The NHL free agency period is officially open! As the clock struck 12 p.m. ET, teams across the league began making significant moves, aiming to bolster their rosters for the 2025-26 season and beyond. This annual frenzy brings a wave of signings, trades, and extensions that dramatically reshape the competitive landscape. We’re providing comprehensive coverage, tracking every major deal and offering expert analysis as it happens. Stay locked in here for continuous updates on all the breaking news from the start of the signing season.
The Opening Bell: Market Dynamics in Play
Free agency day often highlights evolving market trends. This year, the spotlight quickly turned to players addressing specific team needs, particularly in positions perceived as thin across the league. Goaltending and high-quality centers were areas where demand seemed to outstrip supply, potentially leading to higher-than-anticipated deals for available players. Meanwhile, a notable group of previously restricted free agents (RFAs) who did not receive qualifying offers have now entered the unrestricted market, adding intriguing, potentially value-laden options for teams seeking depth or upside.
Players like forward Philipp Kurashev, defenseman Jordan Harris, wingers Nikolai Kovalenko and Pontus Holmberg, and center Philip Tomasino became UFAs after their teams opted not to qualify them. Kurashev, surprisingly let go by Chicago despite a strong 2023-24 season, and Tomasino, the youngest of the group with solid point production across two teams last year, represent potentially high-reward, low-risk signings. These unqualified RFAs introduce an interesting dynamic, allowing teams to acquire players who might still be ascending without the complexities of offer sheets.
Key Signings and Instant Analysis
The early hours of free agency saw a flurry of activity. Here’s a breakdown of some significant signings and initial reactions:
Eastern Conference Shakeups
New York Islanders: Added forward Jonathan Drouin on a two-year deal with a $4 million AAV and goaltender David Rittich on a one-year, $1 million AAV contract.
Analysis: Drouin showed strong chemistry with Nathan MacKinnon last season. The Islanders desperately need that offensive spark. If he can replicate even a portion of that production, this deal provides essential secondary scoring. Rittich offers experienced goalie depth, crucial given Semyon Varlamov’s recent injury history. His 2023-24 numbers were solid insurance.
Boston Bruins: Signed Sean Kuraly (2 years, $1.85M AAV), Michael Eyssimont (2 years, $1.45M AAV), and Tanner Jeannot (5 years, $3.4M AAV).
Analysis: Kuraly and Eyssimont add bottom-six grit and energy. Jeannot’s contract signals Boston’s commitment to a physical, hard-checking identity for the next five years. While his offense hasn’t matched peak levels, his hitting and defensive zone presence fit the Bruins’ mold, seemingly as a replacement for the extended Trent Frederic.
Detroit Red Wings: Brought in James van Riemsdyk (1 year, $1M AAV) and Jacob Bernard-Docker (1 year, $875k AAV).
Analysis: Van Riemsdyk provides affordable depth scoring, particularly relevant after the Vladimir Tarasenko trade. Replicating his 36 points from Columbus would be a success. Bernard-Docker is a low-cost defensive depth addition.
Florida Panthers: Added veterans Jeff Petry (1 year, $775k + bonuses) and Tomas Nosek (1 year, $775k).
Analysis: Petry is a low-risk “prove-it” deal. His production has dipped, but a minimum salary contract offers high upside if he finds his game. Nosek returns on a league-minimum deal, providing reliable bottom-six defensive forward play.
New Jersey Devils: Signed Connor Brown (4 years, $3M AAV) and Jake Allen (5 years, $1.8M AAV).
Analysis: Brown adds veteran forward depth. The Allen signing addresses the thin goalie market directly. Giving a 34-year-old netminder five years is significant, but the relatively low AAV is likely tied to that term. He provides a capable partner or injury insurance for Jacob Markstrom. The Devils were reportedly seeking a two-year deal around $5 million, so this is a different structure.
Philadelphia Flyers: Signed goaltender Dan Vladar (2 years, $3.35M AAV).
Analysis: Vladar provides goaltending competition or a tandem option. He split time previously in Calgary, showing he can handle a decent workload.
Pittsburgh Penguins: Signed Parker Wotherspoon (2 years, $1M AAV).
Analysis: A depth addition to the defense corps at a low cost.
Washington Capitals: Signed defenseman Martin Fehervary to a seven-year extension ($6M AAV).
Analysis: Commits to a key young blueliner long-term, securing a core piece of their defense.
Western Conference Developments
Utah Mammoth: Added defenseman Nate Schmidt (3 years, $3.5M AAV) and forward Brandon Tanev (3 years, $2.25M AAV).
Analysis: Utah continues building its roster with experienced depth. Schmidt is a capable third-pair defenseman who showed impressive playoff production. Tanev brings relentless energy and physicality, fitting the team’s identity.
Nashville Predators: Signed defenseman Nick Perbix (2 years, $2.75M AAV).
Analysis: Adds a mobile, effective blueliner to their group.
Los Angeles Kings: Active early, signing defensemen Cody Ceci (4 years, $4.5M AAV) and Brian Dumoulin (3 years, $4M AAV), goaltender Anton Forsberg (2 years, $2.25M AAV), and forward Joel Armia (2 years, $2.5M AAV).
