The NHL's annual free-agent market opened at noon EDT on Monday. We can expect the usual frenzy of signings within the opening hours as teams attempt to sign the best available talent to address their respective roster needs.

Since 2020, many teams have been handcuffed by marginal salary-cap increases as agreed on between the league and the NHL Players Association in their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This summer, however, sees an end to the flat cap as it has jumped by $4.5 million to $88 million. That could entice some clubs into bidding wars for the best unrestricted free-agent talent.

The top UFAs in this summer's market include long-time stars such as Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. They were among the notables on our Free Agency Big Board. Others include Brandon Montour, Elias Lindholm and Brady Skjei.

Here are our live grades for this summer's most notable signings. You can weigh in with your thoughts about each one in the app comments below.

Contract figures via PuckPedia unless otherwise noted.

Sam Reinhart Re-Ups with the Florida Panthers

In the middle of celebrating their Stanley Cup championship, the Florida Panthers found time to sign one of their core players to a lucrative long-term contract. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported Sam Reinhart and the Panthers agreed to an eight-year deal with an average annual value of $8.625 million.

Reinhart is coming off a career-best performance. The 28-year-old winger scored a career-high 57 goals and 94 points, sitting second among last season's goal-scoring leaders. He's become a key part of their roster core since being acquired by the Panthers in 2021, helping them reach the 2023 Stanley Cup Final and winning the Cup this year.

That performance put Reinhart atop our Free Agent Big Board. He's coming off a three-year contract with an AAV of $6.5 million, and his career year could've fetched him offers worth over $10 million on the open market. However, he wanted to remain with the Panthers and did so for below market value.

The Panthers will find it challenging to maintain a Cup contender due to salary-cap constraints. Retaining a core player in his prime like Reinhart under a long-term deal for a reasonable cap hit should give them a fighting chance in the coming years.

Grade: A

Brady Skjei Heads to Music City

The Nashville Predators made two big splashes in the free-agent pool by signing forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. They weren't done making waves as they signed defenseman Brady Skjei to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million.

Skjei, 30, spent the past five seasons as part of a deep defense corps with the Carolina Hurricanes. The 6'3", 210-pounder became one of their top blueliners, logging over 20 minutes per game and seeing action in all situations, including the penalty kill. He's coming off a career-best 47-point performance.

We had Skjei at No. 5 on our Free Agent Big Board because of his all-around abilities. The left-shot blueliner will take over the second-pairing left-side role previously filled by Ryan McDonagh before he was traded back to Tampa Bay in May. His presence should be a big improvement to their defense corps.

Like many long-term contracts signed by players in their 30s, Skjei's might not age well for the Predators in its final years. For the short term, however, he will play an important role on their blue line as they retool with an eye on becoming a Stanley Cup contender.

Grade: A

Elias Lindholm Lands with the Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins were expected to shop for an experienced two-way center for their scoring lines. According to TSN's Chris Johnston, they signed Elias Lindholm to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.8 million.

Lindholm, 29, was the top center on our Free Agent Big Board. He had an eventful season, getting traded by the Calgary Flames to the Vancouver Canucks in January, struggling with an undisclosed injury while remaining the subject of trade rumors, and bouncing back with a solid postseason performance with the Canucks.

The Bruins were frequently linked to Lindholm last season because of their need for depth at center. Despite his struggles, he remains a skillful forward who has exceeded the 40-point plateau every season since 2016-17. His addition will improve the Bruins' defensive game, enabling them to move Pavel Zacha to the wing where he's more comfortable.

Lindholm has proven himself to be a productive two-way forward with three different teams in his NHL career. At 29, he's still in his playing prime and should be a solid long-term fit for the Bruins as they strive to remain among the NHL's elite teams.

Grade: A

New Jersey Devils Net Brett Pesce

On our Free Agency Big Board, we mentioned the New Jersey Devils could be among the clubs interested in Brett Pesce. It didn't take long for them to bring the 29-year-old defenseman into the fold, signing him to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Blue-line depth was an issue for the Devils last season, contributing to their 3.43 goals-against per game. Adding the 6'3", 206-pound Pesce should help them address that issue. He plays a responsible game in his own zone, and for several seasons was among the Carolina Hurricane's top-four defensemen, logging over 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Pesce is also a right-shot defenseman and will likely slide into the second-pairing role on the right side next to Luke Hughes. Having the reliable veteran skating with Hughes should allow the latter more opportunities to skate with the puck.

The six-year term on Pesce's contract is a little long. It was probably necessary to keep the cap hit to $5.5 million. Given what Pesce brings to the Devils' defense corps, it'll be worth it, especially if he and Hughes mesh well.

