July 1st is always an exciting day for NHL fans as it marks the beginning of free agency and teams have the opportunity to make significant player acquisitions. This year, Canadian teams made some notable signings that are sure to shake up the league.

The Toronto Maple Leafs were one of the most active teams on July 1st, signing veteran defenseman Jake Muzzin to a four-year contract extension. Muzzin has been a key player for the Leafs since being acquired in a trade with the Los Angeles Kings in 2019, and his presence on the blue line will be crucial for Toronto’s playoff hopes.

The Montreal Canadiens also made a splash in free agency, signing forward Mike Hoffman to a three-year deal. Hoffman is known for his scoring ability and will provide a much-needed offensive boost to the Canadiens’ lineup. Montreal also signed defenseman David Savard to a four-year contract, adding some much-needed depth to their defensive corps.

The Calgary Flames made a big move by signing goaltender Braden Holtby to a one-year contract. Holtby, a former Vezina Trophy winner, will provide some stability in net for the Flames and could be a key piece in their quest for a playoff spot.

The Vancouver Canucks also made some significant signings on July 1st, including forward Conor Garland and defenseman Tucker Poolman. Garland is coming off a career year with the Arizona Coyotes, where he scored 39 points in 49 games, while Poolman brings some much-needed size and physicality to the Canucks’ blue line.

Overall, Canadian teams made some smart moves on July 1st, adding key players to their rosters that will help them compete in the upcoming season. With the NHL season just around the corner, fans can look forward to seeing how these new acquisitions will impact their favorite teams.