B/R's Updated 2025 NHL Unrestricted Free Agency's Big Board
The NHL's annual free-agent market opens on July 1 at noon ET. With the big date fast approaching, it's worth examining which unrestricted free agents could garner the most attention this year.
Like last year, forwards dominate the upper echelon of this UFA class. They include notable talents in their prime, such as Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brock Boeser of the Vancouver Canucks. There are also well-known veterans such as the Leafs' John Tavares and Brad Marchand of the Florida Panthers.
Some of the notable pending UFAs could re-sign with their current teams. The most recent to do so was center Brock Nelson, inking a three-year deal on June 4 with an average annual value of $7.5 million.
Nevertheless, several of them should remain available for the highest bidders when the market opens in three weeks. Here's our ranking of the top potential UFAs based on performance, skills and current contracts, as well as a look at the latest rumors.
20. Jonathan Toews
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After starring with the Chicago Blackhawks for 15 seasons, Jonathan Toews stepped away from the game in 2022-23. He'd been suffering with chronic inflammatory response syndrome that sidelined him for the entire 2020-21 season, as well as the effects of long COVID.
On May 29, his agent confirmed his client was preparing to stage a comeback next season. There's been speculation since March over which clubs might pursue the former Chicago captain, who is now an unrestricted free agent.
Toews ran up an impressive resume during his NHL career, leading Chicago to three Stanley Cups and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2010 and the Frank J. Selke Trophy in 2013. A gifted two-way player, he amassed 883 points in 1,067 games.
Now 37 and having spent two seasons away from the NHL, Toews isn't the dominant two-way star he once was. Still, he could be worth the risk as a third-line center on an affordable one-year, bonus-laden contract.
19. Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars
2 of 20
For the third straight season, the Dallas Stars failed to advance past the Western Conference Final. It led to Pete DeBoer losing his job as head coach amid rumors of winger Jason Robertson becoming a cost-cutting trade candidate.
The Stars must also decide whether to re-sign or replace pending unrestricted free agents like Matt Duchene and Mikael Granlund. Longtime team captain Jamie Benn is also UFA-eligible, but he'd like to finish his career in Dallas, and management has indicated its willingness to keep him.
The 35-year-old is completing an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $9.5 million. He's no longer the scoring star who won the Art Ross Trophy in 2014-15. While he put up a respectable 16 goals and 49 points in 80 games this season, he only had three points in 18 games in this postseason.
If Benn hopes to stay in Dallas, he must accept a significant pay cut on a short-term contract. If he fails to reach an agreement with the team, his experience and leadership could draw interest in the UFA market, though he'll also have to accept a lesser deal elsewhere.
18. Pius Suter, Vancouver Canucks
3 of 20
A year after the third-best performance in franchise history, the Vancouver Canucks missed the 2025 playoffs. Amid a season of injuries, upheaval and trades, the play of Pius Suter was among their few bright spots.
The trade of J.T. Miller and a concussion sidelining Filip Chytil led to Suter taking on second-line center duties. He netted a career-best 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games, finishing fifth in points among Canucks scorers.
The 29-year-old is coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $1.6 million. His performance this season with the struggling Canucks could see him land a four-year deal worth upward of $4 million per season.
On June 3, Thomas Drance of The Athletic reported there was "little traction" in contract talks between Suter and the Canucks. Given his stats this season, he shouldn't have much difficulty finding a club on the open market willing to meet his asking price.
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17. Dmitry Orlov, Carolina Hurricanes
4 of 20
Two years ago, we had Dmitry Orlov at No. 2 among our ranking of 2023's top unrestricted free agents. He signed a two-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes worth $7.8 million, hoping to land a more lucrative deal in 2025 when the salary cap would be much higher.
Now 33, he is coming off two solid campaigns with the Hurricanes. In 2024-25, he had 28 points and a plus-minus of plus-16, finishing fourth among his teammates in ice time per game (20 minutes).
Orlov's value as a free agent isn't as high as when he went to market two years ago, but he remains an effective defensive second-pairing blueliner. He indicated during his end-of-season exit interview he'd like to re-sign with the Hurricanes but added that contract talks hadn't begun.
The Hurricanes could prefer Orlov take a pay cut to around $5 million annually on another short-term contract. If available, he will be enticing to clubs seeking an experienced second-pairing shutdown defenseman.
16. Dante Fabbro, Columbus Blue Jackets
5 of 20
The Columbus Blue Jackets claimed Dante Fabbro off waivers last November from the Nashville Predators. He had struggled to establish himself as a top-four defenseman with the Predators.
