Following an exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs and the Florida Panthers securing their second consecutive championship by defeating the Oilers, the NHL offseason is set to begin. Attention now turns to the upcoming free agency period, which promises to feature several significant names.
Key Panthers players, forward Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, along with defenseman Aaron Ekblad, are among those scheduled to become unrestricted free agents on July 1st. Panthers GM Bill Zito is expected to make significant efforts to keep this core trio if possible, following their team`s remarkable success.
Beyond the Panthers` key free agents, Toronto Maple Leafs standout Mitch Marner stands out as arguably the most prominent player potentially hitting the open market this summer, available to teams prepared to make the highest offers.
Marner and the talented Panthers group are just a few of the notable names expected to be available. Let`s delve into the list of ten significant players NHL teams might target when the free agency period opens on July 1st.
Mitch Marner (C, Maple Leafs)
Mitch Marner is undeniably the top attraction in the 2025 free agent class. While a key part of the Toronto Maple Leafs` potent forward group, it seems highly likely he will explore opportunities elsewhere this offseason. The star center had a career-best performance, tallying 27 goals and 75 assists for 102 points, making him a premier playmaker available at the perfect time. Marner is set to command the largest contract on the open market and is capable of dramatically boosting an NHL franchise`s top line. Potential destinations include the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes, all making strong cases.
The Utah Mammoth aim to build excitement in their new Salt Lake City market after a solid first season. However, the Vegas Golden Knights are known for aggressively pursuing top talent and are expected to make a significant push for a player of Marner`s caliber. They typically find ways to manage their cap to acquire stars. The anticipated rise in the salary cap could also benefit the Golden Knights, potentially allowing Marner to sign a shorter-term deal that fits their strategy.
Prediction: Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights
Sam Bennett (C, Panthers)
The Florida Panthers` achievement of winning back-to-back Stanley Cups is truly remarkable. This level of success often necessitates difficult decisions regarding player retention. Sam Bennett, who was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy for his outstanding playoff performance, is a key unrestricted free agent for the Panthers. Bennett was phenomenal during the Cup run, leading the NHL postseason with 15 goals. His unique ability to dominate the area in front of the net and his knack for scoring make him an invaluable asset.
Should Bennett decide to test the free agent market, he would be highly sought after by many teams. Ultimately, he appears to have found an ideal fit in South Florida. With the Panthers showing no signs of slowing down, the organization is expected to do everything within its power to keep Bennett in their lineup.
Prediction: Bennett re-signs with Florida Panthers
Brock Boeser (RW, Canucks)
The Vancouver Canucks appear to be undergoing changes this offseason. Following the trade of J.T. Miller and coach Rick Tocchet`s departure to Philadelphia, Brock Boeser could also be heading to a new team as he enters free agency. Boeser is a skilled goal scorer known for his ability to find the back of the net from various positions. After hitting a 40-goal milestone in 2023-24, his production saw a slight decrease this past season, but he remains one of the top forwards available.
The Minnesota Wild are a logical fit given Boeser`s Minnesota roots. Other teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make sense for the winger. If the Maple Leafs lose Marner, acquiring Boeser to help fill the void in their top-six forward group seems like a plausible move.
Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW, Jets)
Nikolaj Ehlers has spent his entire ten-year NHL career with the Jets since being drafted 9th overall in 2014. He has been a reliable offensive contributor whenever healthy. While he has missed significant time due to injuries in recent seasons, he is still expected to be a high-priority target for many teams this summer. Ehlers might not be considered a top-line winger at this stage, but he fits exceptionally well on a team`s second line.
Ehlers won`t command a contract comparable to Marner or Bennett, offering a good value option for a contending team. If the Carolina Hurricanes don`t land Marner, Ehlers would be a strong addition to their top-six. Similarly, the Utah Mammoth, who were close to playoff contention, could benefit from his offensive punch.
Prediction: Ehlers signs with Mammoth
Brad Marchand (LW, Panthers)
Although Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe, Brad Marchand was equally crucial to Florida`s Stanley Cup success. Acquired just before the trade deadline, Marchand proved to be a tremendous addition. The veteran winger scored 10 goals and added 20 assists during the playoffs, including six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. Even at 37, Marchand demonstrated his value and will be an attractive option on the open market.
