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.

The Detroit Red Wings have secured defenseman Albert Johansson with a two-year contract, featuring an annual average value of $1.13 million. Johansson, 24, demonstrated significant growth during the latter half of the 2024-25 season, solidifying his place as a mainstay in the lineup. After a coaching shift improved his standing, an injury to fellow defenseman Jeff Petry allowed Johansson to establish himself effectively.

Alongside Johansson, the Red Wings are also looking to finalize contracts with forwards Jonatan Berggren and Elmer Söderblom, both of whom are restricted free agents. This focus on retaining young talent indicates the team's commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons.

Matthew Schaefer, a promising 17-year-old defenseman, has been selected first overall by the New York Islanders in the 2025 NHL Draft. His selection was highly anticipated despite a recent injury that had sidelined him since December. The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as Schaefer honored his late mother, who passed away from cancer last year. He marked the occasion by kissing a cancer awareness ribbon on his new team's jersey, visibly moved as he expressed missing her presence.

In related moves, the Islanders traded Noah Dobson to the Montreal Canadiens for Emil Heineman and two top picks. The draft showcased a historic decentralized format, allowing teams to select players remotely. Other notable draft selections include Michael Misa by the San Jose Sharks and Anton Frondell by the Chicago Blackhawks.

In the latest updates from the NHL, several players are making headlines for their performances and potential trades. Alexandre Texier has regained form after a tough season, significantly increasing his value for the St. Louis Blues. Notably, Pyotr Kochetkov has demonstrated outstanding skills that make him a top contender for the starting position in goal for the Carolina Hurricanes. Meanwhile, veteran Jeff Petry's presence enhances the Detroit Red Wings' defense, proving invaluable as they aim for a postseason spot. Additionally, the trade market heats up with rumors surrounding several players, including Zach Werenski from Columbus and Teuvo Teravainen from Chicago, both of whom could shift the balance in the league depending on where they land.

The Edmonton Oilers are embracing a unique home ice advantage as they approach the Stanley Cup Final. Ice from the hometown rinks of several players has been integrated into the Rogers Place ice for Game 1 against the Florida Panthers. Key contributions include ice from locations like Newmarket, Ontario, and Burnaby, British Columbia, where players like Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins honed their skills.

Former Oilers player Kyle Turris, who helped collect the ice, emphasized the emotional connection and unity this initiative fosters across Canada. The Oilers’ roster also boasts significant talent such as Stuart Skinner, who has personal ties to the ice from Confederation Arena. With a rich history in the finals, Oilers veteran Kevin Lowe sees parallels to their dynasty years and believes the current team has the potential to reclaim their championship glory.