The Latest: Lucic signs $42 million, 7-year deal with Oilers
The Latest on NHL free agency (all times Eastern):
12:45 p.m.
The Edmonton Oilers have signed left wing Milan Lucic to a $42 million, seven-year deal. Lucic will count $6 million against the Oilers' salary cap.
Agent Gerry Johannson confirmed the terms of the deal in an email to The Associated Press.
Lucic will help fill the void left by Edmonton's trade of left wing Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils for defenseman Adam Larsson.
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12:30 p.m.
The Buffalo Sabres have signed winger Kyle Okposo to a $42 million, seven-year deal. Agent Pat Brisson confirmed the terms of the contract.
The Sabres turned to Okposo after Steven Stamkos re-signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on a $68 million, eight-year deal.
The Okposo deal was among a flurry of early signings that included Troy Brouwer to the Calgary Flames for $4.5 million person on a four-year deal and David Backes to the Boston Bruins on a $30 million, five-year deal.
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Noon
The puck has dropped on NHL free agency.
A slew of deals were expected to be done before the sun sets Friday.
Steven Stamkos stopped the sweepstakes for his services Wednesday with a $68 million, eight-year contract to stay in Tampa Bay. That deal was announced on the same day as a blockbuster trade that sent defenseman P.K. Subban to Nashville and Shea Weber to Montreal.
The Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs were projected to be major players in free agency, hoping to make a splash by signing big-name players.
Milan Lucic, Kyle Okposo and Loui Eriksson were among the top players available.
The NHL's salary cap went up slightly to $73 million for next season.
