Gavrikov had 30 points (five goals, 25 assists) and was plus-26 in 82 regular-season games for the Los Angeles Kings last season. He also led them with 140 blocked shots and played 23:05 per game, second behind Drew Doughty (24:08), who only played 30 games.

Re-signing the defenseman was a top priority for both the Kings’ former and new GM, and his exit leaves the team with a big defensive hole.

With Brock Boeser, Vancouver took one of the more high-profile free agents off the board in what was already regarded as a depleted pool of talent.

We might only be through two days of NHL free agency, but the pool of talent is starting to get a bit low already. From players who re-signed with teams before July 1 to the ones who've signed since,

The Buffalo News will track the Sabres' free agent signings, as well as notable free agent signings around the NHL.

The biggest potential signing, forward Nikolaj Ehlers, decided he will wait at least a day before making a decision on his future. He played for the Winnipeg Jets for the past 10 seasons. It all conspired to make for a memorable day,