Grade: A

Nashville Predators Sign Steven Stamkos

After 16 NHL seasons, Steven Stamkos has parted ways with the Tampa Bay Lightning. Unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension with the Bolts, the 34-year-old left winger signed a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators for an annual average value of $8 million.

The cap hit is shy of the $8.5 million AAV on Stamkos' eight-year contract with the Lightning. He departs as their greatest player and franchise record holder with 1,082 games played along with 555 goals and 1,137 points. He also captained them through their greatest era, leading them to two Stanley Cups and a Presidents' Trophy.

That's all history now as Stamkos takes his championship experience, leadership and scoring prowess to Nashville. He'll be joining former Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault as the offensive additions to the Predators. Coming off his seventh 40-goal campaign, Stamkos should provide immediate scoring punch with his lethal one-timer.

Stamkos should be a solid short-term addition to the Predators as they push to become a Stanley Cup contender. However, he's also at the age when his production will begin to decline. The cap hit is expensive, but the term is reasonable at four years. This could be a worthwhile signing if Stamkos can be a reliable 30- to 40-goal scorer for most of it.

Grade: A-

Tampa Bay Lightning Tie Up Jake Guentzel

The Tampa Bay Lightning's acquisition of Jake Guentzel's signing rights from the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday appears to signal Steven Stamkos' departure via free agency. They wasted no time getting the 29-year-old winger under contract, signing him to a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $9 million.

Guentzel spent nearly eight seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, reaching the 40-goal plateau twice and winning a Stanley Cup in 2017. Shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes at the 2024 trade deadline, he had 25 points in 17 regular-season games and nine points in 11 playoff contests.

The Hurricanes hoped to re-sign Guentzel, but he was keen to test the market. With Stamkos going to free agency, the Lightning needed a replacement at left wing. Guentzel lacks Stamkos' patented one-timer, but he's a proven scorer with a reputation for elevating his game in the playoffs. We ranked him at No. 2 on our Free Agent Big Board.

This move marks a transitional period for the Lightning after trading Mikhail Sergachev and Tanner Jeannot over the weekend. Inking Guentzel is an expensive move that could become burdensome if his production falls in the latter years. However, it could help them remain a contender as they retool toward becoming a Stanley Cup champion again.

Grade: A-

Jonathan Marchessault Joins the Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators wanted to boost their scoring depth in this free-agent market. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported they landed former Vegas Golden Knights winger Jonathan Marchessault, signing him to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

One of the original Golden Knights, Marchessault was their most productive scorer during his seven seasons in Las Vegas. He's their franchise leader with 192 goals and 225 assists for 417 points. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy leading them to the 2023 Stanley Cup and led them in scoring last season with a career-high 42 goals and 69 points.

Marchessault's scoring exploits earned a spot on our Free Agent Big Board. He reportedly wanted to remain with the Golden Knights and they wanted to keep him but their salary-cap constraints prevented an extension from happening. He should be a welcome addition to the Predators as a top-six scoring winger.

Now 33, Marchessault is still in his prime as a scoring winger. The contract term is a little long as his production will inevitably decline as he reaches the final years of this deal. Nevertheless, the cap hit is reasonable for a former playoff MVP with a Stanley Cup ring coming off a 40-goal season.

Grade: A-

Seattle Kraken Scoop Up Brandon Montour

Brandon Montour spent four productive seasons with the Florida Panthers. The 30-year-old puck-moving defenseman played a key role in their 2022 Presidents' Trophy win, 2023 march to the Stanley Cup Final and recent Cup run.

Montour is now taking his talents to the Seattle Kraken, signing a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $7.14 million. He becomes their second-highest-paid player behind fellow blueliner Vince Dunn ($7.4 million AAV).

This was a big catch for the Kraken. Montour was one of the best defensemen in this year's UFA market, sitting seventh on our Free Agent Big Board. A right-shot blueliner, he had three 30-plus seasons with the Panthers, including a career-best 73 points in 2021-22. He'll be playing a first-pairing role for the low-scoring Kraken, providing offense from the blue line.

Montour's playoff experience should also make him an invaluable addition to the Kraken. His contract is another that might not age well in the latter years of the deal, but he should provide them with good value in the short term.

Grade: A-

Jake DeBrusk Heads West to the Vancouver Canucks

The Vancouver Canucks were in the market for a top-six winger when free agency began. Having missed out on Jake Guentzel, they settled on Jake DeBrusk, signing the former Boston Bruins right wing to a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $5.8 million.

DeBrusk, 27, was among the youngest of this summer's notable unrestricted free agents. A versatile forward who can play on either wing, he reached the 40-point plateau five times in his seven seasons with the Bruins.

