With another thrilling Stanley Cup Playoffs concluded and the Panthers securing their second consecutive championship against the Oilers, attention remains focused on South Florida as the NHL offseason begins.
Several key players are poised to become unrestricted free agents when the market opens on July 1 at noon ET. Among the prominent names from the champion Panthers are forwards Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand, along with defenseman Aaron Ekblad. General manager Bill Zito is expected to prioritize retaining this core group if possible.
Beyond Florida`s key UFAs, Toronto Maple Leafs standout Mitch Marner is undoubtedly the most significant player hitting the open market, ready to sign with the highest bidder.
These high-profile players are just a few of the top names available. Here`s a look at 10 of the most notable players set to become free agents on July 1, and where they might land.
Mitch Marner (C, Maple Leafs)
Marner stands out as the top prize in the 2025 free agency class. He has been a crucial part of the talented forward group for the Toronto Maple Leafs in recent years, but it appears highly likely he will sign elsewhere this summer. The star center chose the perfect time to achieve a career-best points total (102), scoring 27 goals and adding 75 assists to lead the Maple Leafs. Marner is a skilled playmaker who will significantly upgrade any NHL franchise`s top line for the upcoming season and beyond. He will certainly command the largest contract of any free agent on the market, and deservedly so. The Vegas Golden Knights, Utah Mammoth, and Carolina Hurricanes are teams that seem like strong potential destinations for the veteran.
The Mammoth organization is looking to build excitement and momentum after a solid first season in Salt Lake City. However, it`s difficult to envision the Golden Knights not pursuing a player of Marner`s caliber aggressively. This franchise consistently aims for major acquisitions and will find ways to manage their cap space to make a deal happen. The projected increase in the salary cap could also influence Marner, potentially leading him to sign a shorter-term deal, which might also favor the Golden Knights.
Prediction: Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights
Sam Bennett (C, Panthers)
The Panthers` achievement of winning back-to-back Stanley Cups is truly remarkable. When a team experiences this level of success, difficult decisions often arise regarding retaining top talent. Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy, is set to become an unrestricted free agent and is arguably the most important UFA for the Panthers. Bennett was outstanding throughout the team`s Stanley Cup victory, leading the NHL postseason with 15 goals. His exceptional ability to control the area in front of the net is unmatched, and he possesses a natural knack for scoring.
If Bennett explores offers from other teams, he will be highly sought after in free agency. Ultimately, Bennett has found a fantastic situation in South Florida. With the Panthers showing no signs of slowing down, the organization will make every effort to keep Bennett in their locker room.
Prediction: Bennett re-signs with Florida Panthers
Brock Boeser (RW, Canucks)
The Vancouver Canucks are undergoing some significant changes this offseason. First, forward J.T. Miller was traded to the New York Rangers, and coach Rick Tocchet departed for his former team, the Philadelphia Flyers. Now, Boeser could also be moving on when he enters free agency. Boeser is a skilled goal scorer capable of finding the back of the net from various positions on the ice. After a strong 40-goal campaign in 2023-24, Boeser`s production saw a slight dip last season, but he is still expected to be one of the top forwards available on the market.
The Minnesota Wild are a logical fit for Boeser given his Minnesota roots. Teams like the Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs also make sense for the star winger. If the Maple Leafs lose Marner in free agency, it wouldn`t be surprising to see them attempt to replace that offensive output in their top six with Boeser.
Prediction: Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs
Nikolaj Ehlers (LW, Jets)
Ehlers has spent his entire 10-year career with the Jets since being drafted 9th overall in 2014. Ehlers has been a consistent source of offensive production whenever he is healthy. He has missed significant time due to injuries in recent years but is still likely to be near the top of many teams` wish lists this summer. While Ehlers may no longer be considered a top-line winger, he is an excellent fit on a team`s second line.
Ehlers won`t command the same salary as players like Marner or Bennett, offering good value for a contending team. If the Hurricanes fail to land Marner, Ehlers would be a solid addition to their forward group. The same applies to the Mammoth, who were close to the playoff picture in 2024-25 and could benefit from his offense.
Prediction: Ehlers signs with Mammoth
Brad Marchand (LW, Panthers)
While Bennett took home the Conn Smythe Trophy during Florida`s Stanley Cup run, Marchand was equally vital to the team`s postseason success. Marchand was acquired just before the trade deadline, proving to be a monumental addition. The veteran winger recorded 10 goals and 20 assists during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, with six of those goals coming in the Stanley Cup Final. Even at 37 years old, Marchand demonstrated his value and would still be a very appealing player on the open market.
The question is whether Marchand would want to leave South Florida. He seems to have integrated seamlessly with his new teammates, even famously taking them for ice cream. Given the success Marchand has achieved with the Panthers, it`s hard to imagine the team not doing everything possible to keep him in the Sunshine State.
Prediction: Marchand re-signs with Panthers
Aaron Ekblad (D, Panthers)
It`s clear that the Panthers face significant decisions this summer after their championship victory. Ekblad, who has played his entire 11-year career with the Panthers, is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent. Ekblad has been a tough, physical defenseman throughout his time in Florida and was a major part of the team`s defense during the postseason. While he may not have the offensive flair of players like Cale Makar or Zach Werenski, Ekblad can still contribute offensively. He has reached double-digit goals in three of the last five seasons and is still only 29 years old.
Following Florida`s Stanley Cup win, Ekblad expressed his strong desire to remain with the franchise. The Panthers will certainly try their hardest to re-sign Bennett, Marchand, and Ekblad. However, keeping three players of that caliber, who will command relatively high annual salaries, is a significant challenge. Ultimately, Bennett and Marchand might be higher priorities, which could potentially lead to Ekblad moving on. The Red Wings could be a logical landing spot, as Ekblad still has plenty of good hockey left and could anchor Detroit`s developing defensive core.
Prediction: Ekblad signs with Red Wings
John Tavares (C, Maple Leafs)
Tavares signed with the Maple Leafs as a free agent in 2018 and completed his seven-year contract with the franchise. Tavares had a somewhat inconsistent tenure in Toronto but still scored 222 goals in his seven seasons there. At 34 years old, Tavares remains a very capable scoring threat, highlighted by his 38-goal season this year. He is still a center who can effectively slot into a team`s top six and produce consistently.
It seems the Maple Leafs are interested in bringing back Tavares on a contract with a lower average annual value, but nothing has been finalized yet. If Tavares decides to explore options with other teams in free agency, a departure from the Maple Leafs is possible. If a younger team looking to contend expresses interest, it wouldn`t be a major surprise if he chose to play elsewhere.
Prediction: Tavares signs with Canadiens
Vladislav Gavrikov (D, Kings)
While Ekblad is likely considered the top free agent defenseman, Gavrikov is close behind. Gavrikov has spent the last two seasons with the Kings after being acquired from the Blue Jackets at the 2023 trade deadline. The 29-year-old has developed into a very solid two-way defenseman throughout his career, though he isn`t known for his offensive production. Gavrikov is remarkably durable, having played at least 72 games in each of the last four seasons.
It`s probable that the Kings will do everything in their power to convince Gavrikov to remain in Los Angeles. After all, Gavrikov recorded the second-highest point total (30) of his career this past season. As the Kings aim to advance past the first round and potentially challenge the Oilers, Gavrikov would be a significant asset to their defense.
Prediction: Gavrikov re-signs with Kings
Mikael Granlund (C, Stars)
Granlund was one of the more overlooked acquisitions before the NHL trade deadline. Granlund was very productive during the Stars` playoff run, including a hat-trick performance against the Jets in Game 4 of their second-round series. The 33-year-old is still capable of scoring double-digit goals and will likely provide a valuable veteran presence for a Stanley Cup contender.
Granlund had success in Dallas towards the end of the season, so a return to the Stars cannot be ruled out. However, a team like the Carolina Hurricanes might be a good fit, given their tendency to rely heavily on their top players during the playoffs. Granlund would offer Carolina solid middle-six depth and help them compete with Florida in the Eastern Conference if they miss out on targeting a higher-profile forward like Marner.
Prediction: Granlund signs with Hurricanes
Claude Giroux (C, Senators)
At 37 years old, Giroux may not be the superstar forward he once was, but he will still generate considerable interest on the open market. The former Flyers captain has spent the last three seasons with his hometown Senators and has remained very productive. Giroux is still a highly capable playmaker, evident in his 50-point performance (15 goals & 35 assists) this past season. He also brings a wealth of postseason experience to any team acquiring his services.
The Hearst, Ontario native originally signed with the Senators to play closer to home and even helped the franchise reach the Stanley Cup Playoffs this past season. With Giroux still unsigned so close to free agency, it could signal that the veteran forward is considering testing the market. If the Senators are unable to retain Giroux, the Flyers might have a chance to lure him back to the City of Brotherly Love. After all, Giroux was drafted by the Flyers and would serve as a phenomenal veteran voice in a young locker room.
Prediction: Giroux signs with Flyers
