2022 NHL free agency - Day 1 winners and losers, plus the top remaining players

NHL free agency began on Wednesday and it was a busy day across the league.

When an NHL player's contract expires and he has either seven seasons or is 27 years old or older, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

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These players are free to sign with any team they want, as long as the team makes them a contract offer.

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When a player becomes an unrestricted free agent, he can sign for a maximum of seven years.

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He can sign for eight years with his current team before entering free agency.

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On Wednesday, general manager Steve Yzerman got to work, signing a slew of good players to long-term contracts.

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Andrew Copp (five years, $5.625 million AAV), Ben Chiarot (four years, $4.75 million AAV), David Perron (two years, $4.75 million AAV), and Dominik Kubalik (two years, $2.5 million AAV) are among the key additions.

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Perron had a breakout season with the St. Louis Blues in 2021-22 and will be a valuable member of the Red Wings' middle-six.

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The newcomers will join Lucas Raymond, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Dylan Larkin up front, making the Red Wings look much more formidable.

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