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.

The NHL offseason is heating up as several teams engage in contract negotiations and explore free agency options. The Ottawa Senators are in discussions with forward Adam Gaudette, who is poised to enter free agency if a deal isn't reached soon. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers are reportedly considering a move for Christian Dvorak to bolster their depth in the forward lineup.

Dallas Stars remain committed to retaining Mikael Granlund amid increasing competition for his services, while defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov has caught the attention of multiple teams as he heads towards free agency. The Buffalo Sabres are also set to sign goaltender Alex Lyon, who aims to secure a backup position after a respectable season with the Red Wings. Finally, the Vancouver Canucks are pursuing a contract extension for Thatcher Demko while also searching for a centerman, highlighting the busy nature of this offseason.

Evgeny Kuznetsov, once a star for the Washington Capitals, is drawing interest from multiple NHL teams despite a challenging recent season with only 24 points in 63 games. His playmaking potential remains enticing, particularly after a solid performance in the KHL, where he scored 37 points in 39 games. Now at 33 and coming off a terminated KHL contract, Kuznetsov seeks to return to the NHL without needing a tryout, indicating a desire for a cap-friendly one-year deal. Teams are intrigued by his skills but wonder about his mentality and health following his injury struggles.

Meanwhile, the Ottawa Senators are looking to add toughness to their roster, potentially targeting Tanner Jeannot. After a year with limited playtime due to injuries, Jeannot may come at a bargain price. Ottawa's cap space stands at under $11 million, and they are looking to balance signing key players like Claude Giroux while pursuing higher-profile wingers such as Nikolaj Ehlers or Brock Boeser.

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.