A streaky scorer, DeBrusk spent his tenure with the Bruins on several short-term contracts. He was also frequently the subject of trade speculation. He gets an opportunity for long-term security and a raise from the $4 million AAV of his previous deal.

DeBrusk's cap hit is reasonable and the term isn't bad as he's now in his playing prime. It remains to be seen if the change of scenery will bring out more consistency in his game, especially if he ends up skating with playmaking wizard Elias Pettersson.

Grade: B+

Chandler Stephenson Ships out to the Seattle Kraken

The Seattle Kraken addressed their need for an experienced defenseman by signing former Florida Panthers blueliner Brandon Montour. They also added Chandler Stephenson to bolster their depth at center, signing him to a seven-year deal with an average annual value of $6.3 million.

Stephenson, 30, became a late-blooming top-six forward over the past three seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. A versatile forward who plays center or left wing, he exceeded the 50-point plateau in three straight seasons from 2021-22 to 2023-24. He also played a key role in the Golden Knights' march to the 2023 Stanley Cup.

It's an expensive addition for the Kraken as Stephenson becomes their highest-paid forward. As with similar deals signed by many players of the same age group in this UFA market, it's not likely to age well. Nevertheless, the Kraken needed to improve their depth at center and Stephenson will help them.

Stephenson will alleviate the burden on young centers Matty Beniers and Shane Wright, allowing them time to develop their game. He should also improve their faceoff win percentage. His presence will enable Jared McCann to move back to left wing.

Grade: B+

San Jose Sharks Snag Tyler Toffoli

A team in the early stages of rebuilding like the San Jose Sharks usually sticks to affordable forays in the free-agent market for depth players. However, the Sharks opted to take a bigger bite out of the free-agent market by signing Tyler Toffoli to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million.

Toffoli is returning to California after spending the past five seasons bouncing from the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, Calgary Flames, New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets. He began his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings in 2012-13, playing nearly eight seasons with them before getting traded to the Canucks in 2020.

Salary-cap constraints were often the reason why Toffoli was moved so much. He was a reliable two-way forward on each club he played for, netting over 40 points per season. The security of a four-year deal with a raise to $6 million annually with the Sharks was enticing to him and his family.

It's still an expensive signing by the Sharks for an aging asset. Nevertheless, their plentiful cap space makes it easier for them to absorb it. Toffoli will also bring plenty of leadership and experience to their promising youngsters like William Eklund, Will Smith and 2024 first-overall pick Macklin Celebrini.

Grade: B+

Teuvo Teräväinen Returns to the Chicago Blackhawks

Earlier in the day, Chicago signed forward Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year contract as part of its plan to surround wunderkind Connor Bedard with veteran talent. The team made another step in that direction, signing Teuvo Teräväinen to a three-year contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million.

This signing brings Teräväinen back to the city where his NHL career began. Chosen 18th overall by Chicago in the 2012 NHL draft, he played three seasons with the franchise, winning the Stanley Cup in 2015. Shipped to the Carolina Hurricanes in 2016, he had six seasons with 40-plus points, including four with 60 or more points.

Teräväinen, 29, is a versatile forward who plays a two-way game and can skate on either wing. He and Bertuzzi will provide much-needed top-six depth for Chicago, helping to ease Bedard's burden as its top offensive player. Teräväinen could skate on the top line with Bedard or skate as a second-line winger.

Like Bertuzzi, Chicago has the salary-cap space to take on Teräväinen's cap hit. The term is also reasonable, giving them the option to sign him to an extension down the road. It could also make it easier to move him in the trade market if necessary.

Grade: B+

Patrick Kane Returns to the Detroit Red Wings

Uncertainty clouded Patrick Kane's playing career at this time last year. He'd undergone a hip resurfacing procedure that left observers wondering if he'd ever be the same player again. Now in his mid-30s, his best seasons were already behind him.

Kane signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract last November with the Detroit Red Wings. He silenced all concerns about his health by tallying 47 points in 50 games as a second-line winger, helping the Wings to their best finish since 2015-16 with a 91-point season.

While Kane isn't the superstar of his youth, his performance assured him a spot on our Free Agent Big Board. There were rumors of the Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and Vegas Golden Knights possibly pursuing him if he went to market.

Instead, he opted for a one-year, bonus-laden deal with the Red Wings. The deal pays him $4 million in base salary with $2.5 million in bonuses that could take him up to $6.5 million. It's a cost-effective, short-term move by the Red Wings to maintain veteran experience and leadership as they push toward ending their seven-season playoff drought.

