The NHL offseason is set to begin following an exciting Stanley Cup Playoffs. After the Florida Panthers secured their second consecutive title by defeating the Edmonton Oilers again, attention remains focused on South Florida.
Three key Panthers players – forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, and defenseman Aaron Ekblad – are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents when free agency opens on July 1st. General manager Bill Zito will likely prioritize efforts to keep all three if possible.
Beyond the Panthers trio, Toronto Maple Leafs star Mitch Marner stands out as potentially the biggest name available on the open market.
While Marner and the talented Panthers players are significant, they won`t be the only prominent names hitting free agency this summer. Here’s a look at 10 of the top players teams will be targeting on July 1.
Mitch Marner (C)
Mitch Marner is widely considered the top unrestricted free agent for 2025. A key part of the talented Toronto Maple Leafs forward group, it appears likely he will move on this summer. Marner hit a career-high 102 points this past season (27 goals, 75 assists), making him a high-demand playmaker who can significantly boost a team`s top line. He is expected to receive the largest contract among this year`s free agent class.
Potential destinations include the Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes. While Utah aims to build on its first season, Vegas is known for aggressively pursuing top talent and will likely make room under the cap. The projected cap increase could also allow for a shorter-term deal, which might appeal to Vegas.
Prediction: Signs with Vegas Golden Knights
Sam Bennett (C)
The Panthers` achievement of winning two straight Stanley Cups is remarkable, requiring difficult roster decisions to keep top players. Sam Bennett, a crucial unrestricted free agent for Florida, was sensational during their recent playoff run. His ability to control the area in front of the net is exceptional, and he consistently finds ways to score.
If Bennett explores offers from other teams, he will be highly sought after. However, he seems to have found an ideal situation in South Florida. With the Panthers looking strong for the future, the organization will likely do everything to keep him.
Prediction: Re-signs with Florida Panthers
Brock Boeser (RW)
The Vancouver Canucks are seeing changes this offseason. Following the trade of J.T. Miller and coach Rick Tocchet`s departure for Philadelphia, Boeser could also be relocating as he enters free agency. Boeser is a skilled goal scorer capable of finding the net from various spots on the ice. After a 40-goal season in 2023-24, his production dipped slightly this past year, but he remains one of the top forwards available.
The Minnesota Wild are a logical fit as Boeser is from Minnesota. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make sense. If the Maple Leafs lose Marner, acquiring Boeser to fill a top-six role wouldn`t be surprising.
Prediction: Signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW)
Ehlers has spent his entire 10-year career with the Winnipeg Jets since being drafted ninth overall in 2014. He has been a reliable source of offense when healthy. Despite missing significant time due to injuries in recent years, he will likely be high on many teams` wish lists this summer. Ehlers might not be a first-line winger anymore, but he is an excellent fit for a team`s second line.
Ehlers won`t command the same salary as Marner or Bennett, offering good value for a contender. If the Hurricanes miss out on Marner, Ehlers would be a solid addition to their top six. The Utah Mammoth, who were close to the playoff race, could also benefit from his skill.
Prediction: Signs with Mammoth
Brad Marchand (LW)
While another player took home the Conn Smythe Trophy, Brad Marchand was equally vital to Florida`s playoff success. Acquired near the trade deadline, he proved to be a massive addition. The veteran winger tallied 10 goals and 20 assists in the playoffs, with six goals coming in the Stanley Cup Final. Even at 37, Marchand demonstrated his value and will be highly attractive on the open market.
The question is whether Marchand wants to leave South Florida. He has integrated seamlessly with his new teammates. Given his success with the Panthers, it`s hard to imagine the team not doing everything possible to keep him.
Prediction: Re-signs with Panthers
Aaron Ekblad (D)
It`s clear the Panthers face tough decisions this summer after winning the Cup. Ekblad, who has spent his entire 11-year career in Florida, is set to become an unrestricted free agent. Ekblad has been a tough, physical defenseman for the Panthers and was a key part of their blue line during the postseason. While not known primarily for offense like some top defensemen, he can score, reaching double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons at 29 years old.
After the Cup win, Ekblad expressed his desire to stay. The Panthers will surely try hard to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad, but keeping three players of that caliber who will command high salaries is challenging. Bennett and Marchand might be higher priorities, potentially leading to Ekblad`s departure. The Detroit Red Wings could be a logical landing spot, where Ekblad`s experience could anchor their young defensive core.
Prediction: Signs with Red Wings
John Tavares (C)
Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs in 2018 and completed his seven-year contract. His tenure in Toronto had its ups and downs, but he scored 222 goals over seven seasons. At 34, Tavares remains a capable scoring threat, as shown by his 38 goals this season. He can still effectively play center in a team`s top six and produce consistently.
The Maple Leafs reportedly want to bring Tavares back on a lower salary, but nothing is finalized. If Tavares talks with other teams in free agency, he might leave Toronto. If a younger, contending team shows interest, it wouldn`t be a shock if he moved on.
Prediction: Signs with Canadiens
Vladislav Gavrikov (D)
While Ekblad is seen as the top defenseman UFA, Gavrikov is not far behind. He has played the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Kings after being acquired from Columbus in 2023. The 29-year-old has developed into a strong two-way defenseman, though offense is not his primary strength. Gavrikov is notably durable, playing at least 72 games in each of the last four seasons.
The Kings will likely make a strong push to keep Gavrikov in Los Angeles, especially after he recorded his second-highest point total (30) this past season. As the Kings aim to advance further in the playoffs, perhaps past the Oilers, Gavrikov would be a significant part of their potential success.
Prediction: Re-signs with Kings
Mikael Granlund (C)
Granlund was one of the more underrated additions before the NHL trade deadline. He was highly productive during the Dallas Stars` playoff run, including a hat trick against the Jets. The 33-year-old is still capable of double-digit goal seasons and would provide valuable veteran presence for a Stanley Cup contender.
Granlund had success in Dallas, so a return isn`t impossible. However, the Carolina Hurricanes, who proved top-heavy in the playoffs, might be a good fit. Granlund could provide solid middle-six depth and help Carolina contend with Florida, especially if they miss out on Marner.
Prediction: Signs with Hurricanes
Claude Giroux (C)
At 37, Giroux may not be the superstar he once was, but he will still generate considerable interest. The former Flyers captain has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Senators and has remained very productive. Giroux is still a capable playmaker, evident from his 50 points (15 goals, 35 assists) this past season. He also brings extensive playoff experience.
Giroux initially signed with Ottawa to play closer to home and helped them reach the playoffs this season. His lack of an extension close to free agency could mean he is exploring the market. If the Senators cannot retain him, the Philadelphia Flyers could try to bring him back. Giroux was drafted by the Flyers and would be a phenomenal veteran voice in their young locker room.
Prediction: Signs with Flyers
Torin Vale 
Elton Marrow