The Toronto Maple Leafs have landed arguably the best remaining unrestricted free agent, signing winger Tyler Bertuzzi to a one-year contract worth $5.5 million, the team announced.Bertuzzi is coming off a down season, as he recorded just eight goals and 22 assists in 50 regular-season contests split between the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins. However, he was excellent in the postseason despite Boston's first-round exit, tallying five goals and five assists in seven games.The 28-year-old enjoyed a career year in 2021-22 when he racked up 30 goals and 32 assists in 68 games with the Red Wings. His underlying numbers over the last three campaigns are strong offensively but poor defensively. Evolving-HockeyBertuzzi brings an element of sandpaper to his game, as he racked up 18 hits during the playoffs. He's also known as a pest of sorts. For example, during Round 1 against the Florida Panthers, he stole Nick Cousins' stick and snapped it on the bench.The Sudbury, Ontario, native is the nephew of former NHLer Todd Bertuzzi.Bertuzzi will likely slot in at left wing on one of Toronto's top two lines centered by Auston Matthews and John Tavares. Tavares spent some time on the wing last season after Ryan O'Reilly was acquired at the trade deadline, but the Bertuzzi addition likely means the captain will move back to the middle on a full-time basis.Toronto also added Max Domi later in the day.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Tampa Bay Lightning traded three-time Stanley Cup champion Patrick Maroon to the Minnesota Wild for a 2024 seventh-round pick, the teams announced.The Bolts will retain 20% of Maroon's $1-million cap hit as part of the deal. It's the last year of his contract.Minor-leaguer Max Cajkovic is also heading to Minnesota in the trade.Maroon, 35, recorded five goals, nine assists, and a league-leading 150 penalty minutes last season in a fourth-line role with the Lightning. He'll bring toughness and championship pedigree to the Wild's lineup, having won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and back-to-back rings with the Lightning in 2020 and 2021.The Wild replace the toughness they lost when Ryan Reaves signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.The Lightning, meanwhile, will have a new-look fourth line next season. In addition to Maroon leaving, Corey Perry also departed, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare is a free agent. The fourth line now projects to consist of Logan Brown, Luke Glendening, and Josh Archibald, who were all signed by the club on Saturday.Cajkovic, a third-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2019, spent most of the 2022-23 campaign in the ECHL, registering 27 points in 41 games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Kailer Yamamoto is heading to his home state.The Seattle Kraken signed the Spokane, Washington, native to a one-year, $1.5-million contract, the team announced.The Detroit Red Wings bought out Yamamoto after acquiring him in a trade with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday.A first-round pick by the Oilers in 2017, Yamamoto spent parts of six seasons with the club. He tallied a career-high 20 goals and 21 assists in 2021-22, but he regressed this past season with 25 points in 58 games. The 5-foot-8 winger's underlying numbers remained solid, though - particularly on the penalty kill. Evolving-HockeyYamamoto figures to slide into Seattle's bottom-six forward group at right wing behind Jordan Eberle and Oliver Bjorkstrand - potentially in place of the departed Daniel Sprong.At 24 years old, Yamamoto was one of the youngest unrestricted free agents available.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Colorado Avalanche signed defenseman Jack Johnson to a one-year contract, the team announced Sunday.The contract is worth the league minimum salary of $775,000, The Athletic's Peter Baugh reports.Johnson won the Stanley Cup with the Avalanche in 2022. The 36-year-old was re-acquired by Colorado in a deal with the Chicago Blackhawks prior to this season's trade deadline. He totaled two goals and eight points in 83 games in 2022-23.In the postseason, Johnson played in three of the Avalanche's seven games against the Seattle Kraken. He averaged 13:54 and didn't record a point.Johnson also suited up for the Los Angeles Kings, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Pittsburgh Penguins in his 1102-game career. He was selected 3rd overall in the 2005 draft by the Carolina Hurricanes.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The opening day of free agency is in the books, and while a tight salary cap limited many teams from spending lavishly, there's still plenty to chew on from Saturday's signings.Below, we identify early winners and losers of this year's frenzy.Winner: Hurricanes Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyThe Carolina Hurricanes have been a model franchise since Don Waddell took over as general manager and Rod Brind'Amour was hired as head coach for the 2018-19 campaign. The club has made the playoffs in each season, earning two Eastern Conference Final appearances.But while postseason results can sometimes come down to good or bad fortune, the logic behind Carolina's personnel decisions is always sound. Its savvy cap management puts the club in positions to be aggressive in the right moments. Saturday was no different.The team landed arguably the best free agent available in Dmitry Orlov - a two-way, top-pairing-caliber defenseman. His $7.75-million cap hit was the highest handed out on the day, but he's worth it. And while he'll turn 32 later in July, the two-year deal carries very little risk for Carolina. The Canes could now move one of Brady Skjei or Brett Pesce - both are in the last year of their deals - or keep them and have arguably the NHL's best blue line.Carolina also filled a need to round out its top-six forward group by signing Michael Bunting from the Toronto Maple Leafs on a three-year deal at a fair $4.5-million cap hit.The club then brought back its stellar goalie tandem of Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta for a combined $4.9 million. Pyotr Kochetkov, who'll likely start the year in the AHL, is now arguably the best third goalie in the league.With Jordan Staal and Jesper Fast also retained prior to the start of free agency, the Hurricanes have virtually no holes and still a bit of cap space to play with.Loser: Maple Leafs Andrew Francis Wallace / Toronto Star / GettyIt's difficult to discern Brad Treliving's intended vision for the 2023-24 Maple Leafs after Saturday's festivities. Toronto added size and toughness in Ryan Reaves, but having the enforcer under contract until he's nearly 40 is an unnecessary gamble. Reaves is highly respected by teammates and equally feared by opponents, but after losing Bunting, Ryan O'Reilly, Noel Acciari, and Alexander Kerfoot, Toronto needed to spend on forwards who could fill the gaping holes. Reaves isn't that guy and is a defensive