NHL Free Agency: Did Six Cup Contenders Improve, Worsen Or Stay The Same?

The Philadelphia Flyers have signed defenseman Ben Meehan, a former fifth-round pick by the Los Angeles Kings, to an AHL contract for the 2025-26 season after he completed five seasons at UMass-Lowell, where he served as captain and collected 68 points in 145 games. In other AHL news, the Coachella Valley Firebirds hired Vince Stalletti as goaltending coach, and Detroit's Sebastian Cossa may start the season in the AHL for consistent playing time despite his NHL experience. Need More Context? 🔎

Former St. Louis Blues forward Dakota Joshua has been traded by the Vancouver Canucks to the Toronto Maple Leafs for a 2028 fourth-round pick. This move marks a return for Joshua to the team that drafted him in 2014, as he aims to contribute to Toronto's bottom six after recording 14 points in 57 games last season with the Canucks. Need More Context? 🔎

The Toronto Maple Leafs have acquired forward Dakota Joshua from the Vancouver Canucks for a 2028 fourth-round pick. Originally drafted by the Leafs in 2014, Joshua has had a challenging season due to health issues but previously excelled with the Canucks, recording 32 points and 245 hits in the 2023-24 season before signing a four-year, $13MM contract. Need More Context? 🔎