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          NHL free agency 2020: Signings, analysis, grades and buzz

          • ESPN staffNov 1, 2020, 05:00 PM

          Due to the altered schedule whereby the 2019-20 NHL season was completed quite a bit later than usual -- with the Stanley Cup playoffs lasting until Sept. 29 -- free agency began on Oct. 9 this year, as opposed to the traditional July 1 starting point.

          But while the key dates have shifted, the goal of free agency has not: GMs around the NHL hope to land the game-changing veteran who can boost their contention status, or bolster their core with the glue that builds championships.

          Here's our continuously updated tracker, featuring a list of every player signed from Sept. 1 onward, along with analysis on the biggest deals, and buzz on what could happen next. Note that the newest deals are at the top.

          Grades on big signings | Team previews | Top 60 FAs

          Draft recap: Every pick | Grades | Takeaways

          Oct. 30

          Maple Leafs have a busy day, inking RFA forward Joey Anderson to a three-year, $2.25 million deal and UFA goalie Michael Hutchinson to a two-year, $1.45 million contract.

          Oct. 29

          RFA defenseman Sami Niku re-signs with the Jets, agreeing to a two-year, $1.45 million deal.

          Devils reach agreement on a one-year, $700,000 contract with RFA defenseman Colton White.

          RFA forward Victor Olofsson is back with the Sabres, agreeing to two-year, $6.1 million contract.

          Oct. 28

          UFA forward Alex Galchenyuk will give it a whirl with the Senators, signing a one-year, $1.05 million deal.

          Oct. 27

          RFA defenseman Haydn Fleury agrees to two-year, $2.6 million deal with the Hurricanes.

          The Jets bring back RFA forward Jansen Harkins on a two-year, $1.45 million contract.

          Tyler Bertuzzi is back with the Red Wings, inking a one-year, $3.5 million deal.

          RFA forward Filip Chlapik re-ups with the Senators via a one-year, $735,000 pact.

          After trading for him earlier this offseason, the Avalanche sign defenseman Devon Toews to a four-year, $16.4 million contract.

          Islanders have a busy day, signing RFA forward Josh Ho-Sang and UFA forward AJ Greer to one-year deals, as well as RFA defensemen Parker Wotherspoon and Mitch Vande Sompel to two-year pacts.

          Oct. 26

          Senators re-up with RFA forward Chris Tierney via a two-year, $7 million contract.

          Oct. 25

          Sabres bring back RFA forward Sam Reinhart on one-year, $5.2 million deal, and RFA goalie Linus Ullmark on one-year, $2.6 million contract.

          Oct. 24

          Forward Josh Leivo agrees to one-year, $875,000 contract with the Flames.

          Oct. 23

          RFA defenseman Nikita Nesterov reaches one-year, $700,000 deal with the Flames.

          Maple Leafs sign RFA defenseman Travis Dermott to one-year, $874,000 contract.

          RFA blueliner Louis Belpedio signs a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Wild.

          Oct. 22

          Devils sign RFA defenseman Dmitry Kulikov to a one-year, $1.15 million deal.

          Flames reach one-year, $700,000 deal with forward Dominik Simon.

          RFA forward Jake Virtanen sticks with the Canucks, after reaching agreement on two-year, $5.1 million deal.

          Goaltender Antoine Bibeau signs one-year, $700,000 contract with the Hurricanes.

          Senators reach three-year, $10.8 million deal with RFA forward Connor Brown.

          Oct. 21

          Capitals reach one-year, $800,000 contract with RFA defenseman Jonas Siegenthaler.

          Bruins come to terms on one-year, $700,000 deal with RFA forward Zach Senyshyn.

          Forward Scott Wilson signs a one-year, $700,000 contract with the Panthers.

          RFA forward Nick Merkley has re-signed with the Devils, reaching an agreement on a one-year, $874,000 deal.

          Oct. 20

          The business relationship between forward Ilya Mikheyev and the Maple Leafs will continue, as he has agreed to a two-year, $3.29 million contract.

          The Bruins have reached an agreement with RFA forward Karson Kuhlman for two years, $1.45 million.

          Oct. 19

          Veteran forward Joakim Nordstrom has signed a one-year, $700,000 deal with the Flames.

          RFA blueliner Ian McCoshen has signed with the Wild on a one-year, $700,000 pact.

          The Canucks and RFA forward Adam Gaudette have come to terms on a one-year, $950,000 contract.