liability to boot.Speaking of defensive liabilities, Treliving inked one of the league's biggest by luring John Klingberg on a one-year, $4.15-million contract. Klingberg's offensive chops might give Toronto's power play a boost, and the Leafs did need a player other than Morgan Rielly to transport the puck from the back end. However, they let a much cheaper version of Klingberg bolt in Erik Gustafsson, who possesses a very similar tool kit but signed with the New York Rangers for only $825,000.The Leafs added $5.5 million to next season's books and still need to find help up front and re-sign RFA netminder Ilya Samsonov with only $6 million to work with. Treliving could've silenced many critics with an extension for Auston Matthews or William Nylander on the first day of eligibility, but he didn't make that happen, either.Winner: Stars Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyJim Nill is off to a great start in his bid to repeat as general manager of the year. The savvy executive took advantage of Nashville buying out Matt Duchene and inked the nine-time 20-goal scorer to a one-year agreement at an extremely palatable $3 million. Duchene took a step back from his 86-point breakout in 2021-22 but still managed a respectable 56 in 71 contests for an ineffective Predators attack.Duchene doesn't need to carry the offensive load in Dallas, but his arrival makes an already dangerous group that much deeper. The Stars are in win-now mode and got significantly better Saturday without breaking the bank.Loser: Islanders Mike Stobe / National Hockey League / GettyLou Lamoriello is officially off his rocker.The New York Islanders' 80-year-old general manager made a bevy of questionable long-term commitments Saturday to keep his team together.

The Florida Panthers signed forward Evan Rodrigues to a four-year contract, the team announced Sunday.The deal has an average annual value of $3 million, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.Rodrigues signed a one-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche worth $2 million last offseason. He tallied 16 goals and 39 points in 69 contests in Denver."Rodrigues brings skill and the ability to compete in three zones of the ice," Panthers general manager Bill Zito said. "A culture fit and someone who adds versatility to our lineup - we can't wait to welcome Evan to the Panthers."The soon-to-be 30-year-old had a breakout campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2021-22, scoring 19 goals and 43 points in 82 games. Across stints with the Buffalo Sabres, Penguins, and Avalanche, he's accrued 69 goals and 168 points in 385 games.Rodrigues has been effective in the postseason as well, scoring four goals and 11 points in 16 career playoff games.The Panthers traded Anthony Duclair and his $3-million cap hit to the San Jose Sharks on Saturday.The signing leaves Florida with just $362,499 of cap space, per CapFriendly.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings signed forward Christian Fischer to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million, the team announced Sunday.The Arizona Coyotes didn't tender a qualifying offer to Fischer on Friday, making him an unrestricted free agent. He scored 13 goals and 26 points in 80 games last season.Fischer has spent his entire NHL career with the Coyotes. The 26-year-old totaled 56 goals and 111 points in 398 games with Arizona after being drafted by the team 32nd overall in 2015.The Red Wings have just over $9 million of cap space after the signing, per CapFriendly.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Philadelphia Flyers signed free-agent forward Garnet Hathaway to a two-year contract worth $2.375 million annually, the team announced Saturday.Hathaway's previous deal paid him $1.5 million per season. He signed the pact with the Washington Capitals in 2019 but finished it with the Boston Bruins after being traded prior to the 2023 deadline.The 31-year-old recorded 22 points in 84 games in 2022-23 while averaging over 11 minutes per contest.The Flyers weren't highly active upon free agency opening Saturday. The club's only other one-way signing was bringing in Ryan Poehling from the Pittsburgh Penguins on a one-year, $1.4-million deal.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Winnipeg Jets re-signed forward Vladislav Namestnikov to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $2 million, the team announced.The club is also reuniting with goaltender Laurent Brossoit on a one-year, $1.75-million contract.Namestnikov recorded eight goals and 17 assists in 77 games between the Tampa Bay Lightning and Jets last season. The 30-year-old can play both center and wing.Brossoit spent three years with the Jets from 2018-21 and returns to Winnipeg following a two-year stint with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 30-year-old veteran posted a sparkling .927 save percentage in 11 contests with the Knights last season. He owns a .908 mark for his career.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes inked unrestricted free-agent forward Alexander Kerfoot to a two-year pact, the team announced Saturday.The deal carries an average annual value of $3.5 million, reports PHNX Sports' Craig Morgan.Kerfoot spent the last four seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. He potted 10 goals and 22 assists while skating in all 82 games this past season.The 28-year-old added two goals in 11 playoff games, including the overtime winner in Game 4 of the first round against the Tampa Bay Lightning.He chipped in a career-high 51 points during the 2021-22 campaign.Kerfoot spent the first two seasons of his career with the Colorado Avalanche.The New Jersey Devils selected him in the fifth round of the 2012 draft.The British Columbia native has 74 goals and 145 assists in 442 career NHL games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings signed unrestricted free-agent defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere to a one-year pact worth $4.125 million, the team announced.Gostisbehere split the 2022-23 campaign between the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes. He potted 13 goals and 41 points in 75 contests while averaging almost 21 minutes of ice time per contest.Carolina acquired his services from the Coyotes prior to the trade deadline for a 2026 third-round pick. He tallied three assists in 15 playoff games for the Hurricanes.The 30-year-old has amassed 311 points in 538 career NHL games. He spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Philadelphia Flyers.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed unrestricted free-agent forward Michael Bunting to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million, the team announced Saturday.Bunting spent the last two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs on a team-friendly $950,000 cap hit. He was a finalist for the Calder Trophy after potting 23 goals and 63 points in 79 contests during the 2021-22 campaign.The 27-year-old again hit the 23-goal mark this past season and tallied 49 points while appearing in all 82 games."He just had that extra knack, the way he plays, that's something that we definitely wanted and (coach) Rod (Brind'Amour) wanted and so that was a bonus to be able to get that type of player," Waddell said.Bunting spent the first two seasons of his career with the Arizona Coyotes. He has 126 points in 187 career NHL contests.