The five best contracts signed in 2026 NHL Free Agency so far

During the 2026 NHL Free Agency period, which opened July 1, Daily Faceoff writer Scott Maxwell identified the five best contracts signed so far as of July 10, 2026. The article highlights that smart general managers are finding value in cost-efficient signings rather than pursuing high-priced big-name players costing $5-10 million. With the salary cap continuing to rise, the piece emphasizes the importance of locking core players into long-term deals of seven or eight seasons at favorable rates.