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NHL free agency tracker 2023: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades

By July 1, 2023No Comments

And just like that, we’ve reached the end of the NHL offseason. 

At the end of a whirlwind week — which included the NHL Awards, the schedule release and the NHL Draft — is the start of free agency as the calendar flips to July. It’s an underwhelming class in 2023, but that shouldn’t stop players from flying off the board. 

MORE: Ryan O’Reilly, Patrick Kane lead top 30 UFAs available this summer

The real story is cap space, or lack thereof. On June 28, clubs finally received clarity about it. The NHL announced the cap would rise to $83.5 million — a $1 million increase — for the 2023 -24 season as COVID-19-related debts continued to be paid off. 

Cap-strapped teams are scrambling to retain their own players, which leaves little available for additions. Meanwhile, there should be plenty of trades as the league’s 32 teams try to position themselves for a playoff run in 2023-24 or the top selection in next year’s draft. 

MORE: Seven bold free agency predictions for the 2023 NHL offseason

The Sporting News will be tracking all of the notable free agent signings and trades during the 2023 NHL offseason. Follow below for the latest rumors and news.

NHL free agency news, updates on signings and trades

Tristan Jarry re-signs with the Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins agreed to terms with Jarry — keeping the best option for them in the Steel City. There was a lack of goalie alternatives and he gets a solid deal as a result. This deal allows them to keep pace in the Erik Karlsson race. Jarry’s health has been and will continue to be a question.  

Alex Killorn signs with the Anaheim Ducks

Killorn lands a big payday at $6.25 million in AAV for the next four years. After years of being a bargain for the Lightning, Killorn cashes in on a successful career — making the move to Anaheim. With cap space limited around the league, the forward becomes one of the big winners early in free agency. 

Matt Duchene signs with the Dallas Stars

If Duchene is looking for revenge on the Predators, he’ll get the chance after signing with the Stars to remain in the Central Division. Now he can try to rebuild his value in Dallas, who could use another goalscorer. 

Max Pacioretty signs with the Washington Capitals

Coming off an injury with the Hurricanes, Pacioretty signs a $2 million deal for one season with the Capitals. It’s a chance for him to rebuild some value coming off a torn Achilles. 

Dmitry Orlov signs with the Carolina Hurricanes

A big domino has fallen on the free agent board. Orlov inks a massive two-year deal with the Hurricanes, which should give him the chance to cash in again when the cap spikes. The $7.75 million AAV is a hefty price tag, but the lack of top talent amongst this year’s free agent class probably contributed to the big raise. 

Frederik Andersen re-signs with the Carolina Hurricanes

The Hurricanes goalie tandem will continue to hold down the crease in Carolina after Andersen agreed to a two-year deal worth $3.5 million in AAV. Pyotr Kochetkov is still buried behind the duo, which makes the deal a bit curious. 

Ryan O’Reilly signs with the Nashville Predators

The Predators continue to reshape their team after Barry Trotz took over. They land the biggest free agent prize at a bargain price — four years at $4.5 million AAV. He isn’t the same player he once was, but O’Reilly should fit in nicely with the Preds. 

(All times Eastern)

July 1

7:13 p.m. — Alex Kerfoot is also desert-bound, heading to the Coyotes on a two-year deal worth $3.5 million in AAV. He only posted 32 points in 82 games, down from a career-high 51 in 2021-22. 

6:59 p.m. — It’s been a quiet day for Vladimir Tarasenko, but it’s said he has multiple offers on the table.

6:55 p.m. — Shayne Gostisbehere is said to be talking with the Red Wings, as reported by Elliotte Friedman. 

6:52 p.m. — Anthony Duclair is being traded to San Jose in what appears to be a cap-driven trade, according to Frank Seravalli. 

6 p.m. — Klingberg’s deal in Toronto is worth $4.15 million for this upcoming season. 

5:50 p.m. — The Rangers continue to add depth on the back end, agreeing to terms with Erik Gustafsson on a one-year deal. It’s some added insurance for Zac Jones, the Rangers prospect that should be able to crack the lineup this season as a third pairing defenseman. 

5:35 p.m. — After signing Cam Talbot earlier in the day, the Kings ink another goaltender to provide depth at the position, bringing in David Rittich. 

5:25 p.m. — Another Michigan man finds himself in the Motor City. J.T. Compher and the Red Wings agree to a five-year, $25.5 million contract to give Detroit another option at center behind Dylan Larkin. 

5:24 p.m. — For the second consecutive offseason, John Klingberg signs a one-year deal. He is joining the Maple Leafs’ back end as Brad Treliving’s first signing on defense. 