          RFA forward Keegan Kolesar has signed a two-year, $1.45 million deal with the Golden Knights.

          The Coyotes and RFA forward Christian Fischer have reached an agreement on a two-year pact.

          The Sabres have come to terms with forward Steven Fogarty on a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          RFA forward J.C. Beaudin and the Senators have reached agreement on a one-year, $700,000 deal.

          Oct. 18

          The Avalanche have agreed to terms with RFA forward Tyson Jost on a one-year, $874,125 contract.

          Oct. 17

          Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk won't be shipping out of Boston, agreeing to terms with the Bruins on a four-year, $13.75 million contract.

          Penguins add to their blue-line depth, inking Cody Ceci to a one-year, $1.25 million deal.

          The Senators have come to an agreement with goalie Joey Daccord, signing the RFA to a three-year, $2.25 million contract.

          Oct. 16

          The Flyers and RFA forward Nolan Patrick came to terms on a one-year, $874,000 contract.

          Veteran Joe Thornton will not be returning to the Sharks. Instead, he'll be skating for the Maple Leafs, agreeing to a one-year, $700,000 contract with Toronto. Grade for the deal.

          RFA forward Rudolfs Balcers will be returning to the Senators via a one-year, $735,000 deal.

          The Flames have re-signed forward Andrew Mangiapane for two years, $4.85 million.

          The Hurricanes reached one-year, $700,000 agreements with three UFA forwards: Jeremy Bracco, David Gust and Sheldon Rempal.

          Oct. 15

          The Rangers reached agreements with a pair of RFAs: goaltender Alexandar Georgiev (two years, $4.85 million) and Tony DeAngelo (two years, $9.6 million).

          One of the top free agents remaining after the first wave has made a decision, as Evgenii Dadonov stays in the Atlantic Division but heads to Canada's capital to skate for the Senators courtesy of a three-year, $15 million deal.

          Oct. 14

          After some hair-pulling in la belle province this week, the Canadiens have extended their relationship with Brendan Gallagher thanks to a six-year, $39 million deal.

          The Senators and RFA forward Nick Paul have reached an agreement on a two-year, $2.7 million deal.

          The Bruins were busy on Wednesday, inking goaltender Callum Booth (one year, $700,000), forward Greg McKegg (one year, $700,000) and defenseman Jakub Zboril (two years, $1.45 million).

          Though he has not played a single game wearing a Canadiens sweater, goaltender Jake Allen has worked out an extension with the club for two years, $5.75 million.

          The Hurricanes have signed RFA forward Spencer Smallman to a one-year, $735,000 contract.

          Oct. 13

          Former Sharks netminder Aaron Dell has found a new home, joining the Maple Leafs on a one-year, $800,000 contract.

          The Sharks have reunited with franchise legend Patrick Marleau on a one-year, $700,000 deal. The team also reached a one-year deal with forward Matt Nieto.

          The Nashville goaltending factory adds another netminder, signing Kasimir Kaskisuo to a one-year, $700,000 pact.

          The Isles added two UFAs via two-year contracts, as defenseman Grant Hutton and forward Austin Czarnik have signed.

          RFA forward Clark Bishop signed with the Hurricanes on a one-year, $700,000 agreement.

          Oct. 12

          Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo, seen as the top free-agent prize in the NHL, has agreed to a seven-year, $61.6 million deal with the Golden Knights. Grade for the deal.

          Following his recent buyout by the Devils, goaltender Cory Schneider heads to the Islanders on a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Forward Lucas Wallmark lands with the Blackhawks by way of a one-year, $950,000 pact.

          Predators add forward Brad Richardson via one-year, $1 million contract.

          Philadelphia adds to its blue-line batch with Erik Gustafsson on one-year, $3 million deal.

          Veteran forward Tyler Toffoli has signed a four-year deal with the Canadiens worth $4.25 million annually. Grade for the deal.

          Hurricanes add to their blue-line depth, inking Joakim Ryan to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Avalanche come to terms with RFA defenseman Ryan Graves on a three-year, $9.48 million deal.

          Forward Mattias Janmark moves on from the Stars, signs one-year, $2.25 million pact with the Blackhawks.

          Oct. 11

          The Maple Leafs announced they have signed forward Jimmy Vesey to a one-year contract for $900,000.

          Left winger Taylor Hall, one of the top prizes on the NHL free-agent market, has agreed to a one-year, $8 million deal with the Sabres. Grade for the deal.

