The NHL offseason is buzzing with significant player movements, highlighted by the Florida Panthers' success in retaining key figures Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. Meanwhile, stars like Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers have found new homes, reshaping the league dynamics. Marner's blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights signals their intent to contend again, while Bennett's playoff MVP performance solidifies his value for the Panthers. Ehlers joins the Carolina Hurricanes, aiming to enhance their scoring depth as they strive to compete with the Panthers in the Eastern Conference.

Other notable transactions include the Montreal Canadiens acquiring Noah Dobson, further bolstering their defense, and the New York Rangers signing Vladislav Gavrikov. Each move reflects teams' strategies to fortify their rosters and enhance their competitive standings as they look toward the upcoming season.

The Anaheim Ducks have made a surprising move by signing veteran forward Mikael Granlund, who previously played for the Dallas Stars. Despite Granlund not being linked to the Ducks prior to the signing, the team jumped at the opportunity to enhance their roster. This addition comes after a season where the Ducks showed marked improvement, and with the hiring of experienced coach Joel Quenneville, they are clearly aiming for a more competitive edge.

Granlund expressed optimism about joining a team that he feels is ready to take the next step towards winning. In his previous season, he contributed 21 points in just 31 games for Dallas and is expected to provide a scoring boost for the Ducks alongside their younger talents. If he can maintain his performance, this move could be a significant steal for Anaheim, positioning them as contenders for a playoff spot.

Nikolaj Ehlers remains a hot topic in NHL free agency, having not signed with any team after two days. The 29-year-old winger, who previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, is considering offers from several teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals. Ehlers’s decision is awaited by many as it could significantly impact the market, particularly with fellow forwards like Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund recently signing lucrative contracts. The increased salary cap to $95.5 million adds further intrigue to Ehlers's potential deal, as he is expected to command a substantial contract.

As free agency unfolds, other teams are also on the move. The Edmonton Oilers have signed Curtis Lazar and Andrew Mangiapane, while the New Jersey Devils have re-signed Cody Class. Meanwhile, players like Anthony Beauvillier and Jack Roslovic are still waiting for opportunities. General managers are adapting quickly to the shifting landscape of available talent as they look to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

The NHL free agency frenzy revealed clear winners and losers as teams made strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The Florida Panthers emerged as a notable winner with GM Bill Zito successfully re-signing key players Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, ensuring the core of their Stanley Cup-winning team remains intact. The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines by adding Mitch Marner, enhancing their offensive firepower alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers improved their defensive line by acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov from the Los Angeles Kings, despite losing K'Andre Miller in the process.

Conversely, teams like the Kings and the goaltending-needy franchises faced setbacks. The Kings lost crucial defenseman Gavrikov without adequate replacements, while potential goaltending options dwindled as top netminder Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. The Dallas Stars were also left in a lurch after failing to re-sign Mikael Granlund, who was a strong contributor following his mid-season acquisition.

Mikael Granlund's recent three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, valued at $21 million, marks a significant moment in his career as he moves from the Dallas Stars amidst a salary cap squeeze. While many sought new top-center talent, several notable names like Sam Bennett and John Tavares opted to remain with their current teams, intensifying competition for quality free agents.

Granlund, a versatile two-way player, previously contributed to the Stars' playoff runs, displaying a knack for scoring with 22 goals last season. With the Ducks eyeing playoff contention, they leveraged their cap space creatively, offloading Trevor Zegras and John Gibson to make room for Granlund and veteran Chris Kreider, signaling their intent to improve substantially.