The 26-year-old made the most of his opportunity in Columbus, enjoying the best season of his NHL career. In 62 games, he set career highs with nine goals, 26 points, a plus-minus of plus-23, and 21:39 of ice time per game. He led the Jackets with 136 blocked shots and was third in shorthanded ice time (1:41).
Skating alongside Zach Werenski on the Blue Jackets' top defense pairing, Fabbro rejuvenated his NHL career in Columbus. Turning 27 on June 20, he is eligible for UFA status, completing a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
On May 8, Jason Newland of The Hockey News indicated Fabbro and Blue Jackets management were interested in a contract extension. However, Newland felt the team wouldn't break the bank to re-sign the blueliner.
Fabbro's improved performance could make him an attractive defense option in the UFA market.
15. Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings
6 of 20
Patrick Kane completed his second season with the Detroit Red Wings and his second-straight one-year contract.
The 36-year-old winger was in the category of a "35-plus" player, entitling him to a one-year contract laden with bonuses. He earned a base salary of $4 million, with $2.5 million in bonuses.
Kane is no longer the high-scoring superstar of his youth, but he tallied a respectable 21 goals and 38 assists for 59 points in 72 games, finishing fourth among Red Wings scorers.
On Apr. 29, Detroit general manager Steve Yzerman said there was mutual interest in signing Kane to a contract extension. While there have been no updates as to whether talks are underway, the future Hall-of-Famer seems likely to return to the club next season.
Kane could attract interest on the free-agent market if he and the Wings fail to agree to an extension, though. He'd be an affordable one-year addition for any club seeking a middle-third scorer with playoff experience.
14. Ryan Donato, Chicago Blackhawks
7 of 20
In the final season of a two-year contract, Ryan Donato enjoyed a career-best performance. He led the Chicago Blackhawks with 31 goals and finished second in points with 62.
The 29-year-old forward was earning an average annual value of $2 million on his current contract. His production in 2024-25 could see him seek an AAV of $5 million on a long-term deal.
On June 4, Scott Powers of The Athletic reported contract talks continued between Chicago management and Donato's agent. Time is starting to become a factor, but Powers suggested there is still a chance he signs an extension.
Donato's 2024-25 performance, hard-working style and ability to play center or wing ensure he shouldn't have much difficulty landing with another team as a free agent. The projected rise of the salary cap to $95.5 million for next season could help him land a lucrative long-term deal.
13. Claude Giroux, Ottawa Senators
8 of 20
In the final season of his three-year contract with the Ottawa Senators, Claude Giroux helped them end their seven-year playoff drought. He also proved he was still an effective postseason performer, finishing tied for second with Tim Stützle among the Senators with five points in six games.
The 37-year-old forward earned an annual cap hit of $6.5 million on his current contract. His production has steadily declined over the past three seasons, from 79 points in 2022-23 to 64 points in 2023-24 and 50 points this season. Nevertheless, the Senators opened contract extension talks with him earlier this spring.
The Athletic's Julian McKenzie reported on June 6 that those discussions are ongoing. Despite his age and declining offense, the Senators value his versatility, experience and leadership. McKenzie cited AFP Analytics projecting a two-year contract for Giroux with an average annual value of $5.2 million.
Giroux wants to finish his career with his hometown club, but he won't lack for suitors if he tests the market on July 1.
12. Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars
9 of 20
After spending the past two seasons with the Dallas Stars on one-year contracts, Matt Duchene indicated he'd love to return with them on a longer-term deal. He earned $3 million on his current one-year contract.
The 34-year-old remains an effective regular-season scorer, tallying 30 goals and 82 points in 2024-25, with the latter being the second-highest single-season total in his 16-season NHL career. But his production fell to just six points in 18 playoff games.
Changes could be coming to the Stars' roster after their third straight elimination from the Western Conference Final. With less than $5 million in cap space for 2025-26, they could cut ties with Duchene if he rejects another affordable one-year deal.
Duchene's desire for term over dollars could make him an affordable option in this summer's free-agent market. However, his age and the decline in his postseason production could still make teams a little cautious.
11. Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils
10 of 20
A lack of quality goaltenders in this summer's free-agent market bolsters the stock of Jake Allen. He is completing a two-year contract with an average annual value of $3.9 million.
Earlier in his NHL career, the 34-year-old was a starting goaltender with the St. Louis Blues. Since 2019-20, he's been used in a backup role with the Blues, the Montreal Canadiens and the New Jersey Devils.
Allen put up solid numbers this season with the Devils, especially when starter Jacob Markstrom missed 11 games with a sprained MCL. He finished with a goals-against average of 2.66, a save percentage of .908, and four shutouts in 31 games.
On June 4, New Jersey Hockey Now's James Nichols cited Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald indicating Allen is interested in staying put. If that doesn't happen, teams looking for reliable goaltending depth will be drawn to Allen.
10. Mikael Granlund, Dallas Stars
11 of 20
Acquired by the Dallas Stars from the San Jose Sharks on Feb. 1, Mikael Granlund netted 21 points in 31 games with his new club. He also played well in the postseason, sitting fourth among the Stars with 10 points in 18 games.
A versatile two-way forward who can play center or left wing, the 33-year-old is completing a four-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million. Despite his age, he reached the 60-point plateau (64) for the second straight season and the fourth time in his 13-year NHL career.
The Stars could prefer re-signing Granlund on an affordable short-term contract. However, their limited cap space and inability to get past the Western Conference Final for the third straight year could result in roster changes that lead to the Finn becoming a UFA on July 1.
Granlund's age will likely limit him to a three-year contract, but his production and solid postseason with the Stars could ensure he receives another $5 million AAV. He would be a good short-term addition to a contender, a retooling team or a club going through a rebuild.
9. Ivan Provorov, Columbus Blue Jackets
12 of 20
The Columbus Blue Jackets entered this season expecting to finish near the bottom of the standings, especially following the death of superstar winger Johnny Gaudreau last August.
Instead, they rallied and jockeyed for a playoff berth throughout this year, finishing just two points out of contention.
Ivan Provorov played a key role in the Blue Jackets' improvement this season. He finished second in scoring among their defensemen (33 points) and in time on ice per game (23:21) among their skaters. He also led them in shorthanded ice time (2:36).
It was reported in January that the Blue Jackets had opened extension talks with Provorov's agent. While he enjoyed playing in Columbus and wanted to stay, there is no indication that he'll be signing an extension before July 1.
The 28-year-old is completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $6.8 million. He could seek a seven-year deal worth between $7.5 million and $8 million. His two-way game and ability to play big minutes will draw the interest of teams seeking a top-four, left-shot blueliner.
8. Vladislav Gavrikov, Los Angeles Kings
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This summer's free-agent market is thin for reliable top-four defensemen, especially after the Washington Capitals re-signed Jakob Chychrun and the Winnipeg Jets re-upped Neal Pionk.
That will drive up the value of the notable few in the market, such as Vladislav Gavrikov of the Los Angeles Kings.
The 29-year-old is coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $5.9 million. He is a reliable left-shot, all-around blueliner who plays a solid defensive game, chips in offensively, and averaged 23:05 minutes per game this season with the Kings.
On May 3, Eric Stephens of The Athletic reported the Russian wanted to stay in Los Angeles but wasn't in a rush to sign an extension. He also noted former Kings general manager Rob Blake expressed confidence in March that he could re-sign the blueliner, but that falls to his replacement, Ken Holland, to sort out.
Gavrikov was the Kings' best defenseman this season and they could re-sign him to a long-term deal. If that doesn't work out, he will receive plenty of interest from around the league on the open market.
7. Brad Marchand, Florida Panthers
14 of 20
Acquired by the Florida Panthers from the Boston Bruins at the March trade deadline, Brad Marchand has fit seamlessly with his new club.
The 37-year-old winger was tied for second among their postseason scorers with 17 points in 19 games following Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
Marchand is completing an eight-year contract with an average annual value of $6.2 million. Given his age, he likely won't get more than a two-year term on his next deal. However, his strong performance during this postseason will ensure he remains a desirable option if he hits the open market.
Teams will be drawn to Marchand for his offense, leadership, experience and pesky style of play. In March, we listed the Detroit Red Wings, Carolina Hurricanes, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators as possible suitors. We also didn't rule out a return to the Bruins.
The Panthers must re-sign or replace Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad, leaving them without sufficient cap space to re-sign Marchand. He could seek a two-year deal worth between $5 million and $6 million. He could also consider a one-year, bonus-laden deal taking him up to $6 million with an established Stanley Cup contender.
6. Aaron Ekblad, Florida Panthers
15 of 20
Having spent 11 seasons with the Florida Panthers, Aaron Ekblad faces the possibility of leaving the only NHL team he's ever played for. He is completing an eight-year contract worth an average annual value of $7.5 million.
The 29-year-old has been the anchor of the Panthers' blue-line corps, playing a key role in their rise as a perennial Stanley Cup contender, including their championship run last season. But injuries have taken a toll, often sidelining him in recent years.
On June 1, Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun cited sources claiming the Panthers don't have much interest in re-signing Ekblad, preferring to put their limited cap space toward retaining fellow UFA Sam Bennett. Before the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final, he indicated his preference to remain with the Panthers.