          RFA forward Kyle Clifford and the Blues have agreed to a two-year, $2 million deal.

          The Golden Knights inked one-year deals with Danny O'Regan ($700,000), Tomas Jurco ($700,000) and Tomas Nosek ($1.25 million).

          Forward Vladislav Namestnikov lands with the Red Wings, via a two-year, $4 million contract.

          The Jets continue adding to their blue line, signing Derek Forbort for a one-year, $1 million deal.

          RFA forward Radek Faksa is back with the Stars, thanks to a five-year, $16.25 million contract.

          Oct. 10

          Defenseman Paul LaDue lands with the Capitals on one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Jets re-sign RFAs Dominic Toninato (one year, $700,000) and C.J. Suess (two years, $1.45 million).

          Veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian (one year, $1 million) and forward Travis Boyd (one year, $700,000) have signed with Toronto.

          Defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk lands with the Capitals on one-year, $800,000 deal.

          RFA defenseman Brandon Montour is back with the Sabres on a one-year, $3.85 million pact.

          A two-year, $4.5 million contract has brought veteran forward Cody Eakin to the Sabres.

          Former Ranger Jesper Fast has landed with the Hurricanes on a three-year, $6 million contract.

          RFA forward Sam Anas agrees to a two-year, $1.45 million deal with the Blues.

          Netminder Louis Domingue lands with the Flames on a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Forward Kevin Labanc sticks with the Sharks, agreeing to a four-year, $18.9 million deal.

          Former Wild captain Mikko Koivu has made his next move, signing a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Blue Jackets. Grade for the deal.

          Dallas bolsters its blue-line depth, signing former Panthers defenseman Mark Pysyk to one-year, $750,000 deal.

          Oilers sign on for more time with veteran goaltender Mike Smith, agreeing to a one-year, $2 million contract.

          Jets reach agreement with forward Nate Thompson for one year, $750,000.

          Oilers sign offensive defenseman Tyson Barrie to one-year, $3.75 million contract. Grade for the deal.

          Red Wings add goaltender Thomas Greiss (two years, $7.2 million) and defenseman Troy Stecher (two years, $3.4 million).

          Wild extend their business relationship with forward Jordan Greenway via two-year, $4.2 million deal.

          Bruins land veteran forward Craig Smith on a three-year, $9.3 million contract.

          Penguins add goaltender Maxime Lagace and forward Frederick Gaudreau on one-year, $700,000 contracts.

          Avalanche re-up with RFA forward Andre Burakovsky, agreeing to terms on a two-year, $9.8 million deal.

          Oct. 9

          Devils agree to terms with veteran goaltender Corey Crawford on two-year, $7.8 million contract.

          Veteran defenseman Chris Tanev joins the Flames after agreeing to four-year, $18 million deal.

          Forward Tomas Nosek is back with the Golden Knights, inking one-year, $1.25 million contract.

          Nick Cousins joins the Predators, coming to terms on two-year, $3 million deal.

          Sabres sign a trio to one-year, $700,000 deals: defenseman Brandon Davidson, forward Tobias Rieder, defenseman Matt Irwin.

          Defenseman Torey Krug, one of the top prizes in this year's free-agent class, has agreed to a seven-year contract worth $45.5 million with the Blues. Grade for the deal.

          Maple Leafs strike big in the blueliner market, inking veteran defenseman T.J. Brodie for four years, $20 million. Grade for the deal.

          Canadiens reach agreement with defenseman Xavier Ouellet on two-year, $1.475 million contract.

          Flames add a pair of forwards: Zac Rinaldo (one year, $700,000) and Byron Froese (two years, $1.45 million).

          Forward Stefan Noesen has landed with the Sharks, inking a one-year, $925,000 contract.

          Veteran defenseman Luca Sbisa signs with the Jets for one year, $800,000.

          Red Wings reach terms on a one-year, $700,000 deal with restricted free-agent forward Kyle Criscuolo.

          RFA forward Brandon Baddock comes to terms with Canadiens on one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Senators reach deals with RFA forwards Matthew Peca (one year, $700,000) and Logan Shaw (two years, $1.45 million).

          A massive domino has fallen in the goaltender market this offseason: Jacob Markstrom has agreed to terms with the Flames on a six-year, $36 million deal. Grade for the deal.

          The Bruins are on the board! It's a one-year, $1 million deal with defenseman Kevin Miller.

          Defenseman Anthony Bitetto has landed with the Rangers on a two-year, $1.475 million deal.

