Winners and Losers from the First Day of 2026 NHL Free Agency
Bleacher Report • • sports
Key Points:
- The NHL free agency period opened with notable moves including trades, re-signings, and big contracts, though the unrestricted free agent pool was not particularly strong.
- Montreal Canadiens secured their young core by signing Ivan Demidov to an eight-year, $9.15 million per season extension, maintaining salary cap flexibility and building a promising future lineup.
- Columbus Blue Jackets and Zach Werenski resolved tensions as Werenski used his no-trade clause to remain with the team, providing stability for Columbus and relief for fans.
- Chicago Blackhawks committed heavily to Bowen Byram with an eight-year, $12 million per season extension, a risky move given his uncertain status as a top-pairing defenseman.
- New Jersey Devils locked in captain Nico Hischier with a five-year, $58.5 million extension, securing a top two-way center and removing contract year distractions.
- Toronto Maple Leafs took a gamble by signing aging goalie Sergei Bobrovsky to a three-year, $21 million deal, raising concerns about goaltending stability after trading away younger options.
