The NHL offseason is now underway following another thrilling Stanley Cup Playoffs. With the Florida Panthers having secured their second consecutive championship by once again defeating the Edmonton Oilers, attention remains focused on South Florida.
Several key players for the Panthers – forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, along with defenseman Aaron Ekblad – are slated to become unrestricted free agents when the market officially opens on July 1 at noon ET. Panthers General Manager Bill Zito will likely make significant efforts to retain all three if possible.
In addition to the Panthers` notable trio, Toronto Maple Leafs superstar Mitch Marner is widely considered the biggest name expected to be available to the highest bidder in free agency.
Marner and the talented group from the Panthers are just a few of the prominent players hitting the open market this summer. Let`s take a look at 10 of the most significant names that NHL franchises will be looking to sign on July 1.Mitch Marner (C, Maple Leafs)
Mitch Marner is undoubtedly the top prize in the 2025 free agency class. While a key forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent years, his departure this summer appears highly probable. The star center recorded a career-best 102 points this past season (27 goals, 75 assists), leading the Maple Leafs. Marner is a premier playmaker capable of significantly boosting any team`s top line for years to come. He is set to command the largest contract on the open market, and rightfully so. Teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes seem like strong potential destinations.
Utah aims to build momentum after a solid inaugural season in Salt Lake City and generate excitement in a new market. However, it`s difficult to bet against the Golden Knights` pursuit of a player of Marner`s caliber. This franchise is known for aggressive moves and will likely find ways to manage their cap. The projected rise in the salary cap could also influence Marner, potentially making a shorter-term deal more appealing, which might favor Vegas.
Prediction: Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights
Sam Bennett (C, Panthers)
The Florida Panthers` achievement of winning two straight Stanley Cups is truly remarkable. Such success often requires difficult decisions regarding retaining key talent. Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and is arguably the most significant UFA for the Panthers. Bennett was outstanding during the Stanley Cup run, leading the NHL postseason with 15 goals. His ability to effectively occupy space in front of the net is exceptional, and he possesses a natural scoring touch.
If Bennett considers offers from other clubs, he will be a highly sought-after player in free agency. Ultimately, Bennett appears to have found an ideal fit in South Florida. With the Panthers showing no signs of decline, the organization is likely to prioritize keeping him.
Prediction: Bennett re-signs with Florida Panthers
Brock Boeser (RW, Canucks)
The Vancouver Canucks are seeing some significant changes this offseason. Following the trade of forward J.T. Miller to the New York Rangers and coach Rick Tocchet`s move to the Philadelphia Flyers, Brock Boeser might also be changing teams via free agency. Boeser is a skilled scorer capable of finding the back of the net from various spots on the ice. After reaching a 40-goal mark in 2023-24, his production dipped slightly this past season, but he remains one of the top forwards expected to be available.
A return to his home state makes the Minnesota Wild a logical destination for Boeser. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also represent plausible options for the star winger. If the Maple Leafs lose Mitch Marner in free agency, it would not be surprising to see them pursue Boeser to help fill the void in their top six.
Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW, Jets)
Nikolaj Ehlers has spent his entire 10-year NHL career with the Winnipeg Jets since being drafted 9th overall in 2014. Ehlers has consistently provided offense when healthy. Although he has missed significant time due to injuries in recent years, he is still expected to be high on many teams` target lists this summer. While perhaps no longer a top-line winger, he fits exceptionally well on a second line.
Ehlers will not demand the same salary as a Marner or Bennett, offering good value as a mid-tier option for a contender. If the Hurricanes are unable to land Marner, Ehlers would be a strong addition to their forward depth. The same applies to the Utah Mammoth, who were close to the playoff picture in 2024-25.
Prediction: Ehlers signs with Utah Mammoth
Brad Marchand (LW, Panthers)
While Sam Bennett earned the Conn Smythe Trophy during Florida`s Stanley Cup victory, Brad Marchand was equally vital to their playoff run. Acquired just before the trade deadline, he proved to be a significant asset. The veteran winger tallied 10 goals and 20 assists in the playoffs, with six of those goals coming in the Stanley Cup Final. Even at 37, Marchand demonstrated his value and remains a very appealing player on the open market.
