The NHL free agency period opened on July 1, leading to a flurry of signings and contract extensions. Key deals include the Florida Panthers signing Sam Reinhart to an eight-year deal, the Nashville Predators securing Steven Stamkos for four years, and Jonathan Marchessault for five years. The Boston Bruins added Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov, while the Detroit Red Wings signed Patrick Kane to a one-year contract. Several players, including Jeff Skinner and Ryan Suter, were bought out, and Carter Hart became an unrestricted free agent after not receiving a qualifying offer from the Philadelphia Flyers. The San Jose Sharks began a new era by selecting Macklin Celebrini with the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft.