The 2025 NHL free agency period stood out as a somewhat subdued affair, with fewer top-tier players available compared to previous years. However, the quality of the 2026 crop – including stars like Connor McDavid, Kirill Kaprizov, and Jack Eichel – promises to be markedly better. While some pending unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are bound to sign before next summer, the recent transactions have already begun shifting the outlook for fantasy hockey drafts, especially with key moves such as Mitch Marner’s new deal.
Mitch Marner’s Big Move to the Vegas Golden Knights
Mitch Marner was the marquee free agent of the 2025 offseason, choosing to leave the Toronto Maple Leafs for a fresh start in Las Vegas. Marner signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with the Golden Knights after the Leafs technically signed and then traded him on June 30, effectively granting him unrestricted free agency status. Last season, Marner broke the 100-point barrier for the first time in his career, scoring 27 goals and totaling 102 points to finish fifth in NHL scoring.
While Marner loses Auston Matthews as his center in Toronto, he now teams up with Jack Eichel in Vegas, a pairing that should maintain or even boost his offensive output. The change of scenery is likely to relieve some of the pressure Marner faced in the Toronto market, opening the door for another standout season in the desert.
Florida Panthers Retain Core Trio Despite Salary Cap Concerns
The Florida Panthers surprised many by re-signing Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand, and Aaron Ekblad before free agency officially began, defying widespread expectations due to salary cap limitations. Bennett earned the Conn Smythe Trophy following an exceptional Stanley Cup Playoff run and capped the 2024-25 season with 51 points. While not a top-tier fantasy point scorer, his postseason performance raised his profile significantly.
At 37 years old, Brad Marchand committed to a six-year deal, though his production is expected to slow, projecting around 55 to 60 points. Aaron Ekblad will likely rebound from injury and suspension issues, aiming to reach a 50-point season after missing a significant portion of 2024-25. His defensive reliability will continue to be an asset for Florida throughout the upcoming season.
Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Carolina Hurricanes’ Top Line
Nikolaj Ehlers emerged as the second most notable unrestricted free agent, agreeing to terms with the Carolina Hurricanes after a 63-point season split within 69 games for the Winnipeg Jets. Carolina plans to deploy Ehlers on the top line alongside Sebastian Aho and Seth Jarvis as well as on their first power-play unit. Despite missing the first playoff games due to a foot injury, Ehlers made a strong impact by scoring five goals and adding an assist in six second-round games against Dallas.
Mikael Granlund Adds Veteran Depth to Anaheim
Mikael Granlund inked a three-year, $21 million deal with the Anaheim Ducks, bringing seasoned experience to a young roster. The 33-year-old produced 22 goals and 44 assists over 83 games last season with San Jose and Dallas. Granlund’s ice time averaged just over 17 minutes with Dallas, but expectations for increased minutes with Anaheim could push him near 60 points if he returns to around 20 minutes per game.
Pius Suter to Anchor St. Louis Blues’ Third Line
Pius Suter signed a two-year contract with the St. Louis Blues after posting career highs of 25 goals and 21 assists last season. He is expected to slot in as the Blues’ third-line center, though his power-play opportunities may decrease. Known for his strong defensive game, Suter is unlikely to duplicate last season’s offensive output but will remain valuable in deeper fantasy leagues focused on defensive contributions.
Connor Brown Moves to New Jersey Devils for a Role on Fourth Line
Connor Brown secured a four-year, $12 million contract with the New Jersey Devils following a two-year stint in Edmonton playing alongside Connor McDavid. Brown showed improvement in Edmonton, especially in the second year, posting 30 points. With the Devils, he is projected to play mostly fourth-line minutes, as New Jersey’s top nine forwards are well established ahead of him.
Vladislav Gavrikov Strengthens New York Rangers’ Defense Corps
Vladislav Gavrikov agreed to a substantial seven-year, $49 million contract with the New York Rangers. The 29-year-old defenseman is expected to solidify the Rangers’ blue line and aid goaltender Igor Shesterkin in improving netminding results. Gavrikov’s fantasy value is enhanced in leagues rewarding blocked shots, having tied for 36th in the NHL with 140 last season. Offensively, he added five goals and 25 assists over 82 games with the Los Angeles Kings.
Jonathan Drouin Signs with New York Islanders
Jonathan Drouin committed to the New York Islanders for two years in an $8 million deal. Despite battling injuries and playing only 43 games in 2024-25, Drouin nearly averaged a point per game with 11 goals and 37 points. The Islanders intend to place Drouin on their top line alongside Bo Horvat and Kyle Palmieri, setting the stage for a potential comeback campaign.
Jeff Skinner Aims to Revive Career with San Jose Sharks
Jeff Skinner agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the San Jose Sharks after a disappointing season in Edmonton where he scored 16 goals and 29 points in 72 games. Skinner’s limited playoff role saw him sit as a healthy scratch in 17 games. The Sharks hope he can regain his earlier Buffalo form and expect Skinner to secure middle-six minutes.
Dan Vladar Returns to Philadelphia Flyers to Compete for Starting Job
Goaltender Dan Vladar, the highest-profile free agent goalie, signed a two-year, $6.7 million deal with the Philadelphia Flyers, a team needing a clear improvement in net. Vladar will challenge incumbent Samuel Ersson for the starting job and is predicted to split goaltending duties roughly evenly.
Veterans Brent Burns and Corey Perry Join New Teams for Possible Final Runs
Brent Burns signed a one-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche worth $1 million, with incentives that could add $3 million depending on games played. At 40 years old, Burns is nearing retirement but hopes to capture the Stanley Cup in one last push. His 2024-25 season included six goals and 23 points, with expectations to play a third-pair role and contribute on the second power play.
Corey Perry, also 40, signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Kings. Perry had an impressive playoff performance with Edmonton, notching 10 goals and four assists in 22 games. Los Angeles plans to use him on the fourth line and second power-play unit, with a chance for Perry to hit 20 goals for the first time in a decade.
Andrew Mangiapane Looks to Step Up in Edmonton’s Top Six
Andrew Mangiapane secured a two-year, $7.2 million deal with the Edmonton Oilers and could reach new heights if placed in top-six roles. His 2024-25 season with Washington saw only 28 points, but he mainly played bottom-six minutes. Mangiapane’s 35-goal campaign in 2021-22 shows his scoring ceiling, especially if he finds ice time with stars Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
Remaining Free Agents Could Influence Top Line Compositions
Several notable players are still unsigned, including Jack Roslovic, Victor Olofsson, and Max Pacioretty. Their eventual destinations could impact top-two line configurations across the league, potentially altering fantasy hockey strategies as rosters finalize before the season.
“There was one great player who elected to go the free agent route, and that was Marner. He signed an eight-year, $96 million contract with Vegas. Technically, he was signed and then traded by the Maple Leafs on June 30, but for all intents and purposes, he was an unrestricted free agent. The talented winger hit the 100-point mark for the first time last season, generating 27 goals and 102 points, finishing fifth in NHL scoring during the regular season. Marner will lose Auston Matthews as his center but will get Jack Eichel in Vegas – not exactly a downgrade. Look for Marner to have another huge season with less pressure in Vegas than in the Toronto market.” —Original source