The Florida Panthers have made a strategic move to reinforce their defense by signing veteran Jeff Petry to a one-year contract worth $775,000, which includes performance bonuses. With 981 career games under his belt, Petry brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers, having previously played for the Oilers, Canadiens, and Penguins. Despite a relatively quiet season last year with the Red Wings, where he recorded just one goal and seven assists, the Panthers are optimistic that Petry can fill the gap left by Nate Schmidt, contributing to their pursuit of a consecutive Stanley Cup.

Petry joins the Panthers in search of his first Stanley Cup, looking to replicate the success of other veterans like Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who benefited from similar opportunities last season. His role on the third pairing alongside Dmitry Kulikov is expected to enhance both defensive stability and leadership on the blue line. With the Panthers aiming for a strong start to the season, Petry's adaptability and experience will be crucial as they seek to defend their title.

The NHL offseason has already showcased significant excitement following the Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup victories. With the 2025 NHL Draft concluding and 224 prospects finding new homes, teams are rapidly reshaping their rosters. The draft weekend saw notable trades, including Noah Dobson, Charlie Coyle, and John Gibson, while Mitch Marner's recent eight-year extension with the Maple Leafs ended with a trade to the Golden Knights. Free agency opened with a frenzy of signings, highlighted by Jake Allen returning to the Devils on a five-year deal, and several big names like Jack Eichel and Kirill Kaprizov eligible for major extensions.

Veteran players such as Tony DeAngelo and Patrick Kane also secured contracts with their respective teams, while the Oilers made sure to retain promising young defenseman Evan Bouchard. The free agency tracker reveals a dynamic landscape, pulling top-rated talents into various team strategies as they aim to build towards championship aspirations for the coming season.

The Detroit Red Wings are actively pursuing players in NHL free agency, eyeing roster improvements to bolster their playoff hopes for the 2025-26 season. With approximately $17 million in salary cap space, the team is looking to acquire a top-four defenseman and a second-line winger to complement their existing stars, including the newly re-signed Patrick Kane.

A key factor in their strategy is competition from other teams, particularly after the Florida Panthers secured Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad before they could hit the market. Vladislav Gavrikov from the Los Angeles Kings is noted as a primary target for defensive reinforcement. The Wings hope to build a formidable second scoring line with a left winger alongside Kane and Marco Kasper, especially after offloading Vladimir Tarasenko's contract to the Minnesota Wild.

Jonatan Berggren has secured a one-year contract worth $1.825 million with the Detroit Red Wings, solidifying his place on the roster ahead of the upcoming season. The 24-year-old forward has shown promise this past season, tallying 24 points with 12 goals and 12 assists across 75 games. With the potential to enter restricted free agency looming, the Red Wings have made a strategic move to retain him.

Selected 33rd overall by Detroit in the 2018 NHL Draft, Berggren has accumulated 58 points (29 goals, 29 assists) over the course of 154 career NHL games, showcasing his developing offensive potential. His consistent performance could be a key factor for the Red Wings as they look to improve in the upcoming season.

NHL free agency opens Tuesday at noon, allowing teams to bolster their rosters for the 2025-26 season. Four former Michigan State Spartans are eyeing contracts, each with unique backgrounds and experiences. Jeff Petry, a seasoned veteran, seeks a new deal after a stint with the Detroit Red Wings. Mason Appleton, known for his strong play with the Winnipeg Jets, aims to secure a depth role. Mackenzie MacEachern hopes to return to the NHL after a year in the AHL, while Taro Hirose looks to re-enter the league after a productive season in Germany.