Canucks re-sign Boeser, Rangers land Gavrikov and Devils keep goalie Allen as NHL free agency opens

Forward Brock Boeser is staying put in Vancouver, after the Canucks opened the NHL's free agency period Tuesday by re-signing one of their own.

The six-time 20-goal-scorer agreed to a seven-year, $50.75 million contract in an announcement the Canucks made a little more than a half-hour into the start of the signing period.

“Brock has been a huge part of our organization, and we are extremely happy to have him back in the fold,” Canucks general manger Patrik Allvin said. “Brock is a leader and culture-setter in our locker room, and we’re confident he will continue to play an important role for our team.”

With Boeser, Vancouver took one of the more high-profile free agents off the board in what was already regarded as a depleted pool of talent. Numerous teams spent the lead-up by securing players by taking advantage of a record $7.5 million jump in the NHL's salary cap.

The New York Rangers signed Vladislav Gavrikov — considered the top defensive free agent available — to a seven-year contract worth $49 million, according to a person familiar with the agreement. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

Who's left?

As the dust settled the top players available four hours in include forwards Nikolaj Ehlers and defenseman Dmitry Orlov. Ehlers was considering several offers and was informing teams he intended to take his time before making a decision.

Though there were numerous signings, the opening day of free agency lacked big-name talent, which was secured before the market opened. The Vegas Golden Knights landed the biggest prize in acquiring Mitch Marner in a trade with Toronto. And the two-time defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers re-signed defenseman Aaron Ekblad and forward Brad Marchand.

Several teams turned to the trade route to improve their rosters with the Bruins acquiring winger Viktor Arvidsson from Edmonton for a 2027 fifth-round pick.

Teams also focused on reaching long-term deals with pending restricted free agents.

A division-by-division look at the frenzy:

Metropolitan

While the Rangers began remaking their blue line, nearby rival New Jersey re-signed backup goaltender Jake Allen for $9 million over five years and added winger Connor Brown.

"We have a great thing going here right now," Allen said. “We found a way to make it work. ... It just checked a lot of boxes, and I’m glad I’ll be able to finish my career here.”

Philadelphia filled its center void by signing Christian Dvorak for $5.4 million for next season and also got a goalie, Dan Vladar for $6.7 million over two years.

The Islanders signed forward Jonathan Drouin to a two-year, $8 million contract, and also landed goalie David Rittich to back up Ilya Sorokin.

Columbus finalized a $59.5 million, seven-year contract with defenseman Ivan Provorov.

“Ivan Provorov is the consummate pro and has been an important player during his two seasons in Columbus,” general manager Don Waddell said. "He is smart, talented, can play in all situations and has been remarkably consistent and durable throughout his career and we believe his best seasons are ahead of him.”

Carolina signed young forward Logan Stankoven to an eight-year extension worth $48 million. Stankoven, acquired from Dallas at the trade deadline as part of the return for Mikko Rantanen, will count $6 million against the cap from 2026-2034.

Atlantic

The Panthers also re-signed fourth-liner Tomas Nosek for the league-minimum $775,000 and shored up their backup goalie spot by signing recently acquired Daniil Tarasov for $1.05 million.

Boston agreed to sign rugged forward Tanner Jeannot to a five-year contract worth $17 million, according to a person familiar with the agreement who spoke on condition of anonymity because it hadn't been announced.

Central

St. Louis got bigger up front by signing Nick Bjugstad for $3.5 million over the next two years. The Blues also sent forward Zachary Bolduc to Montreal for defenseman Logan Mailloux in a swap of 2021 first-round picks.

The Utah Mammoth signed defenseman Nate Schmidt to a three-year, $10.5 million deal. He's a 12-year veteran who won a Cup in Florida this past season. Utah also signed forward Brandon Tanev to a three-year contract worth $7.5 million.

Center Radek Faksa returns to Dallas, where he spent his first nine NHL seasons, by signing a three-year, $6 million deal after playing in St. Louis last year.

Pacific

Ken Holland was busy placing his stamp on the Kings in his new role as general manager with five free agent additions. They include Corey Perry's return to Southern California, where even the team's social media account noted he wasn't a Kings' fan favorite during his 14 seasons in Anaheim, by referring to a post about the player from 2017, with the caption "Welp."

Perry, who spent the past two seasons in Edmonton, signed a one-year, $2 million deal, which could double in value based on incentives. The Kings also signed defensemen Cody Ceci (four years, $18 million) and Brian Dumoulin (three years, $12 million), and forwards Anton Forsberg and Joel Armia.

Seattle signed defenseman Ryan Lindgren for four years and $18 million.

The Canucks also reached agreements to sign goalie Thatcher Demko to a three-year, $25.5 million contract extension and forward Conor Garland to a six-year, $36 million contract extension. Each player was entering the final year of his contract.

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AP Sports Writer Tim Reynolds contributed.

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AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl