Hockey

TORONTO — They'll be waving Canadian flags and offer sheets today to mark both the country's 158th birthday and the opening of NHL free agency. Some big names are expected to be on the move when the action begins at noon ET.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens have acquired a seventh-round draft pick in 2026 from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for goaltender Cayden Primeau’s negotiating rights.

The Maple Leafs and Oilers went to work ahead of NHL free agency's opening bell. Toronto is reportedly trading pending unrestricted free agent Mitch Marner to Vegas.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers have completed a key piece of off-season business. Edmonton re-signed star defenceman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, US$42-million contract Monday.

TORONTO — Mitch Marner appears set to call Sin City home. According to multiple media reports Monday, the Maple Leafs are trading Marner to the Vegas Golden Knights in a swap that ends his at-times mesmerizing, at-times frustrating Toronto tenure.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators signed goalie Leevi Merilainen to a one-year, US$1.05-million contract extension Monday. Merilainen, a Senators third-round draft pick in 2020, posted an 8-3-1 record with a 1.99 goals-against average, .

Defenseman Aaron Ekblad is staying with the Florida Panthers instead of becoming a free agent. Ekblad is re-signing with the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions on an eight-year contract worth $48.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames have hired three-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medallist Brent Seabrook to the team's player development staff. The defenceman from Tsawwassen, B.C.

Mitch Marner is set to join Leon Draisaitl , Auston Matthews , Nathan MacKinnon and Connor McDavid as one of the highest-paid players in the NHL, even if he does not get to unrestricted free agency.

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Canucks have signed four depth players to new deals after they helped the club's minor league affiliate to a championship title.