The first day of free agency is akin to Christmas morning for hockey fans. The entire day before is full of speculation about where the big free agents will sign before the frenzy begins on July 1st. Along with the draft and trade deadline day, it's one of the most exciting times to be a fan. This summer is no different.
The Carolina Hurricanes are in a position to be a major player in this summer's festivities. With over $26 million in cap space available, the Hurricanes have been in the mix for several big names on both the trade and free agent markets for the last month, as have many teams in the division. Here's what you need to know about each of the Canes' rivals before we officially kick off the 2025-26 season.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets turned an unfathomable tragedy into an incredible season. While they came up short in their pursuit of the playoffs, it gave everyone a look into how lethal this team can be. Sean Monahan was honored with the Masterton Award, while Zach Werenski (2nd- Norris) and Dean Evason (5th- Jack Adams) also put in strong award showings.
While another trade stole headlines on draft day, the Blue Jackets made a big deal, bringing in Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from Colorado for Gavin Brindley and two picks. It felt like a move that went under the radar, but could be big as they fortify the middle of their lineup. Columbus appears primed to compete for a playoff spot, and that's without knowing what they'll do in free agency.
New Jersey Devils
It has been a quiet two months for the Devils since being eliminated in the playoffs by the Hurricanes. They haven't signed any meaningful players, and their only semi-big move was trading Erik Haula back to Nashville to open up a little cap space. The Devils didn't have a first-round pick either after trading it for Jacob Markstrom last offseason.
They have one big piece of business that needs to get done this summer. Luke Hughes is an RFA and is in line for a massive extension. The Devils have about $14 million in cap space and have several other players either hitting the market or who are RFAs. They're always in the mix to do something big, so a boring few months could get exciting very quickly.
New York Islanders
New general manager Mathieu Darche was on the war path on Friday before the draft. Since taking control of the team in late May, he's been incredibly aggressive. Along with winning the draft lottery, Darche added two first-round picks in a sign-and-trade involving star defenseman Noah Dobson and the Montreal Canadiens.
The Islanders tried to swing a deal to earn a high-enough pick to draft Long Island native James Hagens. While it didn't work out, they still had a strong first round, selecting Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson with first pick Matthew Schaefer. The team has already signed a few extensions this summer, including Kyle Palmieri, but that's just the start for the new-look Islanders' front office.
New York Rangers
The Rangers were easily the biggest disappointment in the division last season, going from the division champs to the other side of the playoff line. Their downfall cost Peter Laviolette his job, though a man with an equally impressive resume took his spot in Mike Sullivan. The Rangers also traded Chris Kreider to the Ducks, joining Jacob Trouba, whom they shipped out during the season.
One of the biggest decisions of the offseason belongs to the Rangers. K'Andre Miller is an RFA in need of a contract. There's certainly a team that'd be interested in offer sheeting him if given the chance, adding pressure to the Rangers. Will Cuylle is in a similar boat. There are a lot of unknowns in the Big Apple this summer.
Philadelphia Flyers
There have been plenty of changes in the City of Brotherly Love this summer. Rick Tocchet replaced John Tortorella behind the bench, bringing a new voice to the team. They also extended a pair of young guns, signing Tyson Foerster (2 years, $7.5 million) and Noah Cates (4 years, $16 million) to multi-year extensions.
The Flyers bought low on Trevor Zegras leading into the draft, trading Ryan Poehling and two picks to the Ducks for the young star. It'll be a fresh start for Zegras, who has struggled to find consistency. It's a good building block for a big offseason for Philadelphia, which went from being in the hunt in 2023-24 to well out of the fight last season.
Pittsburgh Penguins
The last few years have begun to feel like the end of an era of dominance by the Pittsburgh Penguins as the stalwarts of their dynasty reach the end of the road. One of the first dominoes to fall was the firing of Mike Sullivan at the end of the season. In his place, the team named Dan Muse as their head coach.
The Penguins also announced that this would be Evgeni Malkin's final season with the team as his contract is set to expire at the end of the year. This decision has stoked the fires of Sidney Crosby, who has two years left on his deal, potentially leaving or asking for a trade in the near future. The captain has denied those rumors.
Washington Capitals
After a season full of successes, the Capitals' loss in the second round to the Hurricanes felt premature. It's been a little quiet in the nation's capital, too. Spencer Carbery was awarded for his efforts as the Jack Adams Award winner, while TJ Oshie called it a career after missing the last season with a back injury.
Washington was a little more active around the draft. They acquired Justin Sourdif from the Panthers and signed him for two years, while adding defenseman Declan Chisholm from the Wild on the second day of the draft. The Capitals don't have a lot of cap space to play with while several players hit the market. It should be an interesting summer in D.C.
Carolina Hurricanes
Last, but certainly not least, let's talk about where the Hurricanes stand. Since losing in the conference finals in five games to the Panthers, the Canes have been nothing more than speculation superstars. They've yet to pounce on any big trades. Their only notable move thus far was a four-year extension for Eric Robinson.
They had a very Hurricanes-like draft, trading back twice before making three picks in the second round. With all of that cap space, it feels like something big is about to happen. Signing Mitch Marner feels like a long shot, but they should be aggressive with several other big names on the board. Tuesday is going to be a big day for the Caniacs.