next season.

The Buffalo Sabres acquire goaltender Devon Levi and a 2028 seventh round pick from the Buffalo Sabres in exchange for a 2028 third round pick (2:00 P.M. 7/1/26)

The Oilers get their goalie. At one point in time it did seem like Levi was going to be the goalie of the future in Buffalo but he has fallen out of favor since they've gotten back to the playoff picture. The Oilers have been desperate for goaltending and take a swing on a young goalie who has 39 games of NHL experience.

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired forward Nick Robertson from the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for a 2028 fourth round pick (11:04 A.M. 7/1/26)

Solid pick up for Pittsburgh. Worth noting, Nick is the younger brother of Jason... Could the Penguins be kicking tires on Jason Robertson? Kyle Dubas also was the general manager in Toronto during Robertson's tenure so could just be him taking a swing on a young player he knows.

The Nashville Predators acquired forward Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lybushkin from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2027 second and 2028 third round pick (10:51 A.M. 7/1/26)

The Pittsburgh Penguins acquired defenseman Kaedan Korczak from the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for Parker Wotherspoon (6/30/26)

This trade is a win for Pittsburgh. They get a younger, right-shot defenseman that is signed to a respectable contract for the next three seasons. The Vegas side of this was certainly more about clearing cap space as Wotherspoon is a fine defenseman making just $1 million for the next season.

The Florida Panthers acquired goaltender Jacob Markstrom and forward Angus Crookshank from the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Evan Rodrigues, Jesper Boqvist, and Ben Steeves (6/30/26)

The Panthers needed a goalie and decided to go with the Devil they knew versus one they didn't. In exchange, the Devils clear out Markstrom's $6 million cap hit and get some depth up front. Boqvist is a player they drafted and had success with in the past and Rodrigues is a valuable depth player that can slot in somewhere on your third line.

Miscellaneous

A reminder in the event of any potential offer sheets, these are the draft pick compensations based on contract AAV's.

Jonathan Drouin

After being placed on waivers for buyout purposes, Jonathan Drouin has cleared and will be an unrestricted free agent. A reunion with Colorado makes a ton of sense here.

Barret Hayton

The New Jersey Devils have signed former fifth overall pick Barret Hayton to an offer sheet of one-year, $4.775 million deal. The two were apparently working on a trade at the draft but Utah ultimately pulled out of the deal. They now have a week to match New Jersey's offer. The Devils will have to give up a second round pick if Utah doesn't match. The catch if Utah matches is they cannot trade Hayton for a full year.