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers traded forward Anthony Duclair to the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Steven Lorentz and a fifth-round pick in 2025, the team announced.Duclair missed most of the 2022-23 campaign due to an Achilles tear and didn't make his regular-season debut until Feb. 24. He put up two goals and seven assists in 20 regular-season contests before adding 11 points in 20 playoff games.He has one season remaining on his current pact and carries a $3-million cap hit. Lorentz is under contract for next season at $1.05 million.The trade creates some much needed cap relief for the Panthers, who are up against the league's $83.5-million limit. Florida wasn't overly active when the free agency opened Saturday but did make a splash by signing blue-liner Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a one-year contract.The Sharks will be Duclair's seventh team since breaking into the league in 2014-15. The soon-to-be 28-year-old has also suited up for the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ottawa Senators.Lorentz has appeared in 192 career games split between the Carolina Hurricanes and Sharks. He's registered 20 goals and 20 assists.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The NHL's free-agent market opened July 1. Below, theScore's lead hockey writer John Matisz breaks down all the day's biggest moves that dropped before 5 p.m. ET.Signings: Islanders re-sign G Ilya Sorokin (8 years), D Scott Mayfield (7 years), F Pierre Engvall (7 years)

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed veteran rearguard John Klingberg to a one-year contract worth $4.15 million, the team announced.Klingberg hit the free-agent market for the second consecutive summer after inking a one-year, $7-million pact with the Anaheim Ducks in 2022. He was dealt to the Minnesota Wild prior to the trade deadline for Andrej Sustr, Nikita Nesterenko, and a fourth-round pick in 2025.Klingberg managed 33 points in 67 total games this past campaign while averaging over 20 minutes per night. The soon-to-be 31-year-old has been a strong offensive contributor for much of his nine-year career, but his defensive impact in recent seasons leave much to be desired. Toronto had a hole to fill on the right side of its blue line after losing Justin Holl to the Detroit Red Wings earlier Saturday.Klingberg has recorded 407 points in 619 career games and earned Norris Trophy votes in 2015-16 and 2017-18.(Advance stats source: Evolving-Hockey)Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Islanders took care of their business Saturday, announcing deals for star goaltender Ilya Sorokin, netminder Semyon Varlamov, defenseman Scott Mayfield, and forward Pierre Engvall.Sorokin signed an eight-year extension beginning in 2024-25. The average annual value is $8.25 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman. The 27-year-old is one of the NHL's top goalies and was named a finalist for the Vezina Trophy this campaign after he led the league with six shutouts.He posted a record of 31-22-7 to go along with a .924 save percentage and 2.34 goals-against average. Sorokin also topped all goaltenders in goals saved above expected (51.36) and ranked second in goals saved above average (36.23) at all strengths, per Evolving Hockey.Sorokin owns a career save percentage of .924 in 136 outings.Varlamov, Engvall, and Mayfield were all unrestricted free agents.Engvall, 27, inked a seven-year pact with a reported cap hit of $3 million, while Mayfield penned a seven-year extension with a reported average annual value of $3.5 million. Varlamov signed on for four years with a cap hit of $2.75 million, according to CapFriendly.The Toronto Maple Leafs shipped Engvall to the Islanders for a 2024 third-round pick prior to the trade deadline. He put up five goals and four assists in 18 games as an Islander before adding two points in six playoff games.Varlamov, 35, registered a .913 save percentage and 2.70 goals-against average in 23 appearances this campaign. He joined the Islanders ahead of the 2019-20 season as a free agent on a four-year, $20-million deal.Mayfield ranked second on the Islanders in average ice time (21:02) and chipped in with six goals and 18 assists while skating in all 82 games. He's been with the Islanders for his entire career - beginning in 2013-14 - and just played out the final campaign of a five-year pact with a cap hit of $1.45 million.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New York Rangers signed unrestricted free-agent defenseman Erik Gustafsson to a one-year contract, the team announced Saturday.His deal carries a cap hit of $825,000, according to USA Today's Vince Z. Mercogliano.Gustafsson, 31, split the 2022-23 season between the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He amassed seven goals and 35 assists in 70 games, with 38 of his points coming during his time with the Capitals.The Swede owns a career 39 goals and 152 helpers in 379 career NHL games. In addition to the Capitals and Leafs, he's also suited up for the Chicago Blackhawks, Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, and Montreal Canadiens.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings signed forward J.T. Compher to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.1 million, the team announced Saturday.Compher enjoyed a career season in 2022-23, notching 17 goals and 52 points in 82 games with the Colorado Avalanche. He averaged 20:32 of ice time, more than three minutes more than his previous high.The 28-year-old attended the University of Michigan from 2013-2016. Compher was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres but has spent his entire career with the Avalanche. In 423 total games, he has accrued 88 goals and 194 points.The Red Wings have just over $13.5 million of cap space after the signing, according to CapFriendly.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Seattle Kraken signed defenseman Brian Dumoulin to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.15 million, the team announced.Dumoulin replaces the departed Carson Soucy, who signed with the Vancouver Canucks for $9.75 million over three years. Dumoulin projects to pair with former Pittsburgh teammate Jamie Oleksiak in Seattle and becomes the third ex-Penguin on the Kraken blue line with Justin Schultz already in the fold.LDRDVince Dunn (RFA)Adam LarssonBrian DumoulinJamie Oleksiak (L)Jaycob MegnaJustin SchultzDumoulin, 31, recorded one goal and 24 assists in 82 games with the Pens last season. A stay-at-home blue-liner, he's more known for his defensive abilities.