Despite his injury history and willingness to stay in Florida, Ekblad will draw attention if he becomes a free agent on July 1. His experience and all-around defensive ability would make him an invaluable addition to any contender's blue line.
5. Brock Boeser, Vancouver Canucks
16 of 20
A disappointing performance this season could lead to a parting of the ways between Brock Boeser and the Vancouver Canucks. The club is reportedly letting the winger test the open market, but they haven't ruled out bringing him back if he doesn't find any suitable offers from other clubs.
The 28-year-old is completing a three-year contract with an average annual value of $6.6 million. He tallied a career-best 40 goals and 73 points last season, but his production dropped to 25 goals and 50 points in 75 games as the struggling Canucks missed the playoffs.
Nevertheless, Boeser shouldn't have much difficulty landing with a new club. Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun suggested he could be a replacement for Mitch Marner if he leaves the Toronto Maple Leafs. His hometown club, the Minnesota Wild, could be another destination.
After a series of short-term contracts with the Canucks, Boeser may be more interested in a long-term contract rather than a major raise. A club could land him by pitching a seven-year deal worth $7.5 million to $8 million annually.
4. Nikolaj Ehlers, Winnipeg Jets
17 of 20
The biggest question facing the Winnipeg Jets this offseason is whether they can afford to sign Nikolaj Ehlers to a contract extension. He has finished a seven-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million.
A significant player for the Jets, the 29-year-old winger sits among their career leaders with 674 regular-season games, 225 goals, 295 assists and 520 points. The Jets have $26.5 million in cap space for next season, but he could seek a substantial raise that prices him out of Winnipeg.
A year ago, there were questions about Ehlers' future in Winnipeg when reports emerged claiming the Jets could use him as trade bait to add a top-four defenseman. Nothing came of it, but it led to a lingering uncertainty that dogged him through this season.
Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff has remained in contact with Ehlers' agent, hoping to make him an offer that would make the winger a "Jet for life." Nevertheless, The Athletic's Murat Ates believes they are also planning for life with Ehlers.
3. John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs
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After seven seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs, John Tavares is eligible to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
During the Leafs' season-ending media availability, the center told reporters that he wanted to stay in Toronto. He finished this season with 38 goals and 74 points in 75 games.
The 34-year-old earned an average annual value of $11 million on his current contract, but he acknowledged he would have to take a pay cut to remain a Maple Leaf. But Tavares was optimistic about staying after positive conversations with Leafs GM Brad Treliving and coach Craig Berube.
Lance Hornby of the Toronto Sun cited Tavares' age, speculating that his idea of a pay cut might not be what Leafs management has in mind. The Athletic's James Mirtle believes the team shouldn't invest in Tavares, singling out the decline in his 5-on-5 production this season.
Tavares will have to accept at least half of his previous cap hit to remain with the Leafs. His stats this season will make him an enticing target if he tests the market, but suitors could insist on a similar cut in pay on a two-year contract.
2. Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers
19 of 20
A core part of the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers, Sam Bennett is completing a four-year contract with a team-friendly salary-cap hit of $4.4 million.
The Toronto Sun's Steve Simmons reported the 28-year-old wants to stay with the Panthers and they'd like to keep him.
Bennett's ability to play center or wing, along with his gritty style and clutch postseason play, could put him in a position to double his salary. The Panthers have $19 million of projected salary-cap space with 16 active roster players under contract for next season, but re-signing him would take up a big chunk.
Several playoff contenders could bid for Bennett when the free-agent market opens. They could include the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues. Rebuilding teams like the Philadelphia Flyers and Montreal Canadiens could also come calling.
Bennett's physical play has also given him an injury history. Interested parties should keep that in mind to avoid paying too much for too long when his performance inevitably declines in the final years of the deal.
1. Mitch Marner, Toronto Maple Leafs
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Mitch Marner's tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs could be drawing to a close. The right winger is coming off a six-year contract with an average annual value of $10.9 million. His two-way skills ensure he'll be the biggest name available if he goes to market on July 1.
During the 28-year-old's nine-season tenure in Toronto, he faced an inordinate amount of criticism from Maple Leafs fans for the club's poor postseason record. He could be ready for a change of scenery, perhaps to a market where the spotlight is less harsh.
The Hockey News' Ryan Kennedy listed the Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburgh Penguins as possible destinations for Marner. Sportsnet's Ryan Dixon suggested the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Vegas Golden Knights, Vegas Golden Knights, Carolina Hurricanes and Washington Capitals.
Whoever pursues Marner must be prepared to open the vault. As the only superstar in the market, he could command over $14 million annually on a seven-year contract.
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