With the Stanley Cup Final now concluded, NHL teams are turning their attention to the offseason, with the Entry Draft and free agency approaching.
After a two-year absence from the league, veteran forward Jonathan Toews, formerly of the Chicago Blackhawks, is set to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. Toews` last NHL season was 2022-23; he has accumulated 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) over 1,067 career regular-season games.
Originally from Winnipeg, the skilled center will have the opportunity to play for his hometown franchise.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Stars, who reached the Western Conference Final for the third straight year, are already making moves. They have signed forward Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension worth $18 million ($4.5 million average annual value). Duchene was scheduled to become a free agent this summer.
Duchene joined Dallas in the 2023 offseason and has played two seasons with the team.
NHL free agency officially commences on July 1 at noon ET. However, teams often work to extend existing players or complete trades before this date.
Toronto Maple Leafs forward Mitch Marner is expected to be one of the most sought-after players on the unrestricted free agent market this summer. Other notable names in the potentially deep free agent class include Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
Jonathan Toews Set for NHL Return with Winnipeg Jets
Jonathan Toews is preparing for his return to the NHL after a two-year hiatus. The Jets confirmed that Toews will sign with the team once the free agency period begins on July 1.
Toews` career totals include 883 points (372 goals, 511 assists) across 1,067 regular-season games. He holds prominent rankings in Chicago Blackhawks history for games played (5th), points (6th), goals (6th), assists (8th), and game-winning goals (3rd with 69). In his most recent season (2022-23), he registered 15 goals and 16 assists in 53 games. His extensive list of achievements includes three Stanley Cups with Chicago and the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2010.
Dallas Stars Re-Sign Matt Duchene to Four-Year Extension
Dallas is retaining a significant veteran piece of their roster. The team has secured forward Matt Duchene on a four-year extension with an average annual value of $4.5 million. Duchene was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
In the 2024-25 regular season, Duchene led the Stars in scoring with 30 goals and a career-high 52 assists, totaling 82 points – the second-best offensive season of his 16-year career. He also contributed six points (one goal, five assists) in 18 playoff games. Duchene is expected to remain a key offensive contributor in the Stars` top six as they aim for a Stanley Cup next season.
Colorado Avalanche Extend Forward Brock Nelson
The Avalanche are ensuring one of their key potential free agents remains with the team. They have signed forward Brock Nelson to a three-year extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Nelson was acquired by the Avalanche from the New York Islanders at the 2025 trade deadline. He posted 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games for Colorado, finishing the season with 56 combined points (26 goals, 30 assists) between the two teams. He added four assists in the Avalanche`s first-round playoff series loss to the Dallas Stars. Nelson is expected to continue centering the team`s second line, potentially playing alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin.
Nelson is scheduled to turn 34 near the beginning of the 2025-26 season this fall.
