With the NHL goalie market tightening, recent moves reflect the urgency for teams needing netminders. The Detroit Red Wings acquired John Gibson from the Anaheim Ducks, significantly impacting the landscape. Jake Allen remains with the New Jersey Devils, while Thatcher Demko continues his tenure in Vancouver. Key signings include Dan Vladar joining the Philadelphia Flyers and David Rittich heading to the New York Islanders as insurance for Ilya Sorokin. Edmonton Oilers face challenges, potentially sticking with Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard after an underwhelming playoff performance.

Vancouver's Demko, now a franchise cornerstone, boasts a solid backup in Kevin Lankinen. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes have brought in Amir Miftakhov, a cost-effective option after his KHL success. The market dynamics raise questions for teams lacking depth as they navigate the upcoming season's challenges.

Evgenii Dadonov is set for a fresh start after signing a one-year, $1 million contract with the New Jersey Devils, leaving behind his tenure with the Dallas Stars. The 36-year-old forward showcased impressive versatility last season, tallying 20 goals and 20 assists despite primarily playing on the fourth line. His playoff performance was less stellar, but his experience and adaptability make him a valuable addition to the Devils' roster.

Dadonov's journey to New Jersey follows a successful stint with the Stars, where he was traded from the Montreal Canadiens and later extended his contract. However, with a coaching change in Dallas and decreased playing time in the playoffs, his future in Dallas became uncertain. Now, he looks to bring his skills to a new team, hoping to contribute significantly in the upcoming season.

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 NHL offseason is heating up as teams eagerly await decisions on key free agents. Nikolaj Ehlers remains a central figure in the trade rumors, with no immediate contract expected. His agent, Andre Rufener, will potentially delay any announcement into Wednesday, keeping teams like the New Jersey Devils and others in a holding pattern. Bob McKenzie reports that the Toronto Maple Leafs, along with the Carolina Hurricanes, Colorado Avalanche, and Washington Capitals, are competing for Ehlers' signature, highlighting his value in the current market.

In other news, the Edmonton Oilers recently traded Viktor Arvidsson to the Boston Bruins, opening up approximately $4.5 million in cap space for potential additions. The Montreal Canadiens have made an offer to Joe Veleno amidst interest from several teams including the Vegas Golden Knights and St. Louis Blues. As the trade tracker updates, teams are closely monitoring the free agent forward market as it could shift significantly based on Ehlers' decision.

Jake Allen has secured a five-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, effectively taking him off the free agency market. The deal is valued at an average annual value of $1.8 million, which allows the Devils to maintain their current goaltending duo for the upcoming season. Allen, who has had a storied career with teams like the St. Louis Blues and Montreal Canadiens, brings considerable experience, having started in 436 games during his 12-year NHL tenure.

In the previous season, Allen played 29 games with a record of 13-16-1, alongside a .906 save percentage, a 2.66 goals-against average, and four shutouts. The Devils will also retain Jacob Markstrom, who has one year left on a $4.125 million contract, while Nico Daws is also under contract, becoming a restricted free agent next summer.