 Another Islanders get a long-term deal. New York is re-signing defenseman Scott Mayfield to a seven-year extension, carrying an AAV of $3.5 million per season. 

5:10 p.m. — The Kraken beef up their blue line by signing Brian Dumoulin to a two-year deal. 

4:58 p.m. — The Penguins continue to try and fill out their bottom six, this time agreeing to terms with Lars Eller on a two-year deal. 

4:55 p.m. — Pierre Engvall is also staying on Long Island after signing a seven-year contract with the Islanders. Lou Lamoriello has joined the free agency party. 

4:52 p.m. — Bowen Byram is extending his in Colorado after receiving a two-year extension.

4:50 p.m. — The Islanders are making sure their Vezina Trophy candidate doesn’t leave the UBS Arena crease. They have agreed to an eight-year extension with Ilya Sorokin — but for less AAV than Sergei Bobrovsky and Andrei Vasilevskiy, which is great news for Islanders fans. With the cap expected to spike eventually, New York is getting terrific value out of this extension. 

4:34 p.m. — Jonathan Drouin is headed to Colorado. He played in Montreal last season, but only registered two goals and 27 assists in 58 games. 

4:32 p.m. — Compensation update for Miles Wood and it’s another head-scratcher. Term and AAV has been at a premium thus far and Colorado inked Wood for six years at a $2.5 million cap hit. 

4:15 p.m. — Compensation update for Graves and it’s a doozy. Six years at $4.5 million in AAV. Pittsburgh is doling out some cash over the last few minutes. 

4:02 p.m. — Tristan Jarry is returning to the Penguins on a five-year deal worth $5.375 million AAV. And then Kyle Dubas brings in a backup option as well — Alex Nedeljkovic. 

3:59 p.m. — The Penguins are checking in now with two signings. They get some help for their bottom six in the form of Noel Acciari and then on defense with Ryan Graves. 

3:52 p.m. — Signings have cooled since the early rush, meaning it’s time for some rumors to start trickling out. It appears that Alex DeBrincat will likely be on the move at some point and now he’s received permission to speak with other clubs. 

3:41 p.m. — Alex Killorn is leaving Tampa and headed to Anaheim. He joins the Ducks and receives a big payday — especially by this free agency’s standard — to do so. Four years with a $6.25 million AAV. 

3:40 p.m. — More defensive depth for Florida, who are signing Dmitry Kulikov, according to TSN’s Chris Johnston. 

3:29 p.m. — Nick Bjugstad isn’t done playing at Mullett Arena just yet. He agreed to a two-year extension to stay with the Coyotes. 

3:15 p.m. — Laurent Brossoit is going back to Winnipeg. Adin Hill’s emergence in Vegas made the injured Brossoit expendable and now he heads to the Jets — who might be dealing Connor Hellebuyck in the near future. 

3:13 p.m. — Vlad Namestnikov lands a two-year contract worth $2 million in AAV with Winnipeg. He only registered 25 points in 77 games after splitting time with the Lightning and Jets. 

2:52 p.m. — Carolina continues to spend big today, this time adding former Maple Leafs forward, Michael Bunting. He won’t get to play alongside Auston Matthews anymore so it should be interesting to see how his play translates to the Hurricanes. His suspension in the playoffs drew a lot of attention, meaning Bunting might want to reign in his feisty streak just a bit. 

2:50 p.m. — Cody Glass is sticking around a little longer in Nashville, as the two sides agree on a two-year extension. 

2:48 p.m. — The Rangers are signing Nick Bonino on a one-year contract. They are adding cheap depth today. Could a Barclay Goodrow move be on the horizon as the cap tightens?

2:36 p.m. — Daniel Sprong is going to the Red Wings after a good season in Seattle. He checks in at $2 million for one year. 

2:34 p.m. — Jason Zucker is getting a $5.3 million deal for one season with the Arizona Coyotes. That’s a big number, even though it’s one year. 

2:25 p.m. — Matt Duchene is heading south to Texas. He lands with the Stars after being bought out by the Predators on Friday. 

2:18 p.m. — TSN’s Chris Johnston is reporting that Kevin Shattenkirk is signing a one-year, $1 million deal with the Boston Bruins.

2:12 p.m. — Miles Wood had a shaky postseason with the Devils and was eventually benched. Now he departs New Jersey for Colorado.

2:04 p.m. — The Panthers are signing defenseman Niko Mikkola for three years. The deal is worth $2.5 in AAV as Florida tries to add some defensive depth. 

