The NHL's free agency landscape has shifted dramatically with the absence of top-tier players like Mitch Marner, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand, leaving teams with limited options.

The Vegas Golden Knights made headlines by acquiring Marner through a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs, while the Florida Panthers secured both Ekblad and Marchand, strengthening their core further by resigning Tomas Nosek.

In response to Marner's departure, the Maple Leafs have signed Matthew Knies to a six-year contract worth $46.5 million. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks extended Conor Garland's contract for six years at $30 million.

Trade discussions are heating up as teams look to bolster their rosters, with the Buffalo Sabres considering moving young defenseman Bowen Byram, and Erik Karlsson potentially departing from Pittsburgh.