Grade: B+

Chicago Blackhawks Bag Tyler Bertuzzi

Chicago was in the market for veteran talent to surround rising young star Connor Bedard. The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported they signed Tyler Bertuzzi to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

It's the same cap hit Bertuzzi received on a one-year contract last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This deal provides the 29-year-old winger with stability for the future and an opportunity to play a leadership role with a rebuilding club. Chicago has plenty of salary-cap space and can easily afford Bertuzzi's new deal

Ranked No. 15 on our recent Free Agency Big Board, Bertuzzi is an energetic, hard-working winger who does his best work driving to the net to create scoring chances. He had 21 goals and 43 points with the Leafs last season, marking the fourth time since 2018-19 he's reached or exceeded those numbers.

Bertuzzi saw playoff action with the Leafs and Boston Bruins over the past two seasons. He's heading to a situation in Chicago that is familiar to him as he spent his early NHL seasons with the rebuilding Detroit Red Wings. He'll now be expected to use his experience to take some of the burden off their promising youngsters like Bedard.

Grade: B+

Max Domi Stays Home with the Toronto Maple Leafs

A well-traveled forward who's played for seven teams since 2018, Max Domi has found stability with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After playing with the Leafs last season on a one-year, $3 million contract, he signed a four-year contract extension with an average annual value of $3.75 million.

Domi, 29, had a slow start with his hometown Leafs last season. However, he adjusted as the season progressed, including seeing playing time on superstar Auston Matthews' line. Domi finished the season with 47 points in 80 games.

A feisty, playmaking forward who can play center or left wing, Domi has exceeded 40 points seven times in his nine NHL seasons. His versatility gives the Leafs options to move him up and down the lineup as required, especially if injuries strike their roster.

Domi might've gotten more on the open market but accepted a slight pay raise for the security of a four-year deal. This could become a cost-effective move for the Leafs that also pays on-ice dividends.

Grade: B+

Sean Monahan Dons a Blue Jacket in Columbus

Depth at the center position has been a longstanding issue for the Columbus Blue Jackets. Don Waddell, their new general manager, took a step toward addressing that issue via free agency by signing Sean Monahan to a five-year contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

Two years ago, Monahan's playing career seemed in jeopardy after he underwent hip surgeries in 2021 and 2022. Traded to the Montreal Canadiens by the Calgary Flames in Aug. 2022, he had a promising start with his new club only to suffer a season-ending lower-body injury.

Last season, however, Monahan enjoyed a bounce-back campaign. Finally healthy, the 29-year-old center tallied 59 points in a season split between the Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets. This signing also reunites him with former Calgary Flames linemate Johnny Gaudreau. A versatile forward, he can play center or on the wing.

Questions will still linger about Monahan's health, making this deal a gamble for the Blue Jackets. It could pan out if he and Gaudreau regain their offensive chemistry. He'll at least provide them with much-needed experience and depth to take the burden off promising youngsters like center Adam Fantilli.

Grade: B

Anthony Duclair Lands with the New York Islanders

The cap-strapped New York Islanders were searching for scoring depth as free agency began. They've turned to winger Anthony Duclair, signing him to a four-year contract with an average annual value of $3.5 million.

Duclair, 28, is a well-traveled winger. Since his NHL debut in 2014-15, he's skated for the New York Rangers, Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets, Ottawa Senators, Florida Panthers, San Jose Sharks and Tampa Bay Lightning.

In recent years, Duclair has developed into a good second-line scorer. He netted a career-high 31 goals in 2021-22 with the Panthers and had 24 goals and 42 points last season split between the Sharks and Lightning.

Duclair will be reunited with Isles bench boss Patrick Roy, who coached the winger during his Junior A days with the Quebec Remparts. With his speed and quick release, he's a decent low-cost option who should regularly provide the Islanders with 20 goals per season.

Grade: B

Chris Tanev Inks Long-Term Deal with Toronto Maple Leafs

After failing to reach a contract extension agreement with Chris Tanev, the Dallas Stars traded his signing rights to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The Leafs quickly signed him to a six-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million.

An experienced shutdown defenseman, the 34-year-old Tanev's contract status made him a fixture in the trade rumor mill last season. He was acquired by the Stars from the Calgary Flames in February and acquitted himself well during Dallas' run to the 2024 Western Conference Final.

The Stars hoped to re-sign Tanev, but their inability to reach an agreement led to his trade to the Maple Leafs. His physical presence, stay-at-home defensive style and right-hand shot should bolster the right side of the Leafs' blue line. They also got him at a reasonable AAV.

It's the length of Tanev's new contract that could become an issue. Given his age and physical style of play, his performance will decline throughout this deal. That $4.5 million cap hit could eventually become a salary-cap problem that could prove difficult to shed.

Grade: B-