1:50 p.m. — From the Kraken to the Canucks, Carson Soucy is heading to Vancouver on a three-year deal worth $3.25 million in AAV. 

1:43 p.m. — The Devils are making a deal with the Canucks to acquire Collin Miller for a fifth-round pick in 2025. 

1:40 p.m. — Semyon Varlamov is returning to the Islanders, per Kevin Weekes. 

1:33 p.m. — Max Pacioretty has agreed to terms with Washington for one year. 

1:28 p.m. — Teddy Blueger is off to Vancouver on a one year deal. A fine depth player inks a one year deal. 

1:24 p.m. — Major bag alert! Dmitry Orlov is off to Carolina and getting a nice check for it too. 

1:12 p.m. — In the backup goalie market, Alex Lyon is leaving the sunny skies in Florida for the Motor City to join the Red Wings. Lyon’s play down the stretch was a big reason for the Panthers being able to sneak into the playoffs. 

1:10 p.m. — Musical chairs continues in Nashville. This time Gustav Nyquist finds a chair, inking a two-year deal. 

1:01 p.m. — According to Mollie Walker, the Rangers are signing Riley Nash, while Vince Mercogliano is reporting they are bringing in Alex Belzile.

12:59 p.m. — Morgan Geekie is also going to Boston as they begin to solidify their depth. 

12:55 p.m. — Radko Gudas parlayed a fine season in Florida into a nice payday with the Anaheim Ducks. He gets a three-year deal worth $4 million in AAV — a hefty deal considering the lack of cap space around the league. 

12:52 p.m. — The Buffalo Sabres are starting to begin their retool on the backend and have signed Erik Johnson on a one year deal worth $3.25 million, according to the team. 

12:47 p.m. — Joonas Korpisalo earned a nice payday with the Ottawa Senators. He receives a five-year deal worth $4 million in AAV. The goalie had a fine showing in 11 games with the Kings after the deadline. 

12:40 p.m. — Jonathan Quick is officially a New York Ranger. His deal is a $825,000 base salary. 

12:39 p.m. — Frederik Andersen is also staying in Carolina, on a two-year deal worth $3.5 million AAV. 

12:27 p.m. — Blake Wheeler is heading to the Rangers on a one-year deal worth $800,000 with a $300,000 max bonus, according to the New York Post’s Mollie Walker.

12:19 p.m. — James van Riemsdyk is en route to Boston on a cheap, one-year deal with the Bruins. 

12:17 p.m. — Connor Sheary is heading to Tampa Bay, according to Elliotte Friedman. 

12:16 p.m. — Everyone from waivers cleared yesterday, meaning all of the players that were bought out are now free to sign elsewhere. 

12:13 p.m. — The moves keep on coming in Nashville. They land the biggest free agent prize at a bargain price — four years at $4.5 AAV. 

12:11 p.m. — Ryan Reaves’ deal in Toronto is going to be for three years at $1.35 million a year.

12:04 p.m. — Luke Schenn is signing with the Predators on a three-year deal, worth $2.75 million in AAV, according to Frank Seravalli.

12:02 p.m. — Change of plans for Matt Nieto. He’s instead heading to Pittsburgh, according to Darren Dreger.

12:01 p.m. — And let the trades begin as well. Joel Edmundson has been traded to the Washington Capitals.

12 p.m. — Open the flood gates! It’s officially NHL free agency. 

11:58 a.m. — Bruins fans that wanted to keep Tyler Bertuzzi — look away. He is expected to sign elsewhere. 

11:52 a.m. — Antti Raanta isn’t going anywhere as he agreed to a new deal with the Carolina Hurricanes for another year. 

11:49 a.m. — Recently bought out winger Blake Wheeler is interested in joining the New York Rangers, per Darren Dreger. 

11:44 a.m. — After some questions, Mackenzie Blackwood will avoid free agency to remain in San Jose for at least the next two years. 

11:35 a.m. — Oilers are reportedly adding a veteran to their bottom-six, signing Matt Nieto. 

11:29 a.m. — Panthers reportedly signing goaltender Anthony Stolarz. It gives them a veteran backup if Spencer Knight is still not ready to return from the player assistance program. 

11:20 a.m. — Alexis Lafreniere, one of the Rangers’ RFAs, is expected to stay in New York. There was speculation he could be moved this offseason, but the Rangers are electing to keep the No. 1 pick in 2020. 

10:58 a.m. — It appears Nathan Bastian will stay in New Jersey. After he was not tendered a qualifying offer by the Devils, the two sides reportedly worked out a new deal. 