The Colorado Avalanche signed unrestricted free-agent forwards Miles Wood and Jonathan Drouin to a six- and one-year deal, respectively, the team announced Saturday.Wood's average annual value will be $2.5 million, reports Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Drouin, meanwhile, will earn $825,000, according to The Athletic's Peter Baugh.Wood has spent his entire career with the Devils after being drafted by New Jersey in the fourth round in 2013. He put up 13 goals and 14 assists in 76 games this past season.The 27-year-old owns a career 148 points in 402 contests. He netted a career-high 19 goals and 32 points in 2017-18.Drouin is coming off of a six-year, $5.5-million contract with the Montreal Canadiens. The 28-year-old scored two goals and 29 points in 58 games. Drouin played in the QMJHL with Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Colorado Avalanche signed restricted free agent blue-liner Bowen Byram to a two-year bridge contract, the team announced Saturday.Financials weren't disclosed, but The Athletic's Peter Baugh reports the pact is worth $3.85 million annually. Byram will be an RFA again upon the expiration of his new deal.Byram was the fourth overall pick in 2019 but has been limited to only 91 career games due to a lengthy injury history that includes numerous concussions. When healthy, the 22-year-old has flashed tremendous potential, including notching career highs this past season in goals (10), points (24), and average ice time (21:53) across 42 games.

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced multiple notable signings on Saturday.The club re-signed Tristan Jarry - arguably the top free-agent goalie - to a five-year deal with an average annual value of $5.375 million.Pittsburgh also nabbed one of the top free-agent defensemen in Ryan Graves, signing the former New Jersey Devil to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million.The Pens improved their depth up front by adding winger Noel Acciari on a three-year deal with an average annual value of $2 million and center Lars Eller on a two-year pact with an AAV of $2.45 million.Jarry posted a .909 save percentage in 47 appearances last season. The 28-year-old saved 1.12 goals above expected, per Evolving-Hockey.A second-round pick by the Pens in 2013, Jarry has been one of the more consistent goalies in the league over the last four seasons, making the ninth-most starts among netminders while posting a .915 save percentage.Graves brings great size (6-foot-5, 220 pounds) and strong mobility for his frame. He tallied eight goals and 18 assists while averaging 19:57 per contest for the Devils a year ago. His underlying numbers over the last three campaigns have been strong offensively. Evolving-HockeyHe gives the Penguins an option on the left side as he can play on the top pair with Kris Letang. Marcus Pettersson and Pierre-Olivier Joseph are the current in-house options on that side. Brian Dumoulin, Letang's primary partner over the past decade, remains a free agent.Acciari recorded 14 goals and nine assists in 77 games between the St. Louis Blues and Toronto Maple Leafs last season. A heart-and-soul-type player, he racked up 244 hits - 10th-most in the league - and 81 blocks. This marks the second time this year Kyle Dubas has acquired Acciari. The Pens' president of hockey operations previously did so as general manager of the Maple Leafs at the deadline.Eller projects to serve as one of the team's bottom-six centers behind Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The 34-year-old recorded 10 goals and 13 assists in 84 games split between the Washington Capitals and Colorado Avalanche last season. A Stanley Cup winner with the Caps in 2018, he's noted as a defensive specialist.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers are signing defenseman Niko Mikkola to a three-year contract, the team announced Saturday. The deal comes with a $2.5-million cap hit, PuckPedia reports.Mikkola tallied one goal and six points in 81 contests between the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers last season. The Rangers acquired the 6-foot-4 blue-liner prior to the trade deadline along with Vladimir Tarasenko.The 27-year-old Finn averaged 14:23 of ice time in New York's first-round series against the New Jersey Devils.Mikkola has played 170 career NHL games, totaling five goals and 23 points.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings are adding one of the most efficient scorers in the game, signing winger Daniel Sprong to a one-year, $2-million contract, the team announced.Sprong tallied a career-high 21 goals and 46 points in 66 games with the Seattle Kraken last season despite averaging just 11:25 per contest. His 1.45 goals per 60 minutes ranked eighth among NHL skaters with at least 500 minutes at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick.

