The NHL's 2026 free agency period opened with significant moves following the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup victory. Brady Tkachuk prepares to join brother Matthew in Florida as teams scramble to lock up talent. The Senators kept Nick Cousins on a two-year, $1.59 million AAV deal, while the Bruins retained goaltender Luke Cavallin for $850,000.

Several restricted free agents found new homes or stayed put. The Blackhawks secured defenseman Bowen Byram to a six-year, $12.5 million AAV extension beginning in 2027-28. Vegas locked up Jeremy Lauzon on a six-year, $4 million AAV contract. The Ducks signed A.J. Greer to a four-year, $4.25 million AAV deal after acquiring his rights.

Minnesota brought back Bobby Brink on a one-year, $2.75 million contract despite no qualifying offer. Vancouver signed Guillaume Brisebois to a one-year, $900,000 two-way deal. The Devils extended Arseny Gritsyuk for three years at $3.25 million AAV. These moves reshape roster builds heading into next season.

The Mammoth signed Sebastian Cossa to a two-year, $2 million AAV contract after drafting his rights. Philadelphia retained Carl Grundstrom on a one-year, $1 million deal. With 224 draft picks already assigned, teams now pivot to filling remaining roster holes through free agency.