Analysis: The Kings significantly overhauled their defense, bringing in two experienced veterans in Ceci and Dumoulin. Forsberg provides a reliable backup option in net. Armia adds size and veteran forward depth.
Seattle Kraken: Signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren (4 years, $4.5M AAV).
Analysis: A significant addition to their blue line, bringing a reliable defensive presence from the Rangers.
Colorado Avalanche: Signed forward Parker Kelly (4 years, $1.7M AAV).
Analysis: Provides depth and energy to their forward group.
Calgary Flames: Signed forward Joel Hanley (2 years, $1.75M AAV).
Analysis: Adds a depth forward option at a low cost.
Notable Contract Extensions
Many teams prioritized locking up key pieces before they hit the open market or were still restricted free agents.
San Jose Sharks: William Eklund (3 years, $5.6M AAV).
Analysis: A crucial extension for the rebuilding Sharks, securing a core offensive player who is showing significant progress, especially alongside top prospects like Macklin Celebrini.
Vancouver Canucks: Brock Boeser (7 years, $7.25M AAV), Thatcher Demko (3 years, $8.5M AAV), and Conor Garland (6 years, $6M AAV).
Analysis: The Canucks had a busy lead-up to July 1, retaining significant parts of their core. Boeser’s long-term deal suggests the team believes recent issues are behind them. Demko’s extension is a shorter-term bet on his return to Vezina-caliber form after injury woes. Garland provides consistent middle-six scoring and seems enthusiastic about the coaching change. Keeping this group signals a belief in the existing foundation.
Carolina Hurricanes: Logan Stankoven (8 years, $6M AAV).
Analysis: A major commitment to a dynamic young forward acquired in a significant trade. Despite his smaller stature, Stankoven brings scoring and two-way play, and locking him up through his prime at this AAV is potentially very valuable.
New York Islanders: Alexander Romanov (8 years, $6.25M AAV).
Analysis: A long-term deal for a physical, defensive defenseman, securing a key blueliner alongside their veteran core.
Boston Bruins: Morgan Geekie (6 years, $5.5M AAV).
Analysis: Geekie emerged as a versatile forward, and this extension solidifies his role in their middle six for the foreseeable future.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Matthew Knies (6 years, $7.75M AAV) and John Tavares (4 years, $4.38M AAV).
Analysis: The Leafs secured two important forwards. Knies is a young power forward seen as a crucial piece of their future core. Tavares takes a pay cut on a shorter term, remaining a key leader and offensive contributor. These deals provide financial clarity.
Columbus Blue Jackets: Dante Fabbro (4 years, $4.125M AAV).
Analysis: Adds stability to their defense corps with a player acquired previously.
St. Louis Blues: Joel Hofer (2 years, $3.4M AAV).
Analysis: Locks up a promising young goaltender who is expected to play a significant role, potentially alongside Jordan Binnington.
Calgary Flames: Kevin Bahl (6 years, $5.35M AAV).
Analysis: A long-term commitment to a physical defenseman acquired in a trade, solidifying their defense group.
Florida Panthers: Sam Bennett (8 years, $8M AAV) and Aaron Ekblad (8 years, $6.1M AAV).
Analysis: The Panthers locked up two vital players from their core. Bennett brings grit, scoring, and playoff performance. Ekblad is a top-pair defenseman. These are huge commitments to players instrumental in their recent success.
Buffalo Sabres: Jack Quinn (2 years, $3.375M AAV).
Analysis: A bridge deal for a skilled young forward, allowing both player and team to evaluate his development before a long-term commitment.
Dallas Stars: Jamie Benn (1 year, $1M + bonuses).
Analysis: The Stars captain returns on a team-friendly deal, providing leadership and middle-six scoring punch.
Major Trades Shaping the Off-Season
Free agency day often coincides with trades, as teams juggle cap space and roster spots.
Montreal Canadiens acquire Zack Bolduc from St. Louis for Logan Mailloux.
Analysis: A swap of young defensemen. Montreal has a wealth of D prospects and is reorganizing their depth. Bolduc adds NHL experience from last season, while Mailloux was an AHL standout.
Boston acquires Viktor Arvidsson from Edmonton for a 2027 5th-rounder.
Analysis: A pure cap dump for Edmonton after Arvidsson’s production dipped. Boston takes a low-cost flyer on a player with previous 40-point potential, hoping for a bounce-back.
Buffalo acquires Sam Lafferty from Chicago for a 2026 6th-rounder.
Analysis: Adds veteran forward depth and physicality for the Sabres.
Utah acquires Matias Maccelli from Toronto for a conditional 2027 3rd-rounder (potentially upgrades).
Analysis: Utah adds a promising young winger with offensive upside. The condition adds intrigue depending on Toronto’s performance and Maccelli’s production.
Detroit acquires Vladimir Tarasenko from Minnesota for future considerations.
Analysis: A move that seemed to open up cap space for other signings, though Tarasenko’s role was expected to be higher than the depth scorer acquired in van Riemsdyk.