The Chicago Blackhawks signed forward Ryan Donato to a two-year deal with an average annual value of $2 million, the team announced Saturday.Donato potted 14 goals and 13 assists in 71 contests with the Seattle Kraken in 2022-23, his second campaign in the Emerald City."Ryan adds depth and versatility to our team and will complement our forward group well," general manager Kyle Davidson said. "He will be a great addition to our system."Donato added two assists in 14 playoff games during the Kraken's run to the second round.The 27-year-old owns a career 135 points in 325 NHL games.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Dallas Stars signed Matt Duchene to a one-year pact worth $3 million, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.The Nashville Predators bought out the final three seasons of his contract on Friday. Duchene inked a seven-year, $56-million deal with the Predators as a free agent in 2019.Duchene put up 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 games this past season. The 32-year-old enjoyed a career year in 2021-22, adding 43 goals and 86 points in 78 contests.The Ontario native has 744 points in 976 NHL games between the Colorado Avalanche, Ottawa Senators, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Predators.Duchene owns a career 46 points in 51 games against the Stars.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators re-signed restricted free-agent center Cody Glass to a two-year contract worth $2.5 million per season, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.Glass enjoyed a career campaign with the Predators in 2022-23, tallying 14 goals and 21 assists in 72 games.The No. 6 pick in the 2017 draft by the Vegas Golden Knights, Glass was finally fully healthy last campaign after battling injuries since his career began. The Predators acquired him from Vegas in 2021 in exchange for Nolan Patrick.Glass and the newly acquired Ryan O'Reilly currently project to be the club's top two centers next season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Arizona Coyotes are signing forward Jason Zucker to a one-year contract worth $5.3 million, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.The Coyotes are also adding defenseman Troy Stecher on a one-year, $1.1-million deal, Sportsnet's Pat Steinberg reports.Zucker had a bounce-back campaign with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2022-23, tallying 27 goals and 48 points in 78 games.The 31-year-old had previously scored 23 goals and 47 points in 94 contests with the Penguins. Zucker has one 30-goal campaign - accomplished with the Minnesota Wild - and reached the 20-goal plateau six times.Stecher played 61 games with Arizona last season before being traded to the Calgary Flames prior to the trade deadline. The 29-year-old totaled 14 points over 81 contests in 2022-23.The Coyotes have just under $22 million of cap space after the signings, per CapFriendly.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes landed arguably the biggest free agent available, signing defenseman Dmitry Orlov to a two-year contract with an average annual value of $7.75 million, the team announced Saturday.Orlov recorded 12 goals and 23 assists in 76 games between the Washington Capitals and Boston Bruins last season, averaging 22:33 of ice time per contest. He was excellent in the postseason despite Boston's surprising first-round exit, tallying eight assists in seven games.He's only 5-foot-11, but he's 214 pounds and doesn't shy away from physicality, registering 137 hits in 2022-23. Orlov also posted terrific underlying numbers over the last few seasons.

The Philadelphia Flyers are signing forward Ryan Poehling to a one-year contract worth $1.4 million, Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reports.Poehling was not tendered a qualifying offer on Friday by the Pittsburgh Penguins. The 24-year-old tallied seven goals and 14 points in 53 games last season.More to come.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Boston Bruins are bringing in veteran netfront presence James van Riemsdyk on a one-year, $1-million contract, according to TSN's Chris Johnston.Van Riemsdyk tallied 12 goals and 17 assists in 61 games this past season while averaging 15:21 of ice time per contest. He produced very strong underlying numbers defensively. Evolving-HockeyThe 6-foot-3 winger is just one year removed from a 24-goal campaign.Van Riemsdyk projects to fill a bottom-six role with the Bruins, although the 34-year-old will likely get power-play time. Van Riemsdyk scored 87 of his 300 career goals on the man advantage.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Milan Lucic is heading back to where his NHL career began.The Boston Bruins are signing the veteran enforcer to a one-year contract worth $1 million plus performance bonuses, reports TSN's Pierre LeBrun.Lucic recorded 19 points, 168 hits, and 43 penalty minutes in 77 games with the Calgary Flames last season.The 35-year-old spent the first eight years of his career in Boston, tallying 342 points in 566 games and winning a Stanley Cup in 2011.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vancouver Canucks added defenseman Ian Cole and center Teddy Blueger on one-year contracts Saturday.Cole will receive $3 million on his deal, while Blueger will earn $1.9 million.Both Cole and Blueger add Cup pedigree to the club, with the former winning two championships as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins.Cole is coming off a one-year stint with the Tampa Bay Lightning. He scored three goals and added 14 assists over 78 games with 61 penalty minutes, 123 blocked shots, and 117 hits while averaging over 19 minutes of ice time. The 13-year veteran has 32 goals and 150 assists over his career.Blueger, 28, served as a depth forward for the reigning champion Vegas Golden Knights last year after opening the season with the Penguins. Over 63 regular-season games split between the two clubs, Blueger scored four goals and added 12 helpers.The Canucks also signed forward Tristen Nielsen to a two-year, entry-level deal.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Washington Capitals are signing forward Max Pacioretty to a one-year deal with a $2-million cap hit, reports Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli.He can earn another $2 million in bonuses, Seravalli added.More to come.