Such is life these days for the NHL’s rebuilding teams, looking to chart a course back to the playoffs in a league with a rising salary cap. “(Free agency) is something that’s definitely a tool in our toolbox in roster building,” Davidson said. Making the most of the NHL’s healthy financial outlook, many of the league’s top teams retained their best players this summer. The 28-year-old Kaprizov could have hit free agency after this season, but the talented forward stayed with the Wild for a record-setting deal. When it comes to their prospects in other programs, NHL teams stay in close contact with their players and the coaching staffs on their teams.