Canada's 158th birthday coincides with the start of NHL free agency, where teams anticipate a flurry of activity sparked by a significant salary cap increase. The cap's rise to $95.5 million opens the door for teams to bolster their lineups, aiming to become serious contenders.

Key players likely to attract attention include Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets and Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, alongside defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings. Centers Mikael Granlund and Pius Suter, goaltender Jake Allen, and standout defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns from the Carolina Hurricanes are also on the radar as teams rush to make impactful signings.