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14 articles summarized · Last updated: LATEST

Last updated: July 1, 2026, 2:31 PM ET

NHL Free Agency Frenzy

NHL free agency saw significant player movement as teams bolstered their rosters. Captain Nico Hischier inked a $58.5M extension with the New Jersey Devils, a five-year deal that will keep the 27-year-old forward with the club for his upcoming 10th season. In Tampa Bay, the Lightning added veteran Ilya Mikheyev on a four-year contract, bringing tenacious forward depth. The Winnipeg Jets, amidst speculation surrounding goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, signed free-agent Stuart Skinner to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

The goaltending carousel continued as the New York Rangers acquired Joonas Korpisalo from the Boston Bruins. Meanwhile, the San Jose Sharks made a notable acquisition, signing winger Mason Marchment to a five-year, $35 million deal. Veteran forward Jaden Schwartz secured a three-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche, worth an average of $3.25 million annually, adding a 34-year-old Stanley Cup champion to their forward corps.

Young stars also cashed in, with Montreal Canadiens' Ivan Demidov, a runner-up for Rookie of the Year, agreeing to an eight-year extension. In Philadelphia, goaltender Dan Vladar, who led the Flyers to the second round of the playoffs, received a contract extension. The Detroit Red Wings are reportedly nearing a two-year deal with winger Viktor Arvidsson, following his 25-goal campaign last season.

The Los Angeles Kings bolstered their veteran presence by agreeing to one-year contracts with Mats Zuccarello and Corey Perry. The Chicago Blackhawks made a significant commitment to their blue line, signing newly acquired defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $75 million extension sources told ESPN.

Trades and RFA Moves

Beyond free agency, teams navigated the restricted free agent market and executed trades. The Dallas Stars traded RFA Mavrik Bourque and defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin to the Nashville Predators in exchange for a 2027 second-round and a 2028 third-round pick. The Toronto Maple Leafs shipped the rights to restricted free agent Nick Robertson, who had received a $1.8 million qualifying offer, to the Pittsburgh Penguins.