5 NHL teams that improved the most through free agency ft. Nashville Predators

The first wave of NHL free agency has passed, with most of the top players signed. Some teams were more active than others, but none had a bigger splash than the Nashville Predators.

Free agency is a time for NHL teams to add pieces to their roster to try and get them over the hump to hoist the Stanley Cup. After the first wave of free agency, here are the five most improved teams.

5 NHL teams that improved the most through free agency

#1. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have already won the offseason. Three of the top five free agents available were Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei. Somehow, Nashville was able to sign all of them to long-term deals.

Although the last couple of years of those contracts may not look good, Nashville is in win-now mode and is a serious Cup contender going into the 2024-25 season.

#2. New Jersey Devils

The New Jersey Devils had a disappointing year last season, as they failed to make the playoffs. In the offseason, New Jersey addressed their biggest need of goaltending, as they traded for Jacob Markstrom.

In free agency, the Devils signed Brett Pesce, one of the defensemen available. They also added Brendon Dillon on defense and Stefan Noesen up front.

#3. Utah

The Utah Hockey Club was aggressive in its first offseason. The knock on the Arizona Coyotes was that the owner never wanted to spend money. However, that is far from what happened in Utah as Ryan Smith wants his team to be competitive from the get-go.

Utah traded for Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino, re-signed Sean Durzi and signed Ian Cole to improve the defense.

#4. Washington Capitals

NHL: Washington was swept in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs (Image credit: Imagn)

The Washington Capitals squeezed into the Stanley Cup playoffs but were swept in the first round by the New York Rangers.

In the offseason, Washington vastly improved their team as they traded for Pierre-Luc Dubois, Andrew Mangiapane, Jakob Chychrun and Logan Thompson. They also signed Matt Roy in free agency and now Washington looks to be a much better team.

The Capitals likely aren't a Stanley Cup contender but they could win a round in the NHL playoffs.

#5. Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins needed help at center and on defense, and they accomplished those goals in free agency. Boston signed Elias Lindholm to be their No. 1 center and Nikita Zadorov to strengthen their D-core.

The Bruins had a good core in place, and by adding those two, Boston is a better overall team.