Nikolaj Ehlers, the 29-year-old winger, continues to be a significant free agent 30 hours into NHL free agency as he evaluates his options. Teams like Carolina, Tampa Bay, and Washington are reportedly interested in him, indicating his high value in the current market. The recent signings of Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund may set the salary benchmark for Ehlers, who could command the most lucrative contract of the offseason among players switching teams.

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns has signed with Colorado, while the Oilers have added Andrew Mangiapane and Curtis Lazar to their roster. The New York Islanders secured KHL forward Maxim Shabanov, and various teams are still eyeing other forwards and defensemen like Dmitry Orlov and Matt Grzelcyk. With Ehlers remaining unsigned, the market dynamics are shifting, affecting potential moves for other forwards like Anthony Beauvillier and Jeff Skinner.

Mitch Marner's championship performance with Team Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off showcased his immense talent as he played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal against the U.S. His key assist on Connor McDavid's overtime goal marked a high point in a tournament filled with critical contributions, including a game-tying assist and a round-robin overtime winner against Sweden. Despite this success, Marner's tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs was marred by playoff disappointments, with critics often pointing to his underwhelming postseason scoring.

With Marner now signed with the Vegas Golden Knights, the Leafs find themselves struggling to fill the offensive void left behind. The loss of the team's leading point scorer and playmaker could significantly impact Toronto's chances moving forward. General Manager Brad Treliving faces a challenging task to reshape the roster without making drastic changes that could backfire, especially given the limited free-agent market and lack of substantial trade assets.

As free agency unfolds, the Edmonton Oilers are focusing on their goaltending situation following back-to-back Stanley Cup Final losses. Notable departures include Connor Brown and John Klingberg, but rumors suggest the Oilers are primed to secure a goalie soon, potentially via trade or signing an unrestricted free agent. They are reportedly aiming for immediate improvements to stabilize their position. Current netminders Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard have faced scrutiny after a less-than-stellar playoff performance, prompting the organization to consider a coaching change in that area.

Friedman indicated that while there was speculation about moving on from Skinner, the Oilers may now want to nurture his development with a fresh coaching approach. Skinner's contract remains a valued asset at $2.6 million, and the Oilers are keen on maximizing his potential. Meanwhile, the cap-strapped roster limits their options in free agency, suggesting any new acquisition will need to fit within their financial constraints.

Brent Burns may be on the move again, as speculation grows about where the veteran defenseman will sign. Initially thought to be returning to the Carolina Hurricanes, hints from insiders suggest that Burns might consider a short-term deal elsewhere. Meanwhile, Pius Suter's future is under scrutiny now that Mikael Granlund is off the market, influencing Suter's potential landing spot. Andrew Mangiapane's recent signing with the Edmonton Oilers has also sparked discussions about how this will affect the free agency landscape.

The San Jose Sharks appear to be circling back on potential targets, noting uncertainty regarding their negotiations with Granlund and considering other free agents. The St. Louis Blues have made a trade that raises questions about their depth at forward, hinting at further moves in free agency. As the offseason progresses, franchises are weighing their options, and fans are eager to see how these developments unfold.

The Pittsburgh Penguins have made significant moves this week by signing forwards Anthony Mantha and Rafael Harvey-Pinard along with defenseman Phil Kemp. Mantha, coming off a season with the Calgary Flames, secured a $2.5 million deal, bringing his career totals to 303 points in 507 games. Harvey-Pinard, who played only one game last season, signed for $775,000, while Kemp's two-year deal is worth $1.55 million, despite limited NHL experience.

Mantha had a decent showing last season, scoring four goals and three assists in just 13 games, showcasing his offensive potential. Harvey-Pinard, with 31 points in 82 career games, is looking to carve out a more prominent role, while Kemp hopes to transition from a limited role in Edmonton to a more significant one in Pittsburgh. These signings suggest the Penguins are focused on strengthening their roster with versatile players.