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings signed defenseman Justin Holl to a three-year, $10.2-million contract, the team announced Saturday.Holl tallied two goals and 18 points with the Toronto Maple Leafs last season. The 31-year-old has played his entire 285-game NHL career with the Maple Leafs.The Red Wings also reportedly added goaltenders James Reimer and Alex Lyon in free agency.Reimer signed a one-year contract worth $1.5 million, according to his agent Ray Petkau. The 35-year-old played 43 games with the San Jose Sharks in 2022-23, posting a .890 save percentage and a 3.48 goals-against average.Lyon inked a two-year contract with an average annual value of $900,0000, PuckPedia reports. The 30-year-old had a .914 SV% and a 2.82 GAA in 15 contests with the Florida Panthers. He started for the Panthers at the beginning of the Stanley Cup Playoffs before losing the starting gig to Sergei Bobrovsky for the remainder of the postseason.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The New Jersey Devils acquired defenseman Colin Miller from the Dallas Stars in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick, the teams announced Saturday.Miller, 30, potted six goals and 15 assists in 79 games while averaging 16:46 minutes per contest this past season. He joined the organization as an unrestricted free agent last July.He has one season remaining on his current pact with a $1.85-million cap hit.Miller has amassed 157 points in 466 career NHL contests with the Boston Bruins, Vegas Golden Knights, Buffalo Sabres, and Stars.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Carolina Hurricanes signed unrestricted free-agent forward Jesper Fast to a two-year pact with an average annual value of $2.4 million, the team announced Saturday.Fast, 31, potted 10 goals and 29 points in 80 contests this past season and led the Hurricanes with six goals in 15 playoff games."Jesper is an extremely hard worker on both ends of the ice, and his consistency has played a key role in our success over the past three seasons," Hurricanes general manager Don Waddell said. "He is the kind of person and player that every team is looking for, and we are thrilled to have him back in our locker room."Fast joined the Hurricanes in October 2020 as an unrestricted free agent on a three-year, $6-million pact and is entering his fourth season with the club.He has 82 points in 208 career games with Carolina.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The 2023 unrestricted free-agent class lacks the sexy headliners from past years. Still, the group features several middle-of-the-lineup type players who can be valuable commodities if placed in the right role.Age - listed as of July 1, when free agency opens - factored into the order. We're not ranking them on the players they used to be; we're ranking them on the players they project to be moving forward.Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci were excluded from this list since they would both likely retire before playing for any NHL team outside of the Boston Bruins.1. Dmitry OrlovPosition: LD

The Carolina Hurricanes signed goaltender Antti Raanta to a one-year, $1.5-million contract, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.The 34-year-old posted a .910 save percentage and 2.23 goals-against average in 27 games with the Hurricanes in 2022-23. He was set to become an unrestricted free agent.More to come.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Columbus Blue Jackets signed third overall pick Adam Fantilli to a three-year, entry-level contract, the team announced Saturday.Fantilli turns pro after a remarkable freshman campaign at the University of Michigan. The Toronto native tallied 30 goals and 65 points in 36 contests with the Wolverines, becoming the third NCAA rookie to capture the Hobey Baker Award as the best men's player in collegiate hockey.He also featured for Canada at the world juniors and World Championships. Fantilli scored two goals and five points at the U20 tournament and capped his season with one goal and three points at the Worlds.Fantilli forgoes the remainder of his collegiate career by signing with Columbus. He'll be eligible to play in the NHL and AHL in the fall and will wear No. 11 with the Blue Jackets.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Florida Panthers are signing defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a one-year contract worth $2.25 million, TSN's Darren Dreger reports.The Vancouver Canucks bought out the remaining four years of Ekman-Larsson's contract on June 16. The soon-to-be 32-year-old scored two goals and 22 points in 54 games last season.The Swede ranked last on the Canucks with a minus-24 rating in 2022-23. He also had a 47.4% Corsi-for and 45.2% expected goals for at five-on-five, per Natural Stat Trick.Ekman-Larsson has averaged more than 20 minutes per game every season since 2011-12. The 20:11 of ice time he averaged this season is the lowest of his career since his rookie campaign.The Canucks acquired Ekman-Larsson along with Conor Garland from the Arizona Coyotes in 2021 for Antoine Roussel, Jay Beagle, Loui Eriksson, and first-, second-, and seventh-round draft picks. The Coyotes drafted Dylan Guenther ninth overall with the first-round selection acquired in the deal.The Panthers have $8 million in cap space after the signing, per CapFriendly.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

Veteran enforcer Ryan Reaves will head to the Toronto Maple Leafs on a three-year deal worth $1.35 million per season when free agency officially opens, TSN's Darren Dreger reported Saturday.Reaves became available following the expiration of the one-year, $1.75-million contract he signed with the New York Rangers last summer. The 36-year-old spent the 2022-23 campaign split between Broadway and the Minnesota Wild, where he was traded in November.The Maple Leafs entered free agency with approximately $11.5 million in cap space when factoring in long-term injured reserve candidates, according to Cap Friendly. However, Toronto only had 17 players signed for next season and has decisions to make on a group of key unrestricted free agents including Ryan O'Reilly, Noel Acciari, Michael Bunting, Alexander Kerfoot, Justin Holl, and Luke Schenn.Starting goaltender Ilya Samsonov is also due for a new deal as a RFA.Reaves has appeared in 828 career games across 13 seasons split between the St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Rangers, and Wild. He's managed 129 points along with 1,023 penalty minutes over that span.This past campaign, the Winnipeg native collected five goals, 10 assists, and 196 hits in 73 appearances.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Ottawa Senators re-signed defenseman Erik Brannstrom to a one-year, $2-million extension, the team announced Saturday.

