Jake Guentzel signs Lightning NHL free agency opens

Florida Panthers re-sign Sam Reinhart after Stanley Cup win, NHL free agency begins with top players like Steven Stamkos available.

The highly anticipated NHL free agency period kicked off on Monday, with top players like Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault hitting the market after recent Stanley Cup victories. The Florida Panthers wasted no time in securing their star player, Sam Reinhart, to an eight-year, $69 million contract following their historic championship win. General manager Bill Zito praised Reinhart's scoring prowess and defensive skills, highlighting his value both on and off the ice.

Meanwhile, cross-state rivals Tampa Bay Lightning made a strategic move by acquiring Jake Guentzel's rights and signing him to a lucrative seven-year, $63 million deal. This move came as the Lightning prepared to part ways with longtime captain Steven Stamkos, who is set to draw interest from teams across the league despite being 34 years old. Stamkos, with 555 career goals, is among the top active goal scorers in the NHL.

In other signings, Patrick Kane, the most accomplished American player, re-signed with the Detroit Red Wings on a $4 million contract with additional incentives. Toronto Maple Leafs locked in veteran defenseman Chris Tanev to a six-year, $27 million deal, solidifying their defensive lineup. Forward Max Domi, who also re-signed with the Leafs for four years, praised Tanev's competitive spirit and predicted his impact on the team's success.

The Leafs also secured goaltender Joseph Woll to a three-year extension, while the Edmonton Oilers, fresh off their Stanley Cup Final loss to the Panthers, re-signed forward Connor Brown to a one-year, $1 million contract. Brown, who overcame a knee injury to contribute in the final, remains an important part of the Oilers' roster moving forward.