The NHL offseason is set to begin following another thrilling Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the Florida Panthers claimed their second consecutive title by once again defeating the Edmonton Oilers, attention remains focused on South Florida.
Forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, along with defenseman Aaron Ekblad, are all poised to become unrestricted free agents when the market opens on July 1st at noon ET. Panthers general manager Bill Zito will likely make every effort to keep all three players if possible.
In addition to this key trio from the Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner stands out as easily the biggest name who will be available to the highest bidder in free agency this summer.
However, Marner and the talented Panthers players won`t be the only major figures hitting the open market. Let`s examine ten of the most prominent names that NHL franchises could look to sign on July 1st.
Mitch Marner (C, Maple Leafs)
There`s no doubt that Marner is the centerpiece of the 2025 free agency class. While he`s been a key member of the Toronto Maple Leafs` skilled forward group in recent years, his departure this summer appears highly probable. The star center timed his best season perfectly, setting a new career-high with 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists) to lead the Maple Leafs. Marner is an exceptional playmaker who will significantly enhance the top line of any NHL team next season and beyond. He is expected to command the largest contract among all free agents, and deservedly so. The Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes are all teams that could be strong fits for the veteran.
The Mammoth aim to build excitement in their new market after a solid first season in Salt Lake City. However, it`s difficult to imagine the Golden Knights not doing everything possible to acquire a player of Marner`s caliber. This is a franchise known for big moves, and they will likely adjust their cap situation to make it work. The projected increase in the salary cap could also play a role, potentially allowing Marner to sign a shorter-term deal, which might also benefit the Golden Knights. Prediction: Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights
Sam Bennett (C, Panthers)
The Panthers` achievement of back-to-back Stanley Cups is truly remarkable. When a team experiences such success, tough decisions must often be made regarding retaining top talent. Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and is arguably the top UFA for the Panthers. Bennett was outstanding throughout the team`s Stanley Cup victory, leading the NHL postseason with 15 goals. His ability to occupy space effectively in front of the net is unmatched, and he simply possesses a knack for scoring goals.
If Bennett decides to explore offers from other teams, he will be a highly sought-after player in free agency. Ultimately, Bennett has found an exceptional situation in South Florida. With the Panthers showing no signs of slowing down, the organization will do everything within its power to keep Bennett in their locker room. Prediction: Bennett re-signs with Florida Panthers
Brock Boeser (RW, Canucks)
The Vancouver Canucks are undergoing some changes this offseason. First, forward J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers, and coach Rick Tocchet decided to return to his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. Now, Boeser might also be changing addresses when he enters free agency. Boeser is a skilled goal scorer capable of finding the back of the net from various positions on the ice. After a 40-goal campaign in 2023-24, Boeser saw a dip in production this past season, but he is still expected to be one of the top available forwards on the market.
The Minnesota Wild are a logical fit for Boeser, given that he is originally from Minnesota. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make sense for the star winger. If the Maple Leafs lose Marner in free agency, it would not be surprising to see them attempt to replace some of that production among their top six forwards with Boeser. Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW, Jets)
Ehlers has spent his entire 10-year career with the Winnipeg Jets since being selected 9th overall in the 2014 NHL Draft. Ehlers has been a consistent offensive contributor when healthy. While he has missed significant time due to injuries in recent years, he will likely still be high on many teams` wish lists this summer. Ehlers may not be a top-line winger at this stage of his career, but he is an excellent fit for a team`s second line.
Ehlers will not command the same salary as a player like Marner or Bennett, offering good value for a contender. If the Hurricanes miss out on Marner, Ehlers would be a solid addition to their group of top-six forwards. The same applies to the Mammoth, who were close to the playoff picture in 2024-25. Prediction: Ehlers signs with Mammoth
Brad Marchand (LW, Panthers)
While Bennett took home the Conn Smythe Trophy during Florida`s Stanley Cup run, Marchand was equally crucial to the team`s postseason success. Marchand was acquired just before the trade deadline, a move that proved to be a massive addition. The veteran winger recorded 10 goals and 20 assists during the playoffs, with six goals coming in the Stanley Cup Final. Even at 37 years old, Marchand demonstrated his value and would still be a highly attractive commodity on the open market.
