NHL free agency day has arrived

NHL free agency day has arrived, and that means teams around the league will be looking to make upgrades to their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Many teams have already taken care of business before July 1 by re-signing key players to extensions.

Perhaps the biggest pending free agent is already off the market. After a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, star forward Mitch Marner signed an eight-year deal worth $96 million, so he’ll be in the desert for the foreseeable future. In return, the Maple Leafs got third-line center Nicolas Roy as opposed to losing Marner for nothing on Tuesday.

The good news for the Maple Leafs is that they have already re-signed two key players. John Tavares will remain in Toronto on a four-year deal worth just over $4 million per year, and young forward Matthew Knies inked a six-year, $46.5 million deal before hitting the market as a restricted free agent.

Elsewhere, Florida Panthers general manager Bill Zito continues to work his magic. With Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad all set to hit the free market on Tuesday, the Panthers have locked up all three for at least six more years. Every single one took a discount, at least on an annual basis, to stay in Sunrise and build for a dynasty.

NHL free agency opens at noon ET on Tuesday, and there are still some interesting names out there. Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers will be appealing for teams looking to add some scoring. Veteran forwards like Mikael Granlund and Jack Roslovic will also be available. Defensively, Brent Burns and Vladislav Gavrikov are a couple of the top names on the market.

CBS Sports will cover NHL free agency with all of the latest signings across the league.

Canucks extend Thatcher Demko, Conor Garland

The Vancouver Canucks got two important pieces of business resolved prior to free agency getting underway. The team agreed to terms with goaltender Thatcher Demko on a three-year contract extension ($8.5 million AAV) and forward Conor Garland on a six-year contract extension ($6.0 million AAV).

Both Demko and Garland were slated to enter the final years of their respective contracts in 2025-26. Demko is coming off an injury-plagued campaign that limited him to just 23 games. He has spent his entire career with the Canucks and is tied for fourth on the franchise’s goaltender all-time wins list (126).

Meanwhile, Garland had a spectacular season with a total of 50 points, showcasing his talent further.

Mitch Marner dealt to Golden Knights

On the eve of NHL free agency, the Toronto Maple Leafs are trading Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a reported sign-and-trade deal. Marner, 28, is expected to sign an eight-year, $96 million contract with an average annual value of $12 million. Instead of being a top player available in the open market, he will now provide an immediate scoring punch to Vegas.

Panthers get band back together with Ekblad deal

General manager Bill Zito is not content with back-to-back Stanley Cups. With Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand all set to hit free agency on July 1, it seemed unlikely that the Panthers could keep all three. However, they re-signed both Marchand and Ekblad, with Ekblad signing for eight years at around $6.1 million.

Brad Marchand signs long-term with Panthers

Marchand has reportedly signed a six-year, $32 million extension with the two-time reigning Stanley Cup champion Panthers.

Sam Bennett will remain with Panthers

The 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner is staying in Sunrise after he has re-signed with the Panthers on an eight-year contract worth $64 million.

Evan Bouchard inks big deal with Oilers

Evan Bouchard re-signed with the Oilers to a four-year contract worth $10.5 million.

Patrick Kane returns to Red Wings

The veteran winger signed a one-year deal worth $3 million with the Detroit Red Wings.

Blue Jackets sign Ivan Provorov to a massive contract

In a surprising move, the Blue Jackets announced a seven-year, $59.5 million contract for Ivan Provorov.

John Tavares re-signs with Maple Leafs

John Tavares was re-signed to a four-year contract extension with the Maple Leafs carrying a cap hit of $4.38 million.

Jonathan Toews to sign with Jets

Toews is making a long-awaited return to the NHL and will sign with the Jets.

Matt Duchene stays with Stars

The Dallas Stars re-signed Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $4.5 million per season.

Avalanche extend Brock Nelson

The Avalanche signed Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension worth $7.5 million annually.