"That's like 5-10 players in NBA one day": Fans react to 2024 NHL free agency Day 1 spendings crossing record-breaking $1 Billion

Fans reacted as NHL free agency broke a new spending record of $1 billion on the first day. The free agency period frenzy kicked off on Monday, July 1, showcasing some big-name, unrestricted free agents hitting the markets and swiftly vanishing as they secured new deals with teams.

CapFriendly's data revealed a whopping 127 contracts getting inked by 5 p.m. ET on the first day of free agency, marking a historic shopping spree in NHL history. The salary cap, which had been relatively stagnant due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has seen a boost from $83.5 million to $88.5 million.

The salary cap increase has attracted a bigger crowd of free agents, as many players went for short deals last season, eyeing lucrative contracts this year. As a result, a whopping 126 contracts worth over $1.2 million were sealed on day one.

Here's what NHL fans on X/Twitter had to say about NHL free agency Day 1 record-breaking spending. One fan compared it to NBA spending and humorously commented:

"That's like 5-10 players in NBA one day lol"

Another fan joined the conversation and shared their reaction:

"Most interesting free agency day I can remember (but I'm young). Anyone remember when this day was a total snooze fest in the mid 2010's?"

"That’s a lot of money on a relatively mediocre crop of free agents, but it’s a good sign that the league is healthy!" another X user posted.

Here are some of the other top reactions to NHL free agency Day 1 spending:

"Imagine if Anaheim had signed somebody??? They only have to spend $9 mil to be cap compliant," another posted.

"Arte Moreno needed a decade to spend that much. And baseball is a much bigger market sport in America," one opined.

"That’s cute, Celtics starting 5 is making the same amount," another fan jokingly tweeted.

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Steven Stamkos headlines NHL free agency

Steven Stamkos stole the spotlight on the opening day of NHL free agency. After an impressive 16-year run with the Tampa Bay Lightning, clinching two consecutive Stanley Cups, the 34-year-old veteran bid a heartfelt farewell to the Bolts.

"Thank you Tampa I don’t have the words yet ….. I will soon . It’s still too early to process. Just wanted everyone to know how thankful we are for 16 years as a bolt. My family and I are excited for the next chapter….," Stamkos tweeted.

The Nashville Predators swooped in, signing Stamkos on a four-year worth $8 million annually.

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