Typically, NHL free agency begins on July 1 each offseason: a cherished tradition on Canada Day up north, and a pre-Independence Day festival of commerce for those of us in the United States.
On July 1, 2021, the Stanley Cup had yet to be awarded. But 27 days later, we are ready for the frenzy to begin.
Although the key dates have shifted, the goal of free agency has not: GMs around the NHL hope to land the game-changing veteran who can boost their contention status or bolster their core with the glue that builds championships.
Here’s our continuously updated tracker, featuring a list of every player signed, along with analysis on the biggest deals and buzz on what could happen next. Note that the newest deals are at the top.
More: Signing grades
Draft recap: Every pick | Takeaways
July 29
After a trade over from the Devils, forward Nicholas Merkley has signed a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Sharks.
Another defenseman signs a contract with the Wild: Dmitry Kulikov‘s deal is for two years, $4.5 million.
Bruins add a pair on one-year, $750,000 pacts: Defenseman Tyler Lewington and forward Steven Fogarty.
July 28
Golden Knights land forward Patrick Brown via a one-year, $750,000 contract.
The Devils and forward Brian Flynn come to agreement on a one-year, $750,000 deal.
Defenseman Taylor Fedun lands with the Penguins on a one-year, $750,000 pact.
Calgary inks a trio of players to one-year, $750,000 deals: Goalie Adam Werner, along with defensemen Kevin Gravel and Nick DeSimone.
Veteran forward Remi Elie lands with the Lightning on a one-year, $750,000 contract.
Flyers add veteran defenseman Adam Clendening by way of a one-year, $750,000 deal.
Defenseman Kyle Burroughs inks a two-year, $1.5 million deal with the Canucks.
Flyers add a trio of forwards: Ryan Fitzgerald (one year, $750,000), Nick Seeler (one year, $750,000) and Gerald Mayhew (one year, $800,000).
Sabres come to terms of an agreement with defenseman Jimmy Schuldt for one year, $750,000.
Forward Derek Ryan will join the Oilers by way of a two-year, $2.5 million deal.
Goaltender Troy Grosenick inks a one-year, $750,000 pact with the Bruins.
Defenseman Jaycob Megna lands with the Sharks on a one-year, $750,000 deal.
Sean Malone signs on with the Sabres for one year and $750,000.
Capitals make a pair of signings: Defenseman Dylan McIlrath (two years, $1.5 million) and goaltender Hunter Shepard (one year, $750,000).
The Sabres make an investment in goaltending, inking veterans Craig Anderson and Aaron Dell to one-year, $750,000 contracts.
A blockbuster trade as day turned to night for many hockey fans: The Avalanche traded a 2022 first-round pick, a conditional 2024 third-round draft choice and defenseman Conor Timmins to the Coyotes in exchange for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Grades for the trade.
Defenseman Patrik Nemeth lands with the Rangers on a three-year, $7.5 million contract.
Well, Vitek Vanecek‘s time with the Kraken didn’t last long. Seattle has traded the goalie (whom it selected in the expansion draft) back to the Capitals, in exchange for Winnipeg’s 2023 second-round pick.
— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) July 28, 2021
Another trade! In the wake of signing Linus Ullmark, the Bruins have traded goalie Dan Vladar to the Flames in exchange for a 2022 third-round pick.
A massive domino has fallen: Defenseman Dougie Hamilton has signed a seven-year, $63 million deal with the Devils. New Jersey subsequently traded defenseman Will Butcher and a 2022 fifth-round pick to the Sabres in exchange for future considerations. Grade for the deal.
Dougie in Devils Drip = ? pic.twitter.com/465bvo03FI
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 28, 2021
After spending most of his NHL tenure with the Blue Jackets, and a stint with the Maple Leafs in 2021, Nick Foligno will continue his career with the Bruins, inking a two-year, $7.6 million contract.
? New #NHLBruins forward Nick Foligno on signing with Boston: “They’re a team that I’ve admired from afar – their culture, their structure. They’re always in the thick of it. They’re always a team that seems to have a chance to win.” pic.twitter.com/0TOAsAkdJA
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 28, 2021
Restricted free-agent forward Alexandre Texier re-signs with the Blue Jackets for two years, $3.05 million.
Canucks have a busy afternoon, signing forward Justin Dowling (two years, $1.5 million), along with defensemen Brad Hunt (one year, $700,000) and Brady Keeper (two years, $1.525 million).
