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 Ottawa Senators have made strategic moves in NHL free agency by signing forwards Lars Eller and Nick Cousins to one-year contracts. Eller, a veteran center from Denmark, joins the Senators after a season with the Washington Capitals, where he recorded six goals and nine assists in 63 games. He brings a wealth of experience, having played for five different franchises. Meanwhile, Cousins re-joins the Senators after a solid season, contributing 15 points in 50 games. Previously, he was instrumental in the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup victory.

The Senators also made some decisions on player retention, notably not re-signing goalie Anton Forsberg and defenseman Dennis Gilbert. Forsberg has inked a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings, while the Senators have secured young goalie Leevi Merilainen for the next season to back up Linus Ullmark.

The Ottawa Senators have secured their young goalie Leevi Merilainen with a one-year, $1.05 million contract extension. The 22-year-old, drafted in the third round of the 2020 NHL Draft, showcased impressive stats last season, achieving an 8-3-1 record, a 1.99 goals-against average, and a .925 save percentage across 12 regular-season games. His performance included three shutouts.

Having primarily played with the AHL's Belleville Senators, where Merilainen recorded an 18-12-4 record and a .913 save percentage, the extension signals his anticipated role as the primary backup to Linus Ullmark, especially as Anton Forsberg is set to become a free agent. The Senators also extended qualifying offers to several other players, securing their future roster.

The Ottawa Senators are in discussions with forward Claude Giroux, although reports indicate that talks have reached a stalemate. The team aims to finalize a one-year contract, likely around $3 million, with potential bonuses increasing the total to between $4.5 to $5 million. Giroux prioritizes remaining in Ottawa to be close to family, but there’s speculation he might also consider the Montreal Canadiens as an alternative. Meanwhile, pending free agents Adam Gaudette and Anton Forsberg might not return, as Gaudette could secure a longer-term deal elsewhere and Forsberg is expected to test the market.

On another note, the Philadelphia Flyers are exploring trade opportunities but are cautious about overextending their assets. GM Daniel Briere has expressed a strategic approach, emphasizing the need for trades to align with the team’s long-term plans. This cautious strategy reflects the ongoing efforts for improvement without compromising the team's future.

The Ottawa Senators are focusing on building a solid team foundation, aiming to return to the playoffs next season. General Manager Steve Staios faces the challenge of retaining key players, including Claude Giroux, who is currently in negotiations to re-sign. Other pending free agents include Nick Cousins, Adam Gaudette, and Anton Forsberg, although financial constraints may limit the Senators' ability to keep all of them.

While the organization aims to keep its core together, it recognizes that balancing contracts and maintaining competitive depth will be crucial in the upcoming free agency period and the NHL Draft. The Senators are optimistic about their prospects, reflecting on their progress and the support from their fanbase.