NHL teams invest heavily during free agency as markets make moves
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 2, 2026, 6:12 PM
Last updated Jul 2, 2026
NHL teams committed over $862 million in salary to 102 players on the first day of free agency. Chicago signed Bowen Byram to a $75 million contract, making him the NHL's highest-paid defenseman. Philadelphia was the biggest spenders at nearly $90 million, with many contracts effective in 2027-28. Notable winners include the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Florida Panthers, while the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers are viewed as offseason losers. The Buffalo Sabres' acquisitions remain uncertain as they lost proven talent while acquiring youth prospects.
- •Chicago signs Bowen Byram for $75 million, highest among defensemen.
- •Philadelphia spends just below $90 million despite future contract start dates.
- •New York Rangers bolster defense with trades for Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson.
- •Detroit Red Wings struggle with playoff drought and captain Dylan Larkin's uncertain future.
- •Buffalo Sabres lose proven players but add young defenseman prospects.
- 6:12 PMYahoo Sports — Winners and losers of the NHL offseason include teams in big markets spending and improving
"NHL teams committed more than $862 million in salary to 102 players on the first day of free agency, not counting entry-level or minor-league contracts. Chicago signed Bowen Byram to the biggest contract at $75 million, making him the highest-paid defenseman in the league at $12.5 million a year, at least for now. Philadelphia spent the most at just under $90 million, though like the Byram deal much of that does not go into effect until the 2027-28 season.
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