NHL Free Agency 2025: Top 10 Players and Predicted Destinations

As the NHL offseason begins following an exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs that saw the Panthers claim their second consecutive championship against the Oilers, attention is focused on South Florida. Key Panthers players—forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, along with defenseman Aaron Ekblad—are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents when the market opens on July 1st at noon ET. Panthers GM Bill Zito is expected to prioritize re-signing this core group. Beyond the Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs sensation Mitch Marner stands out as potentially the most sought-after player in free agency. While Marner and the notable Panthers trio are major names, they are not the only significant players hitting the market this summer. Here`s a look at ten of the top individuals NHL teams will be vying for on July 1st.

1. Mitch Marner (C, Maple Leafs)

Mitch Marner is widely considered the top unrestricted free agent heading into 2025. A key member of the Toronto Maple Leafs` potent offense, it`s heavily speculated he will sign with a new team this offseason. Marner had a career-best season with 102 points (27 goals, 75 assists), making his timing perfect. As a premier playmaker, he is expected to significantly boost a team`s top forward line. Marner will likely command the highest salary of any free agent, and multiple teams are seen as potential destinations, including the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes. While the Mammoth are looking to build momentum in their new market, the Golden Knights, known for aggressively pursuing star talent, are strong contenders. Vegas has a history of making cap space for impact players. The rising salary cap could also favor shorter-term deals, potentially benefiting the Golden Knights. Prediction: Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights

2. Sam Bennett (C, Panthers)

The Panthers` achievement of winning two consecutive Stanley Cups is remarkable, but sustained success often requires difficult roster decisions. Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and is arguably the most crucial re-signing for the Panthers. Bennett was outstanding during the Stanley Cup run, leading the playoffs with 15 goals. His skill at establishing position in front of the net and scoring ability are elite. Should Bennett explore options with other teams, he would be a highly sought-after player. However, he appears to be in an ideal situation in South Florida. Given the Panthers` continued strength, the team is expected to make every effort to keep Bennett. Prediction: Bennett re-signs with Florida Panthers

3. Brock Boeser (RW, Canucks)

The Vancouver Canucks are seeing some roster changes this offseason, including the trade of J.T. Miller and coach Rick Tocchet`s move to Philadelphia. Brock Boeser could be the next key departure via free agency. Boeser is known as a skilled scorer capable of finding the net from various positions. Although his production decreased slightly last season after a 40-goal year in 2023-24, he remains a top forward target. The Minnesota Wild are a logical fit, as Boeser is from Minnesota. Other potential suitors include the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs. If the Maple Leafs lose Mitch Marner, adding Boeser to their top two lines would be a reasonable move to offset that loss. Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs

4. Nikolaj Ehlers (LW, Jets)

Nikolaj Ehlers has played his entire 10-season NHL career with the Jets since being drafted 9th overall in 2014. He has consistently provided offense when healthy. Despite missing notable time with injuries recently, Ehlers is expected to be high on many teams` free agent lists. While perhaps not a primary top-line player now, he is an excellent fit for a team`s second line. Ehlers will command a lower salary than players like Marner or Bennett, offering good value for a contending team. If the Carolina Hurricanes are unable to sign Marner, Ehlers would be a strong addition to their forward group. The Utah Mammoth, having been close to the playoffs in 2024-25, could also benefit from adding a player like Ehlers. Prediction: Ehlers signs with Utah Mammoth

5. Brad Marchand (LW, Panthers)

While Sam Bennett won the Conn Smythe, Brad Marchand was equally vital to the Panthers` playoff success. Acquired near the trade deadline, he provided a significant boost. The experienced winger tallied 10 goals and 20 assists in the playoffs, including six goals in the Stanley Cup Final. At 37, Marchand demonstrated his value and remains a desirable free agent. The main question is if Marchand wishes to leave South Florida. He appeared to integrate well with the team, famously taking them out for ice cream. Given his success with the Panthers, it is highly likely the organization will work hard to retain him. Prediction: Marchand re-signs with Florida Panthers

6. Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)

Coming off a championship, the Panthers face a busy offseason. Aaron Ekblad, an 11-year veteran defenseman with the team, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Ekblad has been a reliable, physical presence on the blue line and was crucial in their playoff run. While not known for elite offense like Makar or Werenski, he is capable of scoring, having hit double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons at age 29. Following the Stanley Cup victory, Ekblad expressed a desire to stay with the team. The Panthers are expected to make a strong push to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. However, retaining three high-salary players of their caliber is challenging. It`s possible that re-signing Bennett and Marchand takes priority, potentially leading to Ekblad`s departure. The Detroit Red Wings appear to be a sensible destination, as Ekblad could provide experienced leadership for their developing defense. Prediction: Ekblad signs with Detroit Red Wings

7. John Tavares (C, Maple Leafs)

John Tavares joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2018 and played out his seven-year contract with the team. His time in Toronto had highs and lows, but he accumulated 222 goals over seven seasons. At 34, Tavares remains a potent scorer, demonstrated by his 38 goals this past season. He can still effectively play center in a team`s top-six and contribute consistently. While the Maple Leafs are reportedly interested in bringing Tavares back on a less expensive deal, no agreement has been reached. If Tavares explores the free agent market, leaving the Maple Leafs is a possibility. A young, competitive team could potentially entice him to sign elsewhere. Prediction: Tavares signs with Montreal Canadiens

8. Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)

Though Ekblad is often seen as the top defenseman available, Vladislav Gavrikov is also a significant free agent. Gavrikov has played for the Kings for the last two seasons after being acquired from the Blue Jackets in 2023. The 29-year-old has become a reliable two-way defenseman, although offense isn`t his primary strength. He is notably durable, having played at least 72 games in each of the past four seasons. The Kings are expected to strongly pursue retaining Gavrikov. He had his second-highest career point total (30) last season. As the Kings aim to advance further in the playoffs and compete against teams like the Oilers, Gavrikov`s presence on the blue line would be crucial. Prediction: Gavrikov re-signs with Los Angeles Kings

9. Mikael Granlund (C, Stars)

Mikael Granlund was considered an excellent acquisition before the NHL trade deadline. He performed well during the Stars` playoff run, including a hat trick against the Jets. The 33-year-old can still score double-digit goals and provides valuable veteran experience for a Cup contending team. Given his successful stint with Dallas, re-signing there is possible. However, the Carolina Hurricanes could also be a fit, especially considering their need for secondary scoring depth, as seen in the playoffs. Granlund would strengthen Carolina`s middle-six forwards and help them compete in the Eastern Conference, particularly if they miss out on a player like Marner. Prediction: Granlund signs with Carolina Hurricanes

10. Claude Giroux (C, Senators)

At 37, Claude Giroux may no longer be a top-tier superstar, but he is expected to attract significant interest in free agency. The former Flyers captain has been productive over his last three seasons with his hometown Senators. Giroux remains an effective playmaker, evident from his 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) last season. He also offers extensive playoff experience. Giroux initially joined the Senators to play near home and helped lead the team to the playoffs last season. His lack of a contract extension close to free agency suggests he may explore his options. If the Senators cannot re-sign him, the Philadelphia Flyers are a strong possibility. Giroux was drafted by the Flyers and would be a valuable veteran presence for their young roster. Prediction: Giroux signs with Philadelphia Flyers