The San Jose Sharks are making significant moves to bolster their defensive lineup, recently claiming Nick Leddy off waivers and signing Dmitry Orlov. With at least eight defensemen under contract, the Sharks now feature Mario Ferraro, who can play both sides. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers secured Christian Dvorak on a one-year deal, despite the player having multiple offers for longer contracts. The Flyers intend to keep Dvorak unless their playoff chances dwindle at the trade deadline.

In other news, the Nashville Predators are focused on enhancing their blue line. GM Barry Trotz has added size with Nic Hague and Nick Perbix but admits the team remains light on center options, leaving pressure on wingers to produce more offense. He emphasizes the need for gradual rebuilding to compete effectively.

Dmitry Orlov has secured a two-year, $13 million deal with the San Jose Sharks, solidifying their blue line with a strong two-way defenseman. Orlov, 33, comes off a season with the Carolina Hurricanes where he recorded 28 points in 76 regular-season games. Sharks GM Mike Grier praised Orlov for his physicality, versatility, and championship experience from his time with the Washington Capitals.

Additionally, the Sharks claimed Nick Leddy off waivers from the St. Louis Blues, adding another veteran presence to their defense. Leddy brings experience and a strong playoff resume, having previously won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks. Grier emphasized the importance of balancing veteran presence with young players, including top prospect Sam Dickinson, in a rebuilding Sharks squad.

Nikolaj Ehlers has signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, marking a key addition to their lineup. General manager Eric Tulsky expressed pride in securing Ehlers, a skilled winger who averaged nearly a point per game last season with 63 points in 69 games. Ehlers’ contract is the most lucrative for an unrestricted free agent this offseason, exceeding the deals of notable players like Brock Boeser.

As Ehlers joins a core that has made the playoffs for seven straight seasons, the Hurricanes still have $10 million in cap space, allowing flexibility for further roster adjustments. His signing may trigger a chain reaction in the league, prompting other teams like the Washington Capitals to explore alternative options.

The NHL free agency frenzy is underway, with teams vying to strengthen their lineups for the 2025-26 season. One of the major moves saw Nikolaj Ehlers, formerly of the Winnipeg Jets, signing a seven-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes. Ehlers aims to elevate the Hurricanes past the conference finals hurdle.

Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks surprised many by extending Brock Boeser with a seven-year deal worth $7.25 million annually, while also looking to secure 2024 Norris Trophy winner Quinn Hughes. The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines with a blockbuster sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner, who agreed to an eight-year, $96 million contract, with Nicolas Roy heading to Toronto.

The Florida Panthers have been strategically locking key players, including Brad Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad, to lengthy contracts at discounted rates. The Maple Leafs retained John Tavares and Matthew Knies, while other teams like the St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils fortified their rosters through smart acquisitions.

The Carolina Hurricanes made a significant splash in the NHL free agency by signing winger Nikolaj Ehlers to a six-year deal worth an average of $8.5 million per year. Ehlers, who was ranked as the No. 3 free agent on USA TODAY's list, brings speed and offensive prowess to a Hurricanes team looking to bolster their scoring after the departures of other key players. Although he has not yet reached the 30-goal mark in his career, his consistent production in the mid to high 20s suggests he could finally hit that milestone with increased ice time in Carolina.

Along with Ehlers, several notable signings have occurred as free agency opened, such as Dmitry Orlov to the Sharks and Brent Burns to the Avalanche. Other teams made their moves as well, with the Rangers re-signing Will Cuylle and the Oilers adding depth with Andrew Mangiapane. The offseason also saw changes in the dynamics of various teams, with stars like Mitch Marner and Patrick Kane finding new homes.