          Veteran defenseman Justin Schultz is headed to D.C., inking a two-year, $8 million deal with the Capitals.

          Josh Currie is officially off the market, as the Penguins land the forward via a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Flames reach agreement with defenseman Alex Petrovic on one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Nashville adds more depth to its defensive ranks, inking Matt Benning to two-year, $2 million pact.

          After winning the Stanley Cup with the Lightning, defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk has headed West, signing a three-year, $11.7 million deal with the Ducks. Grade for the deal.

          Forward John Hayden -- who did not get a qualifying offer from the Devils -- has agreed to terms on a one-year, $750,000 contract with the Coyotes.

          The Predators have bolstered their blue line, agreeing to a two-year, $4 million deal with Mark Borowiecki.

          Edmonton elects to continue its employment of Tyler Ennis, as the two sides agree to a one-year, $1 million deal.

          Penguins agree to terms with forwards Evan Rodrigues and Mark Jankowski on one-year, $700,000 contracts.

          Forward Tyler Pitlick has signed with the Coyotes, agreeing to a two-year, $3.5 million contract.

          Panthers come to terms with former Blue Jackets forward Alexander Wennberg on one-year, $2.25 million deal.

          Following his trade earlier this week, goaltender Matt Murray has signed a four-year, $25 million deal with the Senators.

          Rangers add goaltending depth, sign veteran Keith Kinkaid to a two-year, $1.65 million contract.

          After an impressive run in leading the Stars to the Stanley Cup Final, Anton Khudobin has re-signed with Dallas, inking a three-year, $10 million contract. Grade for the deal.

          RFA forward Colin Blackwell is sticking with the Rangers, as the two sides have agreed to a two-year, $1.45 million deal.

          Buddy Robinson and the Flames will be continuing their business relationship, as the two sides have agreed to a one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Former Capitals starting goalie Braden Holtby has gotten off of the goalie carousel, signing a two-year, $8.6 million deal with the Canucks. Grade for the deal.

          Forward Alan Quine has elected to sign in Edmonton, agreeing to terms on one-year, $750,000 deal.

          Forward Kevin Rooney elects to sign with the Rangers, signing a two-year, $1.5 million contract.

          Winnipeg adds to its blue-line group, as Nathan Beaulieu has inked a two-year, $2.5 million contract.

          After being bought out by the Predators, veteran forward Kyle Turris has landed with the Oilers on a two-year, $3.3 million contract. Grade for the deal.

          Another rider has gotten off of the 2020 goaltender carousel, as Cam Talbot has signed with the Wild for three years, $11 million. Grade for the deal.

          The King has chosen his next NHL home. Henrik Lundqvist has agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Capitals. Grade for the deal.

          Carter Verhaeghe did not get a qualifying offer from the Lightning, but his free-agent journey was not a long one: He has signed with the Panthers for two years, $2 million.

          Former Golden Knights blueliner -- and University of Michigan product -- Jon Merrill has signed with the Red Wings for one year, $925,000.

          Veteran defenseman Radko Gudas is heading to the Panthers, as he has inked a three-year, $7.5 million contract.

          Forward Tyler Motte is back with the Canucks, as he has agreed to terms on a two-year, $2.45 million contract.

          The Lightning will bring at least some of their free agents for 2020-21. Forward Patrick Maroon (two years, $1.8 million) and Luke Schenn (one year, $800,000) are both back to help with the efforts for another Stanley Cup.

          Following his buyout earlier this offseason by the Senators, veteran forward Bobby Ryan has landed with the Red Wings on a one-year, $1 million contract. Grade for the deal.

          The Lightning have placed forward Tyler Johnson on waivers. He has four years remaining on his contract at $5 million in average annual value.

          Veteran forward Wayne Simmonds has elected to sign with the Maple Leafs for one year, $1.5 million. Grade for the deal.

          Blackhawks extend their relationship with Calder Trophy finalist Dominik Kubalik (two years, $7.4 million) and netminder Malcolm Subban (two years, $1.7 million)

          The Golden Knights have traded center Paul Stastny to the Jets for Carl Dahlstrom and a fourth-round pick in the 2022 draft. The 34-year-old Stastny has one year remaining on a three-year, $19.5 million contract signed in July 2018. Grades for both GMs.

          RFA defenseman Victor Mete will not be hitting the market, as the Canadiens have re-signed him to a one-year, $735,000 deal.