Pius Suter was surprisingly not given a qualifying offer by the Blackhawks, but his free-agent courtship did not last long: The Red Wings have agreed to terms with Suter on a two-year, $6.5 million contract.
Former Sabres goaltender Linus Ullmark has moved to another Atlantic Division team, signing a four-year, $20 million deal with the Bruins.
Veteran forward Mike Hoffman has scored wherever he’s played, and he’ll bring that skill set to the Canadiens starting in 2021-22, inking a three-year, $13.5 million deal.
Maple Leafs bolster their blue-line depth with a pair of one-year, $750,000 deals for Carl Dahlstrom and Alex Biega.
He wasn’t going anywhere else today, but it’s notable that Lightning Brayden Point has inked an eight-year, $76 million extension to remain with Tampa Bay.
0:59
Pierre LeBrun examines Tampa Bay’s hefty extension with Brayden Point.
After coming over at the trade deadline, Mattias Janmark will extend his time with the Golden Knights, inking a one-year, $2 million deal.
Veteran forward Ryan Dzingel is headed to the desert, inking a one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Coyotes.
Defenseman Luke Schenn is off the market, as the veteran blueliner has signed a two-year, $1.7 million contract with the Canucks.
There may be big news coming on the trade front for the Sabres, but for now we’ll settle for a free-agent signing: One year, $1.05 million for forward Vinnie Hinostroza.
After six seasons with the Hurricanes, forward Brock McGinn moves on to Pittsburgh, signing a four-year, $11 million deal.
Veteran forward Trevor Lewis is off to the Flames, signing a one-year, $800,000 deal.
It’s off to Toronto for forward David Kampf, by way of a two-year, $3 million contract.
The Lightning have said goodbye to a number of players this offseason, but make a wise add in inking veteran center Pierre-Edouard Bellemare to a two-year, $2 million deal.
Veteran forward Kurtis Gabriel will be joining the Leafs in 2021-22, signing a one-year, $750,000 pact.
Following his buyout by the Rangers earlier this week, defenseman Tony DeAngelo has signed a one-year, $1 million deal with the Hurricanes. Grade for the deal.
Well, he’s not going to Seattle after all. After being selected in the expansion draft, Gavin Bayreuther did not sign with the Kraken, and has instead returned to the Blue Jackets, via a two-year deal.
The Kings add another veteran voice to their dressing room, inking defenseman Alexander Edler to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
Minnesota adds another blueliner to its group, signing Joe Hicketts to a two-year, $1.5 million deal.
The Bruins and veteran forward Erik Haula come to terms on a two-year, $4.75 million contract.
Restricted free agent forward Tomas Nosek signs a two-year, $3.5 million pact with the Bruins.
The Blue Jackets are bringing an Ohio native home: Forward Sean Kuraly (from Dublin) has signed a four-year, $10 million contract.
The Kraken are aggressively pursuing their goals in free agency, adding former Blues forward Jaden Schwartz on a five-year, $27.5 million deal. Grade for the deal.
From a reigning Stanley Cup Finalist to a team looking to get back there: Center Phillip Danault has agreed to terms on a six-year, $33 million deal with the Kings. Grade for the deal.
One of the major free-agent dominoes has fallen: Goaltender Philipp Grubauer has reached agreement on a six-year, $35.4 million deal with the Kraken. Grade for the deal.
2:03
Philipp Grubauer shares what went into his decision to sign with the Kraken.
Veteran center Nick Bonino has moved on to the Bay Area, signing a two-year, $4.1 million deal with the Sharks.
Restricted free agent defenseman Jake McCabe has agreed to terms with the Blackhawks on a four-year, $16 million contract.
The Blackhawks are on the board, inking a two-year, $1.9 million deal with forward Jujhar Khaira.
After franchise stalwart Pekka Rinne announced his retirement this offseason, the Predators needed some goaltending help behind young starter Juuse Saros. They got some of it on Wednesday, inking David Rittich to a one-year, $1.25 million deal.
Veteran offensive defenseman Michael Del Zotto won’t be waiting for a deal this year, inking a two-year, $4 million contract with the Senators.
The Hurricanes make another veteran addition on defense, inking Ian Cole to a one-year, $2.9 million pact.
With many moving parts on the Coyotes’ goaltending depth chart, the team has agreed to a one-year, $750,000 deal with Carter Hutton.
