With the NHL free agency period approaching, teams are poised to make significant moves, especially with the salary cap increasing by a record $7.5 million. Key players such as Mitch Marner and Brad Marchand have already been signed, leading to a limited but interesting pool of free agents available.

Brock Boeser, a six-time 20-goal scorer, is among the most notable names. After a solid season with 25 goals and 25 assists, he may find a fresh start as the Vancouver Canucks enter a rebuilding phase. Meanwhile, Nikolaj Ehlers is another player to watch, having produced nearly a point per game last season. His market value could rise due to limited supply as teams scramble for scoring talent.

Veteran defenseman Brent Burns, now 40, remains a strong candidate for a contender seeking experience, while goaltender Ilya Samsonov is intriguing despite previous struggles. Lastly, players like Nate Schmidt and Dmitry Orlov could also find new homes as teams seek to bolster their rosters ahead of the new season.

Mitch Marner has officially been traded from the Toronto Maple Leafs to the Vegas Golden Knights, marking a significant shift in both his career and the dynamics of the teams involved. The 28-year-old forward, who was poised to become an unrestricted free agent, signed an impressive eight-year contract worth $96 million with an average annual value of $12 million. In exchange, the Maple Leafs received forward Nicolas Roy.

Last season, Marner achieved a career-high 102 points with 27 goals and 75 assists, and he also contributed 13 points in the playoffs. This trade ends Marner's tenure with Toronto, where he expressed heartfelt reflections on his time with the team, emphasizing the pressure of expectations and his desire to bring a Stanley Cup to the city. In joining the Golden Knights, a franchise known for its playoff prowess, Marner hopes to further his quest for championship glory.

NHL free agency kicked off amid significant signings and trades, with top players like Mitch Marner, who is moving to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade deal. The Florida Panthers' GM Bill Zito has secured key players, including Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand, while also re-signing playoff MVP Sam Bennett. Patrick Kane and Ivan Provorov opted to renew their contracts rather than test the waters. With numerous impactful players still available, teams are poised for exciting changes as the offseason unfolds.

Matthew Knies has secured his future with the Toronto Maple Leafs, signing a six-year, $46.5 million contract that averages $7.75 million annually. In his breakout season, the 22-year-old forward achieved personal bests, scoring 29 goals and 58 points during the regular season, and contributing 7 points in the playoffs. Knies expressed his commitment to the team, stating his desire to stay in Toronto, emphasizing the team's professionalism and championship potential.

This deal comes as the Maple Leafs also traded forward Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights for Nicolas Roy, an unexpected move that raises questions about the team’s direction. Marner, who signed an eight-year, $96 million contract, was a cornerstone for Toronto, and his trade signals a significant shift within the franchise.

In a stunning trade, the Toronto Maple Leafs have dealt forward Mitch Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in exchange for center Nicolas Roy. Marner, 28, recently inked an eight-year, $96 million extension with Toronto, a move that solidified his long-term commitment to the franchise. Despite his impressive tally of 102 points last season, Marner faced scrutiny for his playoff performance, highlighted by his tally of just 63 points in 70 post-season games, as the Leafs have struggled to advance past the second round during his tenure.

Roy, who contributed 31 points in 71 games last season, adds depth to Toronto's lineup and brings championship experience after winning the Stanley Cup with Vegas in 2023. Alongside this trade, the Maple Leafs also secured forward Matthew Knies, signing him to a six-year extension worth $7.75 million annually.