NHL Free Agency 2025: Top Players and Key Moves

The NHL offseason is heating up as teams prepare for the 2025 free agency period. With the salary cap projected to rise significantly over the next three seasons, teams are strategizing to retain their key players or make bold moves in the free agent market.

The Mitch Marner Saga

Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' star winger, is the most talked-about free agent this offseason. Despite his noncommittal stance during the postseason media availability, speculation is rife that Marner might be looking for a change of scenery. Over the past five seasons, Marner has been a consistent point producer, but his playoff performance has been under scrutiny. Teams like the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth are rumored to be interested in acquiring his services.

Tier 1: The Elite Free Agents

Marner isn't the only elite player available. Other top-tier free agents include:

• Sam Bennett (C, Florida Panthers): Known for his gritty playoff performances, Bennett is expected to command a hefty contract.
• Brock Boeser (RW, Vancouver Canucks): After a 40-goal campaign, Boeser is attracting interest from multiple teams.
• Nikolaj Ehlers (LW/RW, Winnipeg Jets): A consistent point producer, Ehlers is looking to secure a long-term deal.

Tier 2: Impact Players

Players in this tier can make an immediate impact on any team:

• Aaron Ekblad (D, Florida Panthers): A Stanley Cup winner, Ekblad is the top defenseman available.
• Brad Marchand (LW, Florida Panthers): A veteran with a winning pedigree, Marchand is still a valuable asset.
• John Tavares (C, Toronto Maple Leafs): Despite his age, Tavares remains a productive center.

Tier 3: Best Bets

These players have shown they are worth the investment:

• Matt Duchene (C, Dallas Stars): After a strong season, Duchene is likely to stay with the Stars.
• Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Los Angeles Kings): A solid defenseman, Gavrikov is a key player for the Kings.
• Claude Giroux (C, Ottawa Senators): Giroux continues to be a reliable scorer.

Tier 4: Best Values

Under-the-radar gems that can provide great value:

• Anthony Beauvillier (F, Washington Capitals): A budget-friendly option with strong underlying numbers.
• Connor Brown (RW, Edmonton Oilers): A hard-working player who had a breakout playoff performance.
• Evgenii Dadonov (F, Dallas Stars): Still capable of contributing offensively.

Tier 5: Boom-or-Bust Players

Players who could either justify their contracts or become burdens:

• Jamie Benn (LW, Dallas Stars): A veteran leader, but his best offensive days are behind him.
• Brent Burns (D, Carolina Hurricanes): A puck-moving defenseman, but his production has declined.
• Jonathan Drouin (F, Colorado Avalanche): Talented but injury-prone.

Tier 6: Goalies

Available goaltenders who could make a difference:

• Jake Allen (New Jersey Devils): Outplayed Jacob Markstrom in the regular season.
• Alexander Georgiev (San Jose Sharks): Former starter for the Avalanche.
• Ilya Samsonov (Vegas Golden Knights): A cost-effective backup option.

Tier 7: The Spackle

Other free agents who don't neatly fit into the above tiers but could still contribute:

• **Mason Appleton (C, Winnipeg Jets)
• **Cam Atkinson (RW, Tampa Bay Lightning)
• **Joel Armia (LW/RW, Montreal Canadiens)

Conclusion

The 2025 NHL free agency period promises to be an exciting time for teams and fans alike. With a rising salary cap and a mix of elite talent and under-the-radar gems, the offseason could reshape the league's competitive landscape.