The key question is whether Marchand would choose to leave South Florida. He seemed to integrate seamlessly with his new teammates, even famously taking them for ice cream during the postseason. Given Marchand`s success and apparent fit with the Panthers, it`s difficult to envision the team not making every effort to retain him.
Prediction: Marchand re-signs with Florida Panthers
Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)
It`s clear the Panthers face a busy summer after their championship win. Aaron Ekblad, who has played his entire 11-year career with Florida, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Ekblad has been a reliable, physical defenseman throughout his time with the Panthers and was a crucial part of their defensive group during the playoffs. While not known for offensive flair like players such as Cale Makar or Zach Werenski, Ekblad is certainly capable of scoring, reaching double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons. At 29, he still has productive years ahead.
Following the Stanley Cup win, Ekblad expressed his strong desire to stay with the franchise. The Panthers will undoubtedly make a major push to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. However, keeping three players of their caliber who will command significant salaries is a challenging task. Ultimately, Bennett and Marchand might be higher priorities, potentially leading to Ekblad exploring other options. The Detroit Red Wings could be a logical destination, given Ekblad`s remaining potential and ability to anchor their developing defensive corps.
Prediction: Ekblad signs with Detroit Red Wings
John Tavares (C, Maple Leafs)
John Tavares joined the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2018 and played out the entirety of his seven-year contract. His tenure in Toronto saw ups and downs, but he accumulated 222 goals during his time there. At 34 years old, Tavares remains a dangerous scoring threat, as evidenced by his 38-goal performance this season. He is still a center who can effectively play in a team`s top six and contribute consistently.
Reports suggest the Maple Leafs are interested in re-signing Tavares to a contract with a lower average annual value, but no deal has been reached. If Tavares engages with other teams in free agency, it`s possible he could leave the Maple Leafs. Should a younger, contending team express interest, it would not be entirely surprising if he chose to move on.
Prediction: Tavares signs with Canadiens
Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)
While Aaron Ekblad is generally considered the top defenseman available in free agency, Vladislav Gavrikov is a strong contender close behind. Gavrikov has played the last two seasons with the Kings after being acquired from the Columbus Blue Jackets at the 2023 trade deadline. The 29-year-old has developed into a reliable two-way defenseman during his career, although his offensive output isn`t his primary strength. Gavrikov is notably durable, having played at least 72 games in each of the past four seasons.
It is probable that the Kings will prioritize re-signing Gavrikov to keep him in Los Angeles. He recorded his second-highest point total (30) this past season. As the Kings aim to advance further in the playoffs and potentially challenge teams like the Oilers, Gavrikov would be a significant piece of their success.
Prediction: Gavrikov re-signs with Kings
Mikael Granlund (C, Stars)
Mikael Granlund proved to be one of the more valuable additions before the NHL trade deadline. He was highly productive during the Stars` playoff run, including a hat trick against the Jets in Game 4 of their second-round series. The 33-year-old is still capable of scoring double-digit goals and would likely provide a valuable veteran presence for a Stanley Cup contender.
Given his success in Dallas after joining the team, a return cannot be ruled out. However, a team like the Carolina Hurricanes could be a good fit, especially considering their reliance on top-end talent during the playoffs. Granlund would offer Carolina solid depth in their middle six and help them compete in the Eastern Conference, particularly if they miss out on Mitch Marner.
Prediction: Granlund signs with Carolina Hurricanes
Claude Giroux (C, Senators)
At 37 years old, Claude Giroux may no longer be the superstar he once was, but he is expected to generate considerable interest on the open market. The former Philadelphia Flyers captain has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Ottawa Senators and has maintained solid production. Giroux remains a capable playmaker, evidenced by his 50-point performance (15 goals, 35 assists) this past season. He also brings extensive postseason experience, a valuable asset for any potential new team.
Giroux initially signed with the Senators to be closer to home and even helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs this season. The lack of an extension as free agency approaches suggests the veteran forward may be exploring his options. If the Senators are unable to re-sign him, the Flyers present a strong possibility for Giroux`s return to the City of Brotherly Love. As a former Flyer draft pick, he would provide invaluable veteran leadership in a young locker room.
Prediction: Giroux signs with Philadelphia Flyers