The main question is whether Marchand wants to leave South Florida. He has seemingly integrated seamlessly with his new teammates, famously taking them for ice cream runs during the postseason. Given his success and apparent comfort with the Panthers, it`s difficult to imagine the team not making every effort to keep him in Florida.
Prediction: Marchand re-signs with Panthers
Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)
It`s clear the Panthers face tough decisions this offseason following their championship win. Aaron Ekblad, a long-tenured Panther defender, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Throughout his 11-year career in Florida, Ekblad has been a solid, physical blue-liner and a vital part of the team`s defense during the playoffs. While not known primarily for offense like some other defensemen, he has shown an ability to score, reaching double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons. At 29, he still has prime years ahead.
After the Panthers` Cup victory, Ekblad expressed a strong desire to remain with the team. The organization will undoubtedly try to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad, but keeping all three high-caliber players with substantial salary demands will be challenging. Bennett and Marchand might be higher priorities, potentially leading to Ekblad exploring other options. The Detroit Red Wings could be a logical landing spot, where Ekblad could anchor their relatively young defensive corps and contribute immediately.
Prediction: Ekblad signs with Red Wings
John Tavares (C, Maple Leafs)
John Tavares joined the Maple Leafs in 2018 via free agency and completed his seven-year contract with the team. His tenure in Toronto saw ups and downs, but he still managed to score 222 goals over seven seasons. At 34, Tavares remains a capable scoring threat, as evidenced by his 38-goal season this year. He can still effectively play center in a team`s top six and contribute offensively on a consistent basis.
Reports indicate the Maple Leafs are interested in bringing Tavares back on a contract with a lower average annual value, though nothing is finalized yet. If Tavares explores the market and communicates with other teams, his departure from Toronto is possible. A younger team looking to enhance its roster and contend could be an attractive destination.
Prediction: Tavares signs with Canadiens
Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)
While Aaron Ekblad might be seen as the top free agent defenseman available, Vladislav Gavrikov is not far behind. Gavrikov has spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings after being acquired from the Blue Jackets at the 2023 trade deadline. The 29-year-old has developed into a reliable two-way defenseman, though offense isn`t his primary strength. Gavrikov is remarkably durable, having played at least 72 games in each of the last four seasons.
The Kings will likely prioritize re-signing Gavrikov to keep him in Los Angeles, especially after he posted his second-highest point total (30) this past season. As the Kings aim to advance further in the playoffs and potentially challenge teams like the Oilers, retaining Gavrikov would be a significant factor in their defensive stability and overall success.
Prediction: Gavrikov re-signs with Kings
Mikael Granlund (C, Stars)
Mikael Granlund was one of the more impactful acquisitions before the NHL trade deadline. Granlund was highly productive during the Stars` playoff run, notably scoring a hat trick against the Jets in their second-round series. The 33-year-old is still capable of double-digit goal seasons and offers a valuable veteran presence that a Stanley Cup contender would desire on their roster.
Granlund found success in Dallas late in the season, so a return is a possibility. However, a team like the Carolina Hurricanes could be a strong fit, given their need for more depth scoring beyond their top players during the playoffs. Granlund would provide Carolina with solid middle-six depth and help them better compete in the Eastern Conference, particularly if they miss out on acquiring a top name like Marner.
Prediction: Granlund signs with Hurricanes
Claude Giroux (C, Senators)
At 37, Claude Giroux may no longer be the superstar forward he once was, but he will still generate considerable interest on the open market. The former Flyers captain has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Ottawa Senators and has remained remarkably productive, contributing 15 goals and 35 assists for 50 points this past season. Giroux is still a very capable playmaker and brings invaluable postseason experience to any team.
Giroux initially signed with the Senators to play close to home and helped push the franchise towards playoff contention this past season. His lack of an extension close to free agency suggests he might be exploring his options. If the Senators cannot retain him, a return to the City of Brotherly Love with the Philadelphia Flyers is a strong possibility. Giroux, who was drafted by the Flyers, would provide exceptional veteran leadership and skill to their young locker room.
Prediction: Giroux signs with Flyers