Several restricted free agents were not issued qualifying offers by Friday's 5 p.m. ET deadline, making them eligible to sign anywhere when the market opens Saturday at noon.Here's a group of notable players whose sudden availability has added a new layer of intrigue to this weekend's free-agent frenzy. The entire list can be accessed here.PlayerPositionTeamQO priceMax ComtoisFANA$2.45MChristian FischerFARI$1.13MTyson JostFBUF$2.25MJesse PuljujarviFCAR$3MCaleb JonesDCHI$1.35MKlim KostinFDET$787KColin WhiteFFLA$1.2MSam SteelFMIN$866KDenis GurianovFMTL$2.9MNathan BastianFNJ$750KJesper BoqvistFNJ$917KMichael McLeodFNJ$1MLibor HajekDNYR$840KRasmus AsplundFNSH$920KCal FooteDNSH$997KJulien GauthierFOTT$840KRyan PoehlingFPIT$787KEvgeny SvechnikovFSJ$787KMackenzie BlackwoodGSJ$3.36MNoah GregorFSJ$997KMorgan GeekieFSEA$1.4MDaniel SprongFSEA$787KEthan BearDVAN$2.2MTravis DermottDVAN$1.75MNolan PatrickFVGK$1.4MPuljujarvi, the Edmonton Oilers' No. 4 pick in 2016, was unable to get his career on track after being traded to the Carolina Hurricanes. He failed to score in 24 games (regular season and playoffs) with the Canes and was even a healthy scratch at times in the postseason despite the team's injuries.Gurianov, the 12th pick in the 2015 draft, has mostly been a bust to this point. He enjoyed one 20-goal season in 2019-20 but managed just 17 points in 66 games this season between the Dallas Stars and Montreal Canadiens.Hajek was a key part of the return in the trade that sent Ryan McDonagh to the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2018. He never reached his potential in New York, though, appearing in just 33 games over the last two campaigns for the Rangers.The Canucks passed on retaining Bear and Dermott, who are both just 26. Bear played a top-four role this season but suffered a shoulder injury while playing for Canada at the World Championship and is out six months as of mid-June. Injuries limited Dermott to just 28 games across parts of two seasons in Vancouver after the club surrendered a third-round pick for him in March 2022.The Coyotes are working to sign Fischer, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, while the Devils announced they will try to sign their trio at a lower cost.(Cap source: CapFriendly)Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Vegas Golden Knights signed playoff hero Adin Hill to a two-year contract extension carrying an annual cap hit of $4.9 million, the team announced Friday.Hill was scheduled to hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent on July 1. His previous deal was worth $2.175 million per season.The Golden Knights are now approximately $2.2 million over the $83.5-million salary threshold but have $5 million available in long-term injured reserve candidates, according to Cap Friendly. Vegas also signed forward Ivan Barbashev to a five-year, $25-million extension after winning the Stanley Cup earlier this month.Hill was acquired from the San Jose Sharks last August for a fourth-round pick. He appeared in 27 regular season games, then was thrust into the starter's role after Laurent Brossoit was injured in the second round of the playoffs. Hill took the job and ran with it, posting an 11-4 record with a .932 save percentage and 2.17 goals against average to help the Golden Knights capture their first-ever championship.The 27-year-old was a third-round draft choice of the Arizona Coyotes in 2015. He's made 101 career regular season appearances while suiting up for three teams over the past six campaigns.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Nashville Predators are buying out the final three seasons of Matt Duchene's deal, the team announced Friday."This is the continuation of an organizational process that started at the trade deadline - our desire to change the roster, allowing our emerging players the chance to grow and develop while also creating the flexibility to build a team that will become a Stanley Cup contender," incoming general manager Barry Trotz said in a statement.The buyout will go as follows, according to CapFriendly:SeasonInitial cap hitBuyout cap hit2023-24$8M$2.56M2024-25$8M$5.56M2025-26$8M$6.56M2026-27$0$1.56M2027-28$0$1.56M2028-29$0$1.56MIn a weak unrestricted free-agent class, a skilled offensive forward in Duchene will become one of the more intriguing players available when the market opens Saturday.He inked a seven-year, $56-million contract with the Predators as a free agent in 2019, but his tenure in the Music City has mostly been viewed as a disappointment relative to his cap hit.Duchene struggled mightily in his first couple seasons with the club before he exploded for career highs in goals (43) and points (86) in 2021-22. The 32-year-old came back down to earth this past season, producing 22 goals and 34 assists in 71 games.He spent most of his 14-year NHL career as a center, but he's predominantly played on the wing over the last couple of seasons to reduce his defensive responsibilities. Faceoffs are not an issue, as he owns a career 53.3% success rate in the dot.His underlying numbers over the last three campaigns have remained strong offensively. Evolving-HockeyDuchene is the second marquee player Nashville has jettisoned recently after the club traded Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday. The team also shipped off longtime defenseman Mattias Ekholm to the Edmonton Oilers at the 2023 trade deadline.Trotz now has nearly $25 million in cap space to work with in his first offseason at the helm.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Edmonton Oilers re-signed winger Mattias Janmark to a one-year, $1-million contract, the team announced Friday.Janmark produced 10 goals and 15 assists in 66 games with the Oilers last season while playing a third-line checking role. He's proven to be reliable defensively and is an effective penalty killer.The 30-year-old Swede recorded 76 goals and 107 assists in 486 career games across seven seasons between the Oilers, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars.The Oilers also brought back journeyman Derek Ryan on a two-year, $1.8-million deal earlier in June. Edmonton still has work to do to round out the rest of the bottom-six forward group.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

It's the end of an era in Winnipeg.The Jets are placing former captain Blake Wheeler on unconditional waivers for the purpose of buying out the final year of his contract, the team announced Friday."It has been my absolute honor and privilege to be a Winnipeg Jet, to represent this city and this organization," he said.Here's a breakdown of a buyout for Wheeler, according to CapFriendly:SeasonInitial cap hitBuyout cap hit2023-24$8.25M$2.75M2024-25$0$2.75MThe buyout will make Wheeler an unrestricted free agent eligible to sign with any team. The Dallas Stars are among several clubs interested in the winger, reports TSN's Darren Dreger. However, Wheeler's camp would prefer a move to the Eastern Conference, per Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.The writing had been on the wall for a divorce between the two sides. The club reportedly tried to trade him but was unsuccessful.Once one of the game's best wingers, Wheeler's production fell to 16 goals and 39 assists in 72 games this past season. His underlying numbers have taken an even steeper decline. He turns 37 in August.

