Nikolaj Ehlers remains a hot topic in NHL free agency, having not signed with any team after two days. The 29-year-old winger, who previously played for the Winnipeg Jets, is considering offers from several teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals. Ehlers’s decision is awaited by many as it could significantly impact the market, particularly with fellow forwards like Brock Boeser and Mikael Granlund recently signing lucrative contracts. The increased salary cap to $95.5 million adds further intrigue to Ehlers's potential deal, as he is expected to command a substantial contract.

As free agency unfolds, other teams are also on the move. The Edmonton Oilers have signed Curtis Lazar and Andrew Mangiapane, while the New Jersey Devils have re-signed Cody Class. Meanwhile, players like Anthony Beauvillier and Jack Roslovic are still waiting for opportunities. General managers are adapting quickly to the shifting landscape of available talent as they look to finalize their rosters for the upcoming season.

The NHL free agency frenzy revealed clear winners and losers as teams made strategic moves to bolster their rosters. The Florida Panthers emerged as a notable winner with GM Bill Zito successfully re-signing key players Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, ensuring the core of their Stanley Cup-winning team remains intact. The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines by adding Mitch Marner, enhancing their offensive firepower alongside stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Meanwhile, the New York Rangers improved their defensive line by acquiring Vladislav Gavrikov from the Los Angeles Kings, despite losing K'Andre Miller in the process.

Conversely, teams like the Kings and the goaltending-needy franchises faced setbacks. The Kings lost crucial defenseman Gavrikov without adequate replacements, while potential goaltending options dwindled as top netminder Jake Allen re-signed with the New Jersey Devils. The Dallas Stars were also left in a lurch after failing to re-sign Mikael Granlund, who was a strong contributor following his mid-season acquisition.

Mikael Granlund's recent three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks, valued at $21 million, marks a significant moment in his career as he moves from the Dallas Stars amidst a salary cap squeeze. While many sought new top-center talent, several notable names like Sam Bennett and John Tavares opted to remain with their current teams, intensifying competition for quality free agents.

Granlund, a versatile two-way player, previously contributed to the Stars' playoff runs, displaying a knack for scoring with 22 goals last season. With the Ducks eyeing playoff contention, they leveraged their cap space creatively, offloading Trevor Zegras and John Gibson to make room for Granlund and veteran Chris Kreider, signaling their intent to improve substantially.

Mikael Granlund, a pivotal center for the Dallas Stars during their 2024-25 playoff campaign, has signed a three-year contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Granlund made a significant impact after joining the Stars from the San Jose Sharks, contributing notably during the postseason with 10 points in 18 games and scoring a hat trick against Winnipeg. His speed, versatility, and role as a penalty killer were essential to the Stars’ success, but salary cap constraints prevented an extension.

Despite mutual interest in keeping Granlund in Dallas, his $7 million annual salary with the Ducks illustrates the financial challenges teams face in retaining key players. The Stars now look to fill his void through free agency or trades as they prepare for the next season.

The Vancouver Canucks find themselves in a tough negotiation with free agent Pius Suter as discussions have yet to yield significant progress. With a robust market anticipated for Suter, other teams may soon enter the fray. Meanwhile, the Columbus Blue Jackets are actively in talks with Justin Danforth's camp, hoping to finalize an agreement soon, as Danforth aims to remain with the franchise after changing agents to expedite negotiations.

Several teams are eyeing other key players, including the Winnipeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins, and San Jose Sharks, all potentially in pursuit of Brock Boeser. The Dallas Stars, facing salary cap constraints, are likely to lose Mikael Granlund to free agency, while the Philadelphia Flyers show interest in Corey Perry, who is eager to find a winning opportunity after chasing a second Stanley Cup. The Los Angeles Kings are also reportedly interested in Cody Ceci. As the trade deadline approaches, expect further movement in the player market.