10:56 a.m. — The Panthers reportedly land their mobile defenseman they have been looking for, signing Oliver Ekman-Larsson to a one-year deal. The Swedish blue liner was bought out by the Canucks, making him an unrestricted free agent. 

10:40 a.m. — According to ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, the Kings are signing Cam Talbot to a one-year deal. It had been earlier reported that Los Angeles was looking for a cheaper option to pair in net with Pheonix Copley. 

10 a.m. — There’s been rumblings all week, and a Milan Lucic return to Boston looks imminent. The power forward began his career with the Bruins, winning a Stanley Cup in 2011. 

9 a.m. — After not tendering Klim Kostin a qualifying offer yesterday, the Red Wings and the Russian winger agreed on a new two-year deal worth $4 million. 

8:50 a.m. — It appears two of Toronto’s UFA are going to the open market. The Leafs looked at re-signing both Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn, but it does not appear either will stay in the Six. 

1:50 a.m. — New Leafs GM Brad Treliving appears to have Ryan Reaves on his radar. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period believes the enforcer will be joining Toronto this weekend. Reaves, 36, tallied 15 points (five goals, 10 assists) to go with 43 penalty minutes in 73 games between the Rangers and Wild last season.

June 30

9:40 p.m. — Adin Hill is staying with the champs. The Golden Knights re-signed the goaltender to a two-year contract at a $4.9 million AAV. Hill, 27, was 11-4 with a 2.17 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in the postseason. After supplanting Laurent Brossoit in the crease, Hill played in all five games of the team’s Stanley Cup Final triumph over the Panthers.

2:55 p.m. — ESPN’s Kevin Weekes is reporting that Jonathan Quick could be a backup goalie option for the Rangers. The longtime Kings netminder was in the crease in 2014 when his team defeated the Rangers in the Stanley Cup Final. Quick is from Connecticut and grew up a Rangers fan. Given their cap situation, adding Quick as the No. 2 goalie behind Igor Shesterkin makes plenty of sense. 

2:01 p.m. — The Oilers have re-signed depth forward Mattias Janmark to a one-year deal worth $1 million. The 30-year-old scored 10 goals and recorded 25 points in 66 games last season. 

1:15 p.m. — Blake Wheeler hasn’t been away from the Jets long, but apparently he prefers to see out an opportunity on the NFL Jets’ side of the U.S. According to his agent, Matt Keator, Wheeler would like an opportunity to play for a team in the Eastern Conference. 

11:51 p.m. — Jesper Fast is staying in Carolina. He will remain with the Hurricanes on a contract that pays in the $2.4 million AAV range over two years, according to Chris Johnston. Fast has been a valuable piece for Rod Brind’Amour’s team. 

Best NHL free agents available

Here’s a look at the top 30 free agents available as ranked by SN’s Bryan Murphy. 

2023 NHL Free Agents Ranked
Rank Player Position Age
1.  Ryan O’Reilly  (signed with NSH) C 32
2.  Matt Duchene  (signed with DAL) C 32
3.  Tyler Bertuzzi LW 28
4.  Dmitry Orlov  (signed with CAR) D 31
5.  Vladimir Tarasenko RW 31
6.  Patrick Kane RW 34
7.  Max Pacioretty  (signed with WSH) LW 34
8.  Patrice Bergeron C 37
9.  Frederik Andersen  (re-signed with CAR) G 33
10.  Alex Killorn  (signed with ANA) LW 33
11.  Tristan Jarry  (re-signed with PIT) G 27
12.  Matt Dumba D 28
13.  Max Domi LW 28
14.  David Krejci C 36
15.  Michael Bunting  (signed with CAR) LW 27
16.  Ivan Barbashev (re-signed with VGK) C 27
17.  Jason Zucker  (signed with ARI) LW 31
18.  Shayne Gostisbehere D 29
19.  Damon Severson (trade to CBJ, signed extension) D 28
20.  Semyon Varlamov  (re-signed with NYI) G 34
21.  John Klingberg (signed with TOR) D 30
22.  Martin Jones G 33
23.  Brian Dumoulin (signed with SEA) D 31
24. Adin Hill (re-signed with VGK) G 27
25.  Alexander Kerfoot C 28
26.  J.T. Compher (signed with DET) C 28
27.  Tomas Tatar LW 32
28.  Jordan Staal (re-signed with CAR) C 34
29.  Gustav Nyquist  (signed with NSH) RW 33
30.  Ryan Graves  (signed with PIT) D 27

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