Nikolaj Ehlers has signed a six-year, $51 million contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, marking a significant move in the NHL free agency landscape. The speedy winger, who previously played for Winnipeg, was the top free agent in the market and will carry an $8.5 million cap hit until 2031. Ehlers joins a team that has made the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, boasting a strong offensive core that could greatly benefit from his skills.

In other news, veteran Dmitry Orlov has signed with the San Jose Sharks for two years at $13 million, bolstering their defense. Orlov, who won a Stanley Cup with Washington, brings experience to a Sharks team that is reshaping after recent struggles. Meanwhile, Brent Burns has taken his talents to Colorado with a one-year contract, continuing his storied career as he approaches 22 seasons in the league.

Dmitry Orlov has signed with the San Jose Sharks, bolstering their defensive lineup in a significant move during free agency. The two-year contract, valued at $13 million, adds a veteran presence to a team that needed to hit the salary floor following injuries affecting key players like captain Logan Couture. Orlov, a Stanley Cup champion with the Washington Capitals, brings experience from his recent tenure in Carolina. The Sharks have also picked up Nick Leddy through waivers, further strengthening their blue line alongside John Klingberg.

San Jose's general manager Mike Grier has indicated a strategic approach to this offseason, focusing on filling their roster with experienced players while managing salary cap constraints. The addition of Orlov and other veterans like Klingberg presents an interesting dynamic as the Sharks transition into a new era, aiming to achieve a balance between experience and youth development.

The second day of NHL free agency saw notable signings, with teams focusing on enhancing their rosters. Mason Appleton has joined the Detroit Red Wings on a two-year deal worth $5.8 million, moving from the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, the New Jersey Devils secured Cody Glass for two years at $5 million after acquiring him from Pittsburgh. The New York Islanders added Emil Heineman, a restricted free agent from Montreal, to a two-year contract valued at $2.2 million. The Jets also made moves, signing five players, including Phil Di Giuseppe, to one-year deals at the NHL minimum.

Despite the flurry of activity, top talents remain on the market, including slick winger Nikolaj Ehlers and veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Ehlers, who spent a decade with the Jets, has accumulated impressive stats with 520 points in 674 games. Orlov, fresh off his time with the Carolina Hurricanes, is also seeking a new home. Both players could significantly impact wherever they land, making them prime targets for contending teams.

Max Pacioretty's late-game heroics propelled the Toronto Maple Leafs to a decisive 4-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators, clinching their first-round playoff series. Pacioretty's tiebreaking goal came with under six minutes remaining, highlighting his clutch performance in the postseason. William Nylander shined with two goals, including a last-minute empty-netter, while Auston Matthews contributed with a power-play goal in the first period. In goal, Anthony Stolarz made 20 saves to secure the win, while Ottawa's efforts were bolstered by goals from Brady Tkachuk and David Perron, with Thomas Chabot providing two assists. The Maple Leafs will now advance to face the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers, in the next round.

Buffalo Sabres forward Zach Benson is dealing with an illness, while JJ Peterka has returned to the lineup. Meanwhile, Carolina's Dmitry Orlov is back after a five-game absence due to an upper-body injury, but Andrei Svechnikov remains sidelined for the fourth straight game. Columbus has seen forwards Cole Sillinger and Sean Monahan back on the ice, indicating potential returns as day-to-day updates come from Coach Dean Evason. In Detroit, Elmer Soderblom and Erik Gustafsson are both day-to-day with undisclosed injuries, and Jeff Petry is traveling but not ready for the weekend.

In Philadelphia, Rasmus Ristolainen is not expected back soon, while the Panthers' Dmitry Kulikov is week-to-week, but could return before the season wraps. Ottawa's Nick Jensen is still out, and Pittsburgh's Tommy Novak is day-to-day after missing time since March 9. Coaches are keeping fans updated on players' statuses as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.