Happy Canada Day, and happy free agency day Canucks fans!

We will be updating our live blog all day today, so if you’re looking for up-to-the-minute news, click here!

But before that, we thought it would be good to get everyone up to speed about some of the news items from around the league that you may have missed before the free agency window even opened.

Zach Werenski vetoes trade to Dallas Stars. On Tuesday night, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported that Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Zach Werenski vetoed a trade to the Dallas Stars. Thomas Harley was supposed to be the centrepiece of the return going back to Dallas.

The Toronto Maple Leafs traded Nick Robertson to the Pittsburgh Penguins. In return, the Leafs recouped a fourth-round pick.

Bowen Byram is expected to sign a six-year deal in Chicago at $12.5 million AAV. This contract will make Byram the highest-paid defenceman in the NHL. The Blackhawks paid a premium to land the 25-year-old defenceman in their trade with the Buffalo Sabres, parting ways with the 4th overall pick. Now, they’ve paid a premium to keep him in Chicago for the next six years. Byram tallied 42 points through 82 games with the Sabres last season and has never received a single vote for the Norris Trophy to this point of his career.

Mavrik Bourque traded to and extended in Nashville. The Predators sent a second and third round pick to the Dallas Stars in exchange for RFA Mavrik Bourque.

For other news… like Ivan Demidov signing an extension with the Montreal Canadiens, Radko Gudas signing a six-year contract with the Florida Panthers, and everything else that’s going to happen today, be sure to check out our live blog by clicking here! 

Also be sure to tune into the Daily Faceoff Free Agency special below!