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

Patrick Kane has signed a one-year extension with the Detroit Red Wings and is poised to become the highest scoring U.S.-born player in NHL history, needing just 32 points to surpass Mike Modano's record. Kane, who is also close to reaching 500 career goals, expressed gratitude for his time with the Red Wings and looks forward to contributing significantly next season under new coach Todd McLellan. Need More Context? 🔎

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? 🔎