Brock Boeser is back with the Vancouver Canucks after a tumultuous negotiation period that saw his future with the team in question. Initially viewed as unlikely to re-sign, the Canucks shifted their focus to acquiring Christian Dvorak from Montreal but ultimately lost out to the Philadelphia Flyers. With limited options left, Vancouver pivoted back to Boeser, who accepted a seven-year contract worth $50.75 million.

Boeser expressed surprise at the outcome, reflecting on the challenging negotiations. He voiced confidence in the team's direction under head coach Adam Foote and feels optimistic about the upcoming season. The Canucks are now looking to solidify their center position, possibly through future trades.

The Toronto Maple Leafs have officially disbanded their Core Four, leaving fans and analysts pondering the team's future. General Manager Brad Treliving faced challenges in the free-agent market, particularly after losing Mitch Marner, who scored 102 points last season. With top targets like Brad Marchand and Brock Boeser slipping away, the Leafs' attempts to bolster their roster have fallen short.

Although Treliving has made some moves, such as acquiring Nicolas Roy and signing a few depth players, the combined scoring of these new additions still pales in comparison to Marner's contributions. As the pressure mounts on stars like Auston Matthews and William Nylander, the Leafs may need to get creative in navigating a tight salary cap while finding impactful players to fill the gaps left by Marner’s departure.

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.

Pius Suter, a forward who just had a career-high season with the Vancouver Canucks, is set to join the St. Louis Blues on a two-year deal worth $8 million. Last season, Suter scored 25 goals and had 21 assists, contributing significantly to a struggling Canucks team. Throughout his five-year career, he has accumulated 162 points in 364 games across three teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings. This signing comes as the Blues look to bolster their lineup after a surprising playoff berth last year under coach Jim Montgomery.

The Vancouver Canucks have made a strategic move by signing defenceman Pierre-Olivier Joseph to a one-year deal valued at $775,000. Joseph, who had three assists across 47 games last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues, brings valuable experience to the franchise. Standing tall at six-foot-two, Joseph's versatility on the ice allows him to play comfortably on both sides of the defense.

Having previously played for the Penguins and earning gold with Team Canada at the 2023 World Championships alongside Tyler Myers, Joseph's speed and mobility are expected to bolster the Canucks' defensive depth. General Manager Patrik Allvin expressed optimism about Joseph's potential contribution to the team's success. This signing not only enhances the Canucks' roster but also reflects their commitment to strengthening their defensive strategies as they prepare for the upcoming season.