After skating for three different Canadian teams in his NHL tenure, veteran forward Josh Leivo joins the Hurricanes on a one-year, $750,000 contract.
Restricted free agent forward Frederick Gaudreau comes to terms with the Wild on a two-year, $2.4 million contract.
The Canucks’ build on the back end will include Tucker Poolman, who has signed a four-year, $10 million deal.
While the Flyers have made many deals on defense, they haven’t forgotten about the forwards, signing Nate Thompson to a one-year, $800,000 pact.
Veteran defenseman Chris Wideman will continue his career with the Canadiens, inking a one-year, $750,000 contract.
The Devils have found their goaltending partner for Mackenzie Blackwood, signing Jonathan Bernier to a two-year, $8.25 million deal.
The Philadelphia blue-line refresh continues, as it agrees to terms with veteran defenseman Keith Yandle on a one-year, $950,000 deal.
The veteran goalie carousel continues, as former Flyer Brian Elliott signs on with the Ducks to back up John Gibson.
After moving on from the Hurricanes, goalie Petr Mrazek elects to join Jack Campbell with the Maple Leafs, signing a three-year, $11.4 million deal. Grade for the deal.
One of the most durable players in recent NHL history, forward Andrew Cogliano will continue his career with the Sharks, inking a one-year, $1 million contract.
Veteran forward Luke Glendening moves on from the Red Wings, inking a two-year, $3 million deal with the Stars.
The Rangers continue to boost their blue line, inking veteran defenseman Jarred Tinordi to a two-year, $1.8 million contract.
The Sharks’ re-working of their goaltending group continues, as they sign former Hurricane James Reimer to a two-year, $4.5 million deal.
Following a big season with the Penguins, defenseman Cody Ceci moves on to the Oilers via a four-year, $13 million contract.
The Golden Knights land their backup to Robin Lehner in goal, inking Laurent Brossoit to a two-year, $2.65 million deal.
Michael Bunting elects to take his talents north of the border, signing a two-year, $1.9 million pact with the Maple Leafs.
After skating for the Lightning and Hurricanes in recent seasons, forward Cedric Paquette moves on to the Canadiens, signing a one-year, $950,000 deal.
After a season of separation, veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian is back with the Lightning via a three-year, $2.55 million contract.
It didn’t take Braden Holtby long to find a new home after his buyout, inking a one-year, $2 million deal with the Stars.
If you can’t beat ’em, sign ’em! The Canadiens have signed former Lightning defenseman David Savard to a four-year, $14 million deal.
1:08
Jeff O’Neill and Ray Ferraro detail the Canadiens’ addition of David Savard to their blue line.
The Boone Jenner era of Blue Jackets hockey will continue, as the team re-signs the center to a four-year, $15 million deal.
Thatcher Demko has a new veteran crease-mate in Vancouver. After the Canucks bought out Braden Holtby this week, they’ve signed Jaroslav Halak to a one-year, $1.5 million deal.
The Predators strike in the veteran forward market, inking Mikael Granlund to a four-year, $20 million deal.
The Flyers have inked a backup to young goaltender Carter Hart, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million deal with Martin Jones.
Defenseman Travis Hamonic agrees to terms on a two-year, $6 million contract with the Vancouver Canucks.
The Minnesota Wild continue to build out their defense, agreeing to a one-year, $5 million deal with Alex Goligoski.
After moving on from their three goalies from 2020-21, the Hurricanes have inked a two-year, $9 million deal with Frederik Andersen. Grade for the deal.
Following his buyout by the Wild this offseason, veteran defenseman Ryan Suter finds a new home with the Stars via a four-year, $14.6 million contract. Grade for the deal.
Forward Blake Coleman — a key part of the Lightning’s back-to-back Cups — signs a six-year, $29.4 million contract with the Flames. Grade for the deal.
The Kraken continue to build out their roster, signing winger Alex Wennberg to a three-year, $13.5 million deal.
Moving on from the Maple Leafs, forward Zach Hyman signs a seven-year, $38.5 million deal with the Oilers. Grade for the deal.
The Golden Knights bring in another scoring threat, acquiring winger Evgenii Dadonov from the Senators in exchange for Nick Holden and the Canucks’ 2022 third-round pick.
Restricted free-agent forward Evan Rodrigues is back with the Penguins, via a one-year, $1 million contract.
Canucks will continue their business relationship with forward Brandon Sutter, inking him to a one-year, $1.125 million deal.
