The Nashville Predators were the big spenders as the NHL's Atlantic Division got busy prior to free agency with over $1 billion in deals. Teams made major moves including the Lightning signing Jake Guentzel and the Maple Leafs locking in Chris Tanev. The Panthers also made headlines with an extension for Sam Reinhart. The salary cap is on the rise, leading to significant spending across the league.
Multiple players were signed to lucrative deals, with the Predators, Canucks, Kraken, Bruins, Canadiens, Blue Jackets, Flames, Senators, Oilers, Capitals, Hurricanes, Devils, and Blackhawks all making key additions heading into the new season. Free agency brought surprises and big shakeups across the league.