The Edmonton Oilers have made a notable addition to their roster by signing Andrew Mangiapane to a two-year contract averaging $3.6 million per year. Mangiapane, previously with the Washington Capitals, had a solid season, netting 14 goals and 28 points. His time in Washington was characterized by consistent play, transitioning through the top three lines of a high-scoring team. While Mangiapane's postseason performance was underwhelming, he has potential upside playing alongside the Oilers' offensive stars, hoping to replicate his previous peak of 35 goals with the Calgary Flames in 2021-22.

With Corey Perry's departure from the Oilers to the Kings, Mangiapane may fill the void left in terms of offensive depth. At 29, the veteran forward still has the opportunity to reach new heights in the offensive-minded environment of Edmonton.

The Los Angeles Kings have made a significant move, signing veteran defenseman Brian Dumoulin to a three-year contract worth $4 million annually through the 2027-28 NHL season. The 33-year-old Dumoulin, who played the previous season split between the New Jersey Devils and Anaheim Ducks, contributed 22 points over 80 games. Notably, he averaged 29 minutes of ice time during his playoff appearances, indicating his potential impact on the Kings' defensive strategy.

Dumoulin, a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Pittsburgh Penguins, brings a wealth of experience with 706 career NHL games under his belt. His best season came in 2022-23, where he notched career highs in assists and points while also demonstrating defensive prowess. This signing positions the Kings to enhance their playoff competitiveness, leveraging Dumoulin's extensive experience and ability to log heavy minutes.

The 2025 NHL free agency period kicked off with a whimper rather than the usual bang, leaving fans yearning for more excitement. Despite the anticipation, Day 1 was largely underwhelming, marked by a lack of high-profile signings. The Florida Panthers emerged as the clear winners, successfully re-signing key players Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad at discounted rates, while also adding Brad Marchand, who is committed to the team until his 43rd birthday. This strategic move aims to fortify their quest for a third consecutive Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, Mitch Marner's trade from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights was a significant shift, providing Marner a hefty contract and a fresh start following a disappointing playoff. Other teams like the Montreal Canadiens made modest improvements by acquiring Zachary Bolduc from St. Louis, indicating a focus on building a young core. In stark contrast, the Los Angeles Kings and their questionable signings drew criticism, highlighting a day that, although active, lacked the blockbuster deals fans had hoped for.

The Los Angeles Kings are making significant changes following four consecutive playoff exits in the first round. Highlighting their offseason efforts, they signed five free agents, including former Hart Trophy winner Corey Perry, to bolster their roster. Perry's one-year, $2.5 million deal is part of a strategy that also brought in Joel Armia, Cody Ceci, Brian Dumoulin, and Anton Forsberg. This shake-up comes with new General Manager Ken Holland at the helm, who aims to guide the Kings beyond the first round for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

Perry, at 40, had a standout season, scoring 19 goals for the Edmonton Oilers. His experience, combined with Armia's consistency, is expected to enhance the Kings' forward depth. The defense is fortified with Ceci and Dumoulin, both seasoned players who can contribute significantly. Forsberg adds goaltending depth alongside Darcy Kuemper, enhancing the Kings’ chances of a playoff resurgence.

The New York Rangers have secured Vladislav Gavrikov, regarded as the premier defenseman in the offseason, on a seven-year contract extension worth $49 million. This decision comes after the 29-year-old opted to explore the free agency market despite strong interest from the Los Angeles Kings, who attempted to retain him with multiple contract offers.

Gavrikov's role is expected to be significant, as the Rangers plan to pair him with Adam Fox on defense, aiming to bolster their playoff aspirations after a disappointing season. In his previous season with the Kings, Gavrikov played a vital role, averaging over 23 minutes of ice time and contributing offensively with five goals and 25 assists. His partnership with fellow countryman Artemi Panarin, a former teammate in Columbus, adds an exciting dynamic to the Rangers' roster as they endeavor to reshape their lineup.