2025 NHL Free Agency Predictions

NHL Free Agency officially kicks off tomorrow, and it will be a day full of player movement. Using The Athletic’s top 10 available players list as a guide, here are my predictions for where some these names will land.

Let’s get into it:

Mitch Marner: Vegas Golden Knights

This is inevitable. The Marner-to-Vegas buzz has been swirling for well over a year, and it may already be done by the time you read these words as the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights continue to discuss a sign-and-trade possibility. Vegas gets the top prize in this year's class.

Brad Marchand: Florida Panthers or New Jersey Devils

After coming over at the deadline, Marchand fit in perfectly to the Panthers system, playing some of his best hockey in years during their Cup run. I expect Florida to find a way to keep him. In the scenario Marchand does leave the Panthers, keep your eye on the New Jersey Devils as a landing spot for the 37-year-old, as they will look to add grit to their lineup this summer.

Aaron Ekblad: Anaheim Ducks

Based on a lot of the reporting, it looks like Ekblad's time in Florida is done, and he will head to the open market. Anaheim has been rumored as a landing spot since the season ended, and with the Ducks looking to push into the playoff mix, Ekblad would be a massive addition for this young group.

Note: Ekblad has since re-signed with the Panthers

Nikolaj Ehlers: Carolina Hurricanes

This one’s been rumored all year. The fit is almost too perfect—Carolina needs a dynamic top-six forward, and Ehlers fits that role perfectly. After missing out on some of the bigger names throughout the year, Carolina finally gets their guy.

Brock Boeser: Winnipeg Jets or Edmonton Oilers

I'm going to go a bit bold with Boeser. Winnipeg makes sense geographically, as it is close to his home of Minnesota, and the Jets will be looking to replace Ehlers. But don’t count out Edmonton. There’s been post-draft chatter about them clearing cap by possibly dealing Adam Henrique or Viktor Arvidsson. If they clear the space, Boeser could be the Oilers next big swing.

Vladislav Gavrikov: New York Rangers

Another one that feels close to being done. Rangers want more blue line depth and Gavrikov brings it in spades.

Ivan Provorov: Los Angeles Kings

With Gavrikov gone, LA needs a replacement. Enter Provorov. A logical fit and solid addition for a team still trying to get over the hump in the Western Conference.

Jake Allen: Edmonton Oilers

As we all know, the Oilers are desperate for goaltending help. They may have to overpay, but Allen feels like the most realistic and immediate solution to the Oilers problems in net.

Mikael Granlund: Columbus Blue Jackets

Columbus has cap space and clearly wants to make the playoffs again soon. Granlund gives them a stable veteran presence down the middle.

Patrick Kane: Detroit Red Wings

He showed flashes last season and brings a winning pedigree. I expect Kane to stay put in Detroit and help them try to make the postseason for the first time since 2016.

Other Notable Predictions:

• Pius Suter: Boston Bruins

• Dimitry Orlov: Columbus Blue Jackets

• Ryan Lindgren: Detroit Red Wings

• Andrew Mangiapane: Toronto Maple Leafs

• Corey Perry: Los Angeles Kings

• Victor Olofsson: Edmonton Oilers

• Nick Bjugstad: Vancouver Canucks

• Andrei Kuzmenko: Los Angeles Kings

• Nate Schimdt: Colorado Avalanche

• Connor Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs

• Jonathan Drouin: New York Rangers

• Brent Burns: Florida Panthers

• Nick Perbix: Carolina Hurricanes

• Jack Roslovic: Vancouver Canucks

• Dan Vladar: Montreal Canadiens

• Brandon Tanev: New Jersey Devils

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