NHL Free Agency 2025 Updated Landing Spots Predictions Based on Offseason Rumors

Though NHL free agency kicked off at the beginning of July and with a flurry of activity, there's still drama to be found among the market.

Top stars like Brock Boeser, Vladislav Gavrikov, Nikolaj Ehlers and Mikael Granlund came off the market fairly quickly. However, not every quality unrestricted free agent was quick to sign, and the restricted free agent market began heating up last week.

As free agency approaches the three-week mark, some notable names remain available, and a few dominoes have yet to fall. Let's take a look at some of the latest NHL buzz and make a few predictions.

Jack Roslovic

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Center Jack Roslovic is coming off a solid regular season with the Carolina Hurricanes and is arguably the top free agent still available. The 28-year-old did fall out of the rotation come playoff time, but he recorded 39 points and 22 goals in 81 games before that.

After playing on a one-year deal this past season, Roslovic could be looking for a bit more long-term stability this offseason. If so, it could explain why he remains unsigned.

Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported earlier this month (h/t Josh Erickson of Pro Hockey Rumors) that the Toronto Maple Leafs were among the teams interested in adding Roslovic.

After trading Dakota Joshua and freeing up some cap space, the Vancouver Canucks may also be in on Roslovic. According to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK and The Athletic, "there have been talks" between Vancouver and Roslovic's camp.

According to Ben Kuzma of The Province, the Canucks considered adding Roslovic last offseason before settling on Jake DeBrusk. With a second chance to add Roslovic at hand, don't be surprised if the Canucks sign him in the coming days.

Prediction: Roslovic signs with Vancouver.

Matt Grzelcyk

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Defensman Matt Grzelcyk is coming off a one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins that should intrigue teams at this point in free agency. Though the 5'10", 180-pound Grzelcyk is undersized, he's a feisty competitor who had a career-best 40 points this past season while emerging as a strong power-play contributor.

Grzelcyk was the subject of trade chatter before the deadline but had hoped to stay with the Penguins, according to Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, which he did. However, it appears that he won't be back as a free agent and will instead look for a home elsewhere.

According to Sportsnet's Luke Fox, Pittsburgh is "going in a different direction" after signing Parker Wotherspoon and Caleb Jones at the start of free agency.

Grzelcyk's smaller stature may concern some teams, but he'd be a solid depth addition for a potential contender. The Colorado Avalanche could slot him in behind Devon Toews and Sam Girard, while the Los Angeles Kings could consider him to help replace the departed Vladislav Gavrikov.

A return to the Boston Bruins would also make sense and might be the most logical move for Grzelcyk. The 31-year-old spent his first eight seasons in Boston, and he'd likely fit right back into the rotation.

Prediction: Grzelcyk signs with Boston.

Ilya Samsonov

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The goalie market was already shallow this offseason, and even fewer quality options remain available now. Ilya Samsonov is probably the most notable name left on the market following a solid 16-9-4 record with the Vegas Golden Knights this past season.

Samsonov joined Vegas on a one-year deal following a two-year run with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sportsnet's Luke Fox reported back in June that Samsonov planned to test the market this offseason. He hasn't generated a ton of interest to this point and "may need to lower his asking price," according to Fox.

While Samsonov had a decent overall season in Vegas, his play slipped late in the season, and he didn't make a single playoff appearance. He has backup value, but with Adin Hill and Akira Schmid as top options, the Golden Knights probably have no interest in bringing back Samsonov.

If Samsonov is willing to sign a team-friendly deal, he should find a home as an understudy. The Penguins, for example, could value his veteran experience behind Joel Blomqvist, while the Calgary Flames could target him for additional depth behind Dustin Wolf.

The Edmonton Oilers could also consider bolstering their goalie depth with Samsonov, though they'll exhaust their trade options first. According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, Edmonton was "in the mix" for Arturs Silovs before the Canucks traded him to Pittsburgh.

Don't be surprised if Samsonov waits a bit longer to find the right situation.

Prediction: Samsonov signs late with a rebuilding team.