NHL free agency winners and losers: Fourth-liners cash in, Kings keep getting older

On Day 1 of NHL free agency, the Carolina Hurricanes and Florida Panthers were identified as winners, while the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks were labeled losers. The Kings drew criticism for re-signing veteran Corey Perry, continuing a pattern of aging acquisitions. Depth players across the league also benefited, with fourth-line forwards cashing in on contracts in a rising salary cap environment.