NHL Free Agency Overview
With the 2025 NHL Draft now in the rearview mirror, the focus is shifting to free agency, set to kick off in just two days. Ahead of this annual player market, our NHL analysts assessed the most challenging choices facing each of the 32 teams. Here’s a comprehensive review of those decisions.
Team Assessments
Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks, armed with $38 million in cap space, are in a prime position. General Manager Pat Verbeek is likely to allocate a significant portion of these funds toward re-signing key players Mason McTavish and Lukáš Dostál. However, the question remains: will the Ducks be prepared to offer a staggering $14 million average annual value (AAV) to lure a 100-point scorer like Mitch Marner? In a bid to turn into a playoff contender, they may have to make such an investment.
Boston Bruins
While the Boston Bruins also eye Marner, they face the prospect of their budget being greatly impacted by his price tag. Instead, they may benefit more by pursuing several cost-effective options in free agency.
Buffalo Sabres
Bowen Byram, the restricted free agent and defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres, may be available for trade if the market allows. His impressive career high in points makes him a valuable asset, but the team is also considering retaining him should trade options dry up.
Calgary Flames
Calgary’s Rasmus Andersson, although not a free agent this year, stands as their most significant trade asset. Teams might view him as a prime target, especially given the relatively weaker free-agent pool this season.
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes, despite having plenty of cap space, might find it strategic to wait for more prominent names to enter the market next year or through trades this season, as their current options do not promise substantial returns.
Chicago Blackhawks
With a substantial amount of cap space available, the Chicago Blackhawks are in an advantageous position but are likely to be cautious. Their focus is on the future, as they consider contracts for rising stars like Connor Bedard. They may look for a middle-ground approach in free agency.
Colorado Avalanche
After trading Charlie Coyle, the Colorado Avalanche now have $9 million in cap space. This puts them in a position to either secure a top talent or use the funds to deepen their roster with several role players.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Columbus Blue Jackets currently have two notable unrestricted free agent defensemen, Ivan Provorov and Dante Fabbro, whose futures remain uncertain. GM Don Waddell’s priority is reshaping the defense while weighing the risk of letting them leave without adequate replacements.
Dallas Stars
For the Dallas Stars, with significant financial decisions already made regarding Matt Duchene, the prospect of acquiring Marner or another high-profile free agent could necessitate moving young star Jason Robertson, who is due for a major pay increase next summer.
Detroit Red Wings
Detroit’s Steve Yzerman must navigate a challenging situation as the Red Wings have struggled to attract top-tier talent amid past failures due to overpayments. Yzerman will have to decide when to walk away from the table regarding potential free agents.
Edmonton Oilers
In Edmonton, GM Stan Bowman is faced with the task of altering the team’s forward lineup while dealing with several pending unrestricted free agents from last season. The Oilers’ priorities lie in balancing retention and adjustments to the attack.
Florida Panthers
Florida’s Aaron Ekblad, a cornerstone of the franchise for nearly a decade, is weighing extension discussions amid tight financial constraints. His potential exit to free agency could spark interest across the league for teams with available cap space.
Los Angeles Kings
For the Kings, retaining defenseman Vladislav Gavrikov is key. Should negotiations on a lucrative contract fail, they must consider significant changes to their defensive unit.
Minnesota Wild
The Minnesota Wild are in a quest for offensive assistance and may target Brock Boeser, especially if they can secure him for fewer years to preserve cap space for future stars.
Montreal Canadiens
In Montreal, Christian Dvorak‘s impending free agency is worrying given his significant contributions last season, yet the scarcity of centers on the market might lead him to seek better opportunities elsewhere.
Nashville Predators
Additionally, Nashville’s GM Barry Trotz publicly perceives that the Predators can rebound to competitiveness, but achieving this while avoiding aging players could be a tough balancing act, particularly if they pursue someone like Ekblad.
New Jersey Devils
With the New Jersey Devils possibly opting to trade Mercer to clear cap space, as he has shown durability but not consistent point production, his future is uncertain.
New York Islanders
The New York Islanders recently made a bold roster change by trading Noah Dobson, opening up questions on how they will handle established players as they rebuild for the future.
New York Rangers
For the New York Rangers, the decision on whether to re-sign K’Andre Miller as he enters restricted free agency looms large, especially if they add to their lineup through other means.
Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators are awaiting a response from Claude Giroux on their latest contract proposal, with his decision significantly affecting their budget for the remainder of free agency.
Philadelphia Flyers
Particularly, the Philadelphia Flyers still need to fill a center position and secure a goalie, a plan complicated by the pressure of maintaining space for future investments while trying to optimize current strategies.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Kyle Dubas, general manager of the Penguins, faces an internal struggle: balancing cap space now with future prospect developments before making any aggressive moves.
San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks possess the most cap space in the league at $44 million but are in a rebuilding phase, indicating they will be prudent in their spending strategy.
Seattle Kraken
Given previous high spending, the Seattle Kraken have a critical choice ahead, especially following coaching and managerial changes post-free agency decisions last summer.
Tampa Bay Lightning
Lastly, in Tampa Bay, management must contemplate measures to offload salary while ensuring they stay competitive, a challenge familiar to GM Julien BriseBois. Decisions regarding contracts like Erik Cernak’s are particularly relevant towards this end.
Conclusion
As these teams gear up for free agency, the strategic decisions they face could significantly impact their rosters, competitiveness, and long-term plans heading into the new season.
