Canada's 158th birthday coincides with the start of NHL free agency, where teams anticipate a flurry of activity sparked by a significant salary cap increase. The cap's rise to $95.5 million opens the door for teams to bolster their lineups, aiming to become serious contenders.

Key players likely to attract attention include Nikolaj Ehlers from the Winnipeg Jets and Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, alongside defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings. Centers Mikael Granlund and Pius Suter, goaltender Jake Allen, and standout defensemen Dmitry Orlov and Brent Burns from the Carolina Hurricanes are also on the radar as teams rush to make impactful signings.

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 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.

The Vancouver Canucks have confirmed roster updates, signing four AHL players who contributed significantly to their affiliate's recent Calder Cup triumph. Arshdeep Bains and Aatu Raty have secured two-year contracts, while Max Sasson and Guillaume Brisebois are now on one-year deals. Bains shined with 43 points in 50 games last season, while Raty added 40 points across 43 games. The Canucks also extended qualifying offers to Jett Woo and Nikita Tolopilo, both heading into restricted free agency, while opting not to qualify others. The team gears up for the opening of free agency, seeking to enhance their lineup for the upcoming season.

The Vancouver Canucks are nearing an extension agreement with goaltender Thatcher Demko, with sources indicating that both parties have settled on the contract's term, and only financial details remain to be finalized. This development comes just as Demko becomes eligible to sign a new deal.

In other news, the Ottawa Senators are in discussions with two of their pending unrestricted free agents, Adam Gaudette and Nick Cousins, as they aim to solidify their roster ahead of the deadline. Meanwhile, Brad Marchand's future is uncertain, with speculation about potential interest from the Toronto Maple Leafs and a possible return to the Boston Bruins, though he is currently focused on negotiating terms with the Florida Panthers.