Vegas acquires Colton Sissons, Jeremy Lauzon, and a 2027 3rd-rounder from Nashville for Nicolas Hague and a conditional 2027 3rd-rounder.
Analysis: A significant swap of defensemen involving multiple pieces. Vegas gets more experienced NHL blueliners, while Nashville acquires Hague and picks. Hague was subsequently traded to Nashville after originally going to Vegas in this deal from Nashville… a bit circular!
Detroit acquires John Gibson from Anaheim for Petr Mrazek, 2026 4th-rounder, 2027 2nd-rounder.
Analysis: Detroit significantly upgrades its goaltending with Gibson, sending out Mrazek and draft capital.
Los Angeles acquires Jordan Spence from Ottawa for 2025 3rd-rounder, 2026 4th-rounder.
Analysis: The Kings add a promising young puck-moving defenseman.
Montreal acquires Noah Dobson from NY Islanders for two 2025 1st-rounders, Emil Heineman.
Analysis: A blockbuster! The Islanders move their top defenseman for significant draft capital and a prospect, reshaping their defense corps and signaling a potential shift. DeAngelo’s low-cost signing now makes more sense to help fill this gap.
Colorado acquires Charlie Coyle, Miles Wood from Columbus for Gavin Brindley, 2025 3rd-rounder, conditional 2027 2nd-rounder.
Analysis: Colorado adds two veteran forwards with grit and offensive ability, sending out a prospect and draft picks.
Buffalo acquires Michael Kesselring, Josh Doan from Utah for JJ Peterka.
Analysis: Utah previously acquired Peterka in a trade from Buffalo, only to send him back as part of a larger package. Buffalo gets a promising defenseman and a forward prospect.
Vancouver acquires Evander Kane from Edmonton for a 2025 4th-rounder.
Analysis: Vancouver adds a physical, scoring winger for a minimal price, while Edmonton sheds salary.
Anaheim acquires Ryan Poehling, 2025 2nd-rounder, 2026 4th-rounder from Philadelphia for Trevor Zegras.
Analysis: A major trade involving a young star player. Anaheim trades Zegras for future assets and a depth forward, signaling a potential different direction.
Prominent Players Still on the Market
While many names came off the board, several notable unrestricted free agents remain available. Rumors continue to swirl around players like Brock Boeser, whose future in Vancouver was uncertain before his extension but had been linked to Edmonton (requiring cap space) and Winnipeg. Nikolaj Ehlers was another intriguing forward, with Winnipeg hoping to retain him but Carolina and Boston potentially interested if he became available. Vladislav Gavrikov was sought after by the Kings but reportedly tested the market, with the Rangers showing keen interest if he moved on. Mikael Granlund is viewed as a top center option in a shallow market, drawing potential interest from St. Louis, San Jose, and Carolina. Beyond Jake Allen signing in New Jersey, the goaltending market is thin, making any available netminder a focus. Veteran forward Corey Perry, who hoped to return to Edmonton, is now likely searching for another contender after the Oilers’ recent moves. Their decisions will significantly impact remaining team strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which players were some of the biggest signings on NHL free agency day 2025?
Early in free agency, several prominent players signed new contracts or extensions. Key signings included Brock Boeser returning to Vancouver long-term, Tanner Jeannot heading to Boston for five years, Jonathan Drouin joining the Islanders, and veteran defensemen Cody Ceci and Brian Dumoulin signing with the Los Angeles Kings. Large extensions were also notable, such as William Eklund in San Jose, Logan Stankoven in Carolina, and major pieces like Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad staying in Florida.
What does NHL free agency mean for teams like the Rangers and Islanders?
Both New York teams made significant moves. The Islanders signed Jonathan Drouin for offense and David Rittich for goaltending depth, while also extending Alexander Romanov long-term. They made a blockbuster trade sending top defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal for draft picks and a prospect. The Rangers signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren from Seattle and Vladislav Gavrikov, solidifying their blue line, though Gavrikov was reportedly considering other options before signing. These moves drastically altered both teams’ rosters heading into the season.
Were any notable restricted free agents not qualified this year?
Yes, a handful of noteworthy restricted free agents did not receive qualifying offers from their previous teams and became unrestricted free agents on July 1, adding unexpected depth to the market. These included forwards Philipp Kurashev (Blackhawks), Nikolai Kovalenko (Avalanche/Sharks), Philip Tomasino (Penguins/Predators), Pontus Holmberg (Maple Leafs), and defenseman Jordan Harris (Canadiens/Blue Jackets). These players offer teams an opportunity to add talent without the traditional RFA compensation rules.
Looking Ahead
The opening hours of NHL free agency 2025 provided significant action across the league. From major signings bolstering key areas to blockbuster trades reshaping team cores, the competitive landscape is already changing. While many top names have found homes, several intriguing players remain available, and their destinations will continue to dominate headlines. Teams have addressed needs, managed cap space, and placed bets on player potential and veteran reliability. Keep refreshing this page as the free agency period unfolds for the very latest news, analysis, and transaction tracking.