The question is whether Marchand would want to leave South Florida. He seems to have integrated seamlessly with his new teammates, even taking them for ice cream after playoff wins. Considering the success Marchand has had with the Panthers, it is hard to imagine the Panthers not doing everything in their power to keep him in the Sunshine State. Prediction: Marchand re-signs with Panthers
Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)
It`s evident that the Panthers will need to be very active this summer after winning the championship. Ekblad, who has played his entire 11-year career with the Panthers, is slated to become an unrestricted free agent. Ekblad has been a tough, physical defenseman throughout his time in Florida and was a significant part of the team`s defense during the postseason. While he may not offer the same offensive production as players like Cale Makar or Zach Werenski, Ekblad can certainly contribute offensively, having scored double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons. He is also still only 29 years old.
Following Florida`s Stanley Cup win, Ekblad expressed a clear desire to remain with the franchise. The Panthers will undoubtedly attempt to pull out all the stops to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. However, keeping three players of that caliber, who will demand substantial annual salaries, is a very difficult task. Ultimately, I believe Bennett and Marchand might be higher priorities, which could lead to Ekblad potentially leaving. The Red Wings could be a logical landing spot, as Ekblad still has plenty of good hockey ahead of him and could help anchor Detroit`s young defensive core. Prediction: Ekblad signs with Red Wings
John Tavares (C, Maple Leafs)
Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2018 and remained with the franchise for the duration of his seven-year contract. Tavares had a somewhat inconsistent tenure in Toronto but still accumulated 222 goals over seven seasons. At 34 years old, Tavares is still a very capable scoring threat, as demonstrated by his 38-goal campaign this season. He remains a center who can fit into a team`s top six and produce consistently.
It appears the Maple Leafs are interested in bringing Tavares back on a contract with a lower average annual value, but nothing has materialized yet. If Tavares decides to engage with other teams in free agency, it is possible he could leave the Maple Leafs. If a younger team looking to contend comes calling, it wouldn`t be a huge surprise if he took his talents elsewhere. Prediction: Tavares signs with Canadiens
Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)
While Ekblad is likely considered the top defenseman available, Gavrikov is not far behind. Gavrikov has spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2023 trade deadline. The 29-year-old has developed into a very strong two-way defenseman during his career, though he is not known for high offensive production. Gavrikov is incredibly durable, having played at least 72 games in each of the past four seasons.
It is likely the Kings will make every effort to persuade Gavrikov to remain in Los Angeles. After all, Gavrikov had his second-highest point total (30) this past season. As the Kings look to advance past the first round and potentially challenge the Oilers, Gavrikov would be a significant part of their potential success. Prediction: Gavrikov re-signs with Kings
Mikael Granlund (C, Stars)
Granlund was one of the more underrated pickups prior to the NHL trade deadline. Granlund was very productive during the Stars` playoff run, including a hat trick performance against the Jets in Game 4 of their second-round series. The 33-year-old is still capable of scoring double-digit goals and will likely be a veteran presence desired by a Stanley Cup contender.
Granlund found success in Dallas late in the season, so a reunion between the two sides cannot be ruled out. However, a team like the Carolina Hurricanes might be a good fit given how reliant they seemed on their top players during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Granlund would provide Carolina with solid middle-six depth and help them compete with Florida in the Eastern Conference if they miss out on Marner. Prediction: Granlund signs with Hurricanes
Claude Giroux (C, Senators)
At 37 years old, Giroux may not be the superstar forward he once was, but he will still attract considerable interest on the open market. The former Flyers captain has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Ottawa Senators and has remained very productive. Giroux is still a very capable playmaker, as evidenced by his 50-point performance (15 goals, 35 assists) last season. He also brings extensive postseason experience to any team that acquires his services.
The Hearst, Ontario native originally signed with the Senators to play close to home, and he even helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season. With Giroux still without an extension this close to free agency, it could indicate that the veteran forward is considering testing the market. If the Senators are unable to retain Giroux, the Flyers could have a chance to lure him back to the City of Brotherly Love. After all, Giroux was drafted by the Flyers and would be a phenomenal veteran voice in a young locker room. Prediction: Giroux signs with Flyers