The Hurricanes take care of some additional internal business before the official start of free agency, re-signing forward Jordan Martinook to a three-year, $5.4 million deal.
The trade market has also been active this week. Continuing the trend, the Oilers traded defenseman Ethan Bear to the Hurricanes, in exchange for forward Warren Foegele.
A trade! The Blackhawks are sending defenseman Nikita Zadorov to the Flames in exchange for Toronto’s 2022 third-round pick (acquired in the David Rittich trade).
The Red Wings continue to build out their 2021-22 roster, re-signing forward Sam Gagner and goaltender Calvin Pickard to one-year deals.
One of the top offensive defensemen is off the market, as the Oilers have re-signed Tyson Barrie to a three-year, $13.5 million contract.
The Golden Knights will bring back a key piece to the blue-line group, inking Alec Martinez to a three-year, $15.75 million deal.
July 27
The Avalanche and captain Gabriel Landeskog come to terms on an eight-year, $56 million contract extension.
After coming over at the trade deadline last season, Brandon Montour will continue his employment with the Panthers, signing for three years, $10.5 million.
Restricted free-agent goaltender Eric Comrie signs on for one more year at $850,000 with the Jets.
Defenseman Mike Reilly was a popular name for many teams looking for blue-line help, but the Bruins took him off the market with a three-year, $9 million deal.
Restricted free-agent forward Drake Caggiula will be back with the Sabres, thanks to a one-year, $750,000 pact.
The Stanley Cup runner-up Canadiens have elected to bring back forward Joel Armia on a four-year, $13.6 million deal.
Forward Taro Hirose will be a Detroit Red Wing for the 2021-22 season, courtesy of a one-year contract.
The suspense is over: Alex Ovechkin will be returning to the Capitals on a five-year, $47.5 million contract extension.
Following being traded to the Blues, RFA forward Pavel Buchnevich signs a four-year, $23.2 million contract.
After being dealt to the Canucks last week, forward Conor Garland inks a five-year, $24.75 million contract with Vancouver.
Unrestricted free-agent forward Kyle Rau inks a deal with the Wild for one year and $750,000.
The Red Wings come to an agreement with forward Kyle Criscuolo, for two years and an undisclosed salary.
July 26
Paul Stastny will continue on with the Winnipeg Jets for at least one more season, inking a one-year, $3.75 million extension.
The Flyers have been busy reworking their blue line, but will continue their business relationship with Sam Morin via a one-year, $750,000 pact.
Center Sam Bennett was quite effective for the Panthers following his trade there at the 2021 deadline, and he’ll stick around for four more years and $17.6 million.
Restricted free-agent forward Nathan Walker sticks with the Blues by way of a two-year, $1.5 million deal.
Restricted free-agent defenseman Frederic Allard returns to the Predators via a one-year, $750,000 pact.
Florida elects to re-up with two restricted free-agent defensemen: Lucas Carlsson and Noah Juulsen. Both received one-year contracts.
July 25
Veteran blueliner Marc Staal will continue his stead with the Red Wings, inking a one-year, $2 million deal.
The Kings will continue to work with restricted free-agent forward Trevor Moore, signing him to a two-year, $3.75 million contract.
July 24
One of the NHL’s best young defenders will not be changing sweaters for a while. Cale Makar and the Avalanche agree on a six-year, $54 million contract.
July 23
Following his trade from the Blue Jackets, defenseman Seth Jones signs an eight-year, $76 million deal with the Blackhawks.
Taylor Hall‘s plan worked. After coming over via trade from the Sabres at the deadline — and impressing during the regular season and playoffs — he re-ups with the Bruins for four years, $24 million.
July 22
Barclay Goodrow was a key part of the Lightning’s repeat Cup championships, and after his trade to the Rangers, he signs a six-year, $21.85 million deal.
Former first-round pick Michael Rasmussen inks a three-year, $4.38 million deal to continue his development with the Red Wings.
After his trade from the Hurricanes, 2021 Calder Trophy finalist Alex Nedeljkovic signs a two-year, $6 million deal with the Red Wings.
Veteran netminder Mike Smith, who had a bit of a renaissance in 2021, signs on for two more years with the Oilers, and will earn $4.4 million for that tenure.
July 21
The Kraken begin their tenure as a franchise with a trio of veteran free-agent deals: Goaltender Chris Driedger (three years, $10.5 million), defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (five years, $23 million) and defenseman Adam Larsson (four years, $16 million).