          Golden Knights extend a pair of RFAs for one more year, with defenseman Jimmy Schuldt and forward Reid Duke landing $700,000 contracts for 2020-21.

          Oct. 8

          Penguins not ready to move on from Sam Lafferty, ink the RFA forward to two-year, $1.5 million deal.

          The Zemgus Girgensons era continues in Buffalo: Sabres re-sign forward for three years, $6.6 million.

          Following trade, Josh Anderson inks seven-year, $38.5 million deal with the Canadiens.

          Red Wings re-sign RFA forwards Taro Hirose and Adam Erne to one-year deals, with undisclosed dollar amounts.

          Noah Juulsen is back with the Canadiens on one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Oct. 7

          Following trade, Max Domi signs with Blue Jackets for two years, $10.6 million.

          The fourth overall pick of the 2016 draft, Jesse Puljujarvi returns to the Oilers on two-year, $2.35 million contract.

          Lightning retain Gemel Smith (one year, $700,000) and Mitchell Stephens (two years, $1.47 million).

          Jets avoid losing another blueliner, ink defenseman Dylan DeMelo for four years, $12 million.

          Oct. 6

          Defenseman Brenden Dillon sticks with the Capitals on four-year, $15.6 million deal.

          Nicolas Meloche, Maxim Letunov back with the Sharks on one-year, $700,000 contracts.

          Jacob Middleton, Jayden Halbgewachs remain with the Sharks on two-year, $14.5 million deals.

          Zack MacEwen remains with the Canucks on two-year, $1.65 million pact.

          Oct. 5

          Sabres re-sign RFA forward Tage Thompson to three-year, $4.2 million deal.

          Islanders ink RFA defenseman Sebastian Aho to two-year, $1.45 million contract.

          Defenseman Carson Soucy is back with the Wild on a three-year, $8.25 million contract.

          Wild elect to re-sign RFA forward Nico Sturm to a two-year, $1.45 million pact.

          Senators reach agreement with defenseman Josh Brown for two years, $2.4 million.

          Veteran forward Jason Spezza re-signs with the Maple Leafs for one year, $700,000.

          Oct. 4

          Stars elect to re-sign veteran defenseman Andrej Sekera for two years, $3 million.

          Oct. 3

          Golden Knights sign goalie Robin Lehner to five-year, $25 million contract.

          Penguins and RFA netminder Tristan Jarry reach agreement on three-year, $10.5 million deal.

          Goaltender Brian Elliott back with the Flyers on one-year, $1.5 million pact.

          Oct. 2

          Jets, goaltender Laurent Brossoit ink one-year, $1.5 million pact to keep him in Winnipeg.

          Maple Leafs reach deal with RFA forward Denis Malgin for one year, $700,000.

          Sept. 30

          RFA netminder Michael McNiven remains with Canadiens on one-year, $700,000 contract.

          Sept. 28

          Flyers extend RFA defenseman Robert Hagg for another two years, $3.2 million.

          Sept. 26

          Red Wings, forward Sam Gagner reach terms on one-year, $850,000 contract.

          Sept. 25

          Pending unrestricted free-agent defenseman Jeff Petry remains with the Canadiens on four-year, $25 million deal.

          Flyers ink goaltender Alex Lyon for one year, $700,000 to bolster their netminding depth.

          Sept. 24

          Sabres extend the term of forward Curtis Lazar for two years, $1.6 million.

          Sept. 23

          RFA forward Michael McCarron re-signs with Predators for one year, $700,000.

          Canadiens reach terms with RFA forward Jake Evans for two years, $1.5 million.

          Sept. 18

          RFA forward Jared McCann re-signs with the Penguins for two years, $5.88 million.

          Capitals extend RFA forward -- and former Penguin -- Daniel Sprong for two years, $1.5 million.

          Sept. 16

          Canadiens ink veteran defenseman Joel Edmundson for four years, $14 million.

          Sept. 15

          Wild agree to terms with defenseman Jonas Brodin on seven-year, $42 million contract.

          RFA netminder Adin Hill remains with the Coyotes on one-year, $800,000 deal.

          Sept. 11

          RFA defenseman Sean Walker remains with the Kings on four-year, $10.6 million contract.

          Sept. 10

          Blues reach terms with RFA forward Jacob De La Rose on one-year, $700,000 deal.

          Oilers agree to one-year, $700,000 contract with the wonderfully named Adam Cracknell.

          Sept. 1

          Kings sign RFA forward Austin Wagner to a three-year, $3.4 million contract.