Top NHL Free Agents 2025 Rumors and Final Landing Spots Predictions Before FA Begins

The clock is winding down, and in just 24 hours, the NHL offseason will officially kick off when unrestricted free agents test the market to see their worth.

Top names include Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, and Brock Boeser.

By looking at the latest rumors, assessing team fits, and considering salary cap implications, we’ll do our best to foreshadow where each player just might end up.

Brock Boeser

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Brock Boeser

It's becoming increasingly apparent that Brock Boeser and the Vancouver Canucks may be headed for a split this season.

According to Daily Faceoff's Frank Servalli, both sides have been in contract talks for a long time, even as recently as last week. However, their efforts have yielded no results.

Furthermore, the Canucks could be headed into a rebuild after missing the playoffs for the second time in the last three years and letting head coach Rick Tocchet go.

There are several teams who could be interested in Boeser, including the Boston Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The more realistic of those two options is the Leafs. Mitch Marner's departure in free agency will significantly impact Toronto's production. They can get Boeser for around $8 million in AAV, which is about $5–6 million less than what Marner will be going for.

Sure, he won't give you the same production, but he's a seamless playmaker that would fit right in with Auston Matthews and John Tavares.

Prediction: Brock Boeser signs with Toronto Maple Leafs

Aaron Ekblad

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Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad has been a staple of the Florida Panthers' defense ever since being selected with the first overall pick in the 2014 draft.

After coming back from a 20-game suspension, Ekblad was an immediate contributor in the Stanley Cup playoffs, scoring 13 points in 19 games.

While he's had an impressive tenure in Sunrise, Florida, it appears his time with the Panthers may be coming to an end.

After re-signing Sam Bennett to a contract worth $8 million AAV, the Panthers only have $11 million to spend, and Ekblad may no longer be in their plans.

Both sides have tried for months to come to a deal, but as NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun recently said, "Aaron Ekblad, I think, is the pending UFA that ends up going to market."

The Panthers have plenty of defensemen under contract for the near future, including their mid-season acquisition of defenseman Seth Jones, who is earning $9.5 million AAV until 2030.

There are several teams that would be interested in Ekblad, and the Utah Mammoth makes the most sense.

They just shipped Michael Kesserling to the Sabres in exchange for JJ Peterka and are now in need of a defenseman.

Ekblad has the potential to join a team that not only meets his salary expectations but is also on the verge of becoming a playoff contender.

Prediction: Aaron Ekblad signs with Utah Mammoth

Brad Marchand

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Brad Marchand

The Florida Panthers have now won consecutive Stanley Cup championships and are now on the verge of forming the next legendary dynasty.

After re-signing Sam Bennett, they still have one more thing they need to do: bring back Brad Marchand.

The 37-year-old had a resurgence with Florida, scoring double-digit goals in the postseason for just the second time in his career. In the Stanley Cup, his experience proved to be vital as he scored six goals alone.

Based on his recent resurgence, Chris Johnston of The Athletic suggests that Marchand could potentially sign an $8 million AAV contract.

He's already told reporters he'd like to remain in Florida, and it's quite likely the Panthers will look to satisfy his desires.

Re-signing Marchand after what he was just able to produce likely remains the top priority ahead of bringing back Aaron Ekblad.

Expect a three-year deal between both sides to get done when free agency begins.

Prediction: Brad Marchand re-signs with Florida Panthers

Mitch Marner

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Mitch Marner

Only Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon have more assists than Mitch Marner in the past five seasons. However, his failure to guide the Leafs to the Eastern Conference Finals during his nine-year tenure solidifies the likelihood of his departure from Toronto.

He's also looking for a contract near $14 million AAV, which doesn't make much sense for Toronto.

There are several teams that could make sense for the 28-year-old right-winger. 

One of those teams is the Anaheim Ducks, who have $36.04 million in cap space and are expected to be among the highest bidders, per James Mirtle of The Athletic.

Despite missing the playoffs last season, the Ducks finished with their best record since 2018-19, and this could offer Marner a fresh start in a city where the pressure is low.

But, the most realistic option is the Vegas Golden Knights, according to Elliott Friedman on the 32 Thoughts podcast.

Vegas doesn't have the salary to offer Marner a long-term contract, but if they move injured Alex Pietrangelo to LITR, they can free up $8.8 million in cap space.

They are already a Stanley Cup contender and are emerging as more and more likely to win the sweepstakes.

Prediction: Mitch Marner signs with Vegas Golden Knights