The NHL free agency period is upon us, and the landscape is shifting rapidly as teams finalize their rosters ahead of July 1. The recent trade of Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights has set the tone, with the Golden Knights securing a top player along with an eight-year extension. Meanwhile, the Florida Panthers have successfully retained key players like Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, signaling their intent to pursue a Stanley Cup three-peat.

As we approach the free agency frenzy, the focus shifts to the remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs). With the salary cap expansion for the upcoming seasons, teams appear more inclined to re-sign familiar faces rather than explore new options. Notable UFAs include Brock Boeser, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Patrick Kane, each bringing unique skills to the table. This digest will explore the top remaining free agents and their potential impact on fantasy leagues as well as betting markets.

The Toronto Maple Leafs made headlines by acquiring winger Matias Maccelli from the Utah Mammoth, trading a conditional third-round pick in the 2027 draft. Maccelli, 24, is coming off a lackluster 18-point season but previously had a solid 2023-24 campaign with 57 points, including 17 goals and 40 assists.

Meanwhile, the Edmonton Oilers secured Kasperi Kapanen with a one-year, $1.3 million contract. Kapanen, who was claimed off waivers from the St. Louis Blues last November, recorded 14 points in 67 games during the 2024-25 regular season and contributed an overtime goal in the playoffs.

The Vancouver Canucks also made moves, re-signing four depth players who helped their AHL affiliate clinch a championship. Forwards Aatu Raty and Arshdeep Bains inked two-year contracts, while Guillaume Brisebois and Max Sasson secured one-year deals.

As the free agency window approaches, star players like Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, and Brock Boeser are expected to test the market.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are actively pursuing the re-signing of forward Steven Lorentz as free agency approaches. With many players likely to test the market, including notable names like Brock Boeser, who may find himself a suitable fit with the Edmonton Oilers given their salary cap situation, the Maple Leafs are also rumored to be interested in Michael Pezzetta as well.

The Los Angeles Kings have made a new offer to Vladislav Gavrikov, while the Dallas Stars are negotiating with Mikael Granlund, hoping to keep him on the roster despite salary challenges. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins are on the hunt for a top-four defenseman; Aaron Ekblad could be a target, but at a potentially high cost.

Cam York is nearing an extension with the Philadelphia Flyers, indicating a positive direction in negotiations as sources suggest they are close to finalizing terms. Meanwhile, Brendan Smith, a free agent defenseman, is eager to continue his career for at least another season. Known for his experience and ability to mentor younger players, Smith expresses a desire to join his brother Reilly, who recently signed with the Vegas Golden Knights. The potential move is seen as a valuable addition for any team seeking depth on defense.

In trade rumors, the Edmonton Oilers are eyeing Brock Boeser as a high-profile target if they can create sufficient cap space. Discussions surrounding Boeser have gained traction, especially as analysts speculate about creative contract maneuvers involving players like Adam Henrique. This could reshape the Oilers’ forward lineup as they continue to seek out a scoring weapon that complements their roster effectively.

The Edmonton Oilers are making significant roster changes following another disappointing playoff run, particularly with the departure of Evander Kane, which frees up $5.1 million in cap space. This flexibility opens the door for potential acquisitions, including Brock Boeser, a forward from the Vancouver Canucks, who is expected to enter free agency.

Boeser, who had a down year with 50 points in 75 games last season, is reportedly seeking an eight-year contract worth $8 million annually. The Canucks, however, are not willing to meet this asking price, which has led to stalled negotiations. The Oilers, who struggled with scoring depth behind stars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, could target Boeser as a viable replacement for Kane, potentially strengthening their top six.