The Stanley Cup Final has concluded, and NHL teams are now focusing on the offseason, with the NHL Draft and free agency approaching.
Jonathan Toews Set to Join Jets
After a two-year absence from the NHL, former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is expected to sign with the Winnipeg Jets. Toews last played in the 2022-23 season, having accumulated 883 points (372 goals and 511 assists) over 1,067 career regular-season games. A native of Winnipeg, the skilled center will have the opportunity to play for his hometown team.
Matt Duchene Remains with Stars
Following their third consecutive loss in the Western Conference Final, the Dallas Stars are getting an early start on their offseason tasks. The Stars have signed forward Matt Duchene to a four-year contract extension valued at $18 million, carrying an annual average value (AAV) of $4.5 million. Duchene was originally scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. He has spent the last two seasons in Dallas since signing with the team during the 2023 offseason.
NHL free agency officially begins on July 1st. However, many teams are actively working to extend contracts with their current players or complete trades in the period leading up to that date. High-profile players potentially hitting the open market this summer include Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner, Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett, Vancouver Canucks winger Brock Boeser, and Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad.
Avalanche Extend Brock Nelson
The Colorado Avalanche are retaining a key potential free agent. The team has signed forward Brock Nelson to a three-year contract extension with an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson was slated to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.
Nelson was acquired by the Avalanche at the 2025 trade deadline from the New York Islanders. He recorded 13 points (6 goals and 7 assists) in 19 regular-season games for Colorado. Combined between the two teams, he posted 56 points (26 goals and 30 assists) and added four assists in the team`s first-round playoff series loss to the Dallas Stars. Nelson is anticipated to continue centering the Avalanche`s second line, potentially skating alongside Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Nelson is expected to turn 34 years old around the start of the 2025-26 season.
