The NHL’s free-agency period opens at noon ET on July 1, marking one of the most frenzied days in the hockey calendar. While most teams leap into action, five franchises in particular must spend smartly to strengthen their rosters for the coming season.

San Diego Padres president of baseball operations A.J. Preller recently addressed the Los Angeles Dodgers’ strong offseason spending. With the Dodgers standing as reigning back-to-back World Series champions, the Padres are sizing up their approach to stay competitive in one of baseball’s most intense rivalries.