There's no place like home.While several pending unrestricted free agents have already re-upped with their current clubs, we identify five more players who shouldn't bother finding a new home this summer.Ryan O'Reilly, Maple Leafs Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyAs one of the best centers available in a UFA class that's weak down the middle, O'Reilly could likely get more money elsewhere. But with already $76.7 million in estimated career earnings, he's pretty set financially.The Leafs have enough cap flexibility to make O'Reilly a fair offer, but if he's willing to take a slight discount to stay, it could do wonders for the team and his own legacy. A diehard fanbase that has seen its star players pinch the team for every dollar will adore a player who takes less to stay.O'Reilly has already won a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Selke Trophy with the St. Louis Blues, but if he were able to help deliver a championship to Toronto, he'd forever be considered a legend in hockey's biggest market.The Leafs very well might be forever cursed, but on paper, they still have a team good enough to contend moving forward. In Toronto, O'Reilly would get to play alongside great players - potentially as the club's No. 2 center if John Tavares is moved to the wing - and the Clinton, Ontario, native would get to stay close to home.Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / GettyAndersen finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting during his first year in Carolina. But in Year 2, he battled injuries and inconsistent play when he was healthy. Because of the down season, the 33-year-old is likely looking at another modest deal in free agency.But staying with the defensively strong Hurricanes on a one-year deal gives Andersen his best chance at rebuilding his value and cashing in next offseason when the salary cap is set to go up. Carolina is one of the league's most goalie-friendly teams, as the team finished first in the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five in 2022-23, per Natural Stat Trick.Andersen would have to split the crease with 24-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov. But as the more proven and experienced netminder between the two, the Danish veteran would more likely be the 1A in the platoon.Evan Rodrigues, Avalanche Michael Martin / National Hockey League / GettyRodrigues was appreciated more in Colorado this past season than he ever has been throughout his eight-year NHL career. He was a bona fide top-six forward for the first time, logging 17:51 per game - over two minutes more than he's ever averaged in a single season. He made it count, too, producing 16 goals and 23 assists in 69 games for a personal-best 0.57 points per contest.So, not only do the Avalanche properly value Rodrigues - whose terrific underlying numbers have long warranted a more prominent role - but they also offer a great chance to win. Rodrigues wasn't part of Colorado's Stanley Cup in 2022, so he's still chasing a ring. But with some savvy moves already made by a smart front office with the additions of Ryan Johansen and Ross Colton, the Avs are gearing up for another run in 2024.As long as Colorado is willing to properly compensate Rodrigues with a market-value contract, there's no reason he shouldn't stay.Joonas Korpisalo, Kings Harry How / Getty Images Sport / GettyMost of Korpisalo's eight-year career has been spent as a backup or the 1B in a platoon, but he finally got his chance to be the true No. 1 after he was traded to Los Angeles at the deadline. He made it count, posting a sparkling .921 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average in 11 regular-season games with the Kings.If Korpisalo re-signs in L.A., his main competition for starts would be 31-year-old journeyman Pheonix Copley. The Kings are an excellent defensive team, too, finishing second in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five last season. So, Korpisalo would have a lot of light nights, unlike when he was getting pelted by shots with the Columbus Blue Jackets.The Kings have a lot of young talent and an excellent farm system, so they project to be a good team even when franchise icons like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty move on. They also still have enough cap space to give Korpisalo the contract he deserves. Plus, who wouldn't want to live in sunny L.A.?Radko Gudas, Panthers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyEvery team could use a mean, nasty, defenseman on their team like Gudas, which is why his market will likely be large - especially as a right shot. But staying in Florida would allow the well-traveled veteran to settle down on a team that should remain competitive moving forward.It could also represent an opportunity for extra playing time. Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour are in jeopardy of missing the start of the 2023-24 season due to injuries, meaning Gudas could be in line for an expanded role until his fellow right D-men are back up to speed.Additionally, it's hard to beat the Florida weather. No state income tax is a nice bonus, too.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.

The Detroit Red Wings are buying out Kailer Yamamoto's contract, reports TSN's Darren Dreger, making the forward free to sign with any team.Detroit acquired Yamamoto and Klim Kostin from the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for future considerations on Thursday. The Red Wings strongly considered keeping Yamamoto but couldn't make it work, Dreger adds.The 24-year-old was entering the final year of his contract, which carried a $3.1-million cap hit, according to CapFriendly. With Friday's move, Yamamoto's cap hit will be $433,000 for the 2023-24 season and $533,000 in 2024-25, per PuckPedia.A first-round pick in 2017, Yamamoto spent his first six NHL seasons with the Oilers. He set a career high with 41 points in 81 games during the 2021-22 season, including 20 goals. Yamamoto was limited to 58 games and 25 points this past season.Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.