The NHL offseason is now in full swing following the Florida Panthers` second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Recent days have seen significant activity, including Jonathan Toews agreeing to terms with the Winnipeg Jets upon the start of free agency, several players re-signing with their current teams, and a trade that sent Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Attention now turns to the NHL Entry Draft, scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Los Angeles. The event will feature seven rounds of selections and is anticipated to include multiple trades that could significantly impact team futures. Immediately after the draft, the focus shifts to July 1, when free agency officially opens.
To provide insight into these critical offseason events, ESPN reporters Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski consulted with sources across the league`s front offices. Here is the latest buzz regarding the draft, trade market, and free agency:
Schaefer`s Perspective Forged Through Adversity
Matthew Schaefer has been projected as the first overall pick in this year`s draft for months, with the New York Islanders holding the top selection. However, the Erie Otters defenseman seems remarkably unfazed by the pressure, approaching the process with a relaxed attitude focused on enjoying the experience. This perspective was hard-earned through significant personal challenges.
Schaefer described enduring “a lot” over the past year. This included the death of his billet mother in late 2023, followed just two months later by the passing of his own mother after a long battle with cancer. The difficult period continued during the 2025 World Junior Championship when Erie Otters owner Jim Waters, with whom Schaefer had a close relationship, also died. Adding to these losses, Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone during the tournament, ending his season prematurely.
While a year of such profound loss and injury would be devastating for anyone, particularly a 17-year-old on the verge of realizing his NHL dream, Schaefer has channeled these experiences into strength. He views the adversity not as a burden, but almost as a “superpower” that helps him navigate the pressures of being a highly-touted prospect.
“There`s a lot worse things that can happen in life [than not being picked No. 1],” he reflected. He feels that compared to what he`s experienced, dealing with injuries seems “super easy.” Schaefer noted that while a minor injury might have seemed catastrophic in the past, going through significant loss has provided a new understanding of life`s challenges. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, working hard, and crucially, being a good person, which he believes “goes such a long way.”
Matthew Schaefer is the top-ranked prospect in the 2025 NHL draft class.
Schaefer is described as quick-witted, personable, earnest, and genuine. He has actively participated in charity work with children facing grief and plans to continue volunteering with the hospital where his mother received treatment. This commitment appears authentic, stemming from a genuine enjoyment of connecting with people and hearing their stories.
“I personally love helping people,” he stated, emphasizing the value of “respecting people, [treating them] how you`d like to be treated.” Simple acts like holding a door are significant to him. He strives for a positive mindset daily, inspired by his mother`s incredible strength. “Seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face with cancer and everything trying to bring her down, but she wouldn`t let it bring her down,” he said, adding, “Wish I was as tough as her.”
As the draft approaches, Schaefer believes his mother will be watching and perhaps even assisting him in a familiar way. He fondly remembers her putting on goalie equipment so he could practice shooting on her. Now, he imagines her “spiritually” in net when he practices, perhaps subtly deflecting his shots. Schaefer feels these experiences have made him “definitely a lot stronger now.”
Could the Islanders Target Hagens as Well?
James Hagens, an 18-year-old center from Hauppauge, New York, understands the local desire for him to be drafted by his hometown team, the New York Islanders. Hagens grew up attending playoff games at Nassau Coliseum, screaming for his favorite team, and still keeps a rally towel from those days. He has become a prominent NHL draft prospect, and Islanders fans are vocal about wanting him to “come home.”
Hagens recounted instances of fans approaching him on the golf course or seeing a “Bring Hagens Home” bumper sticker on a car, prompting him to try and avoid drawing attention. He admitted his hopes rose when the Islanders won the draft lottery and secured the first overall pick.
There was a time when Hagens was considered a strong contender for the top spot in the 2025 draft class, even ranked first by TSN`s Bob McKenzie based on surveys of NHL scouts. However, his position has shifted somewhat over the past season. Factors contributing to this include a solid, but perhaps not overwhelmingly elite, freshman season at Boston College and ongoing discussions about his physical frame (around 5`11″). Crucially, the emergence of Matthew Schaefer as the likely first overall pick for the Islanders also played a role.
Despite Schaefer being the presumptive No. 1 pick, buzz circulated during the Stanley Cup Final about the possibility of the Islanders making a significant draft-day maneuver: selecting Schaefer first and then trading to acquire another high pick, potentially in the top four, to also draft Hagens. The San Jose Sharks are expected to select forward Michael Misa second, while the Chicago Blackhawks are at No. 3, Utah at No. 4, and Nashville at No. 5. The Islanders would need to swing a deal with one of these teams to land Hagens.
Speculation regarding what the Islanders might offer in a trade includes 25-year-old defenseman Alexander Romanov, a restricted free agent due for a new contract and a raise, and the Colorado Avalanche`s first-round pick in 2026, which Colorado has the option to defer to 2027. However, acquiring a top-four pick would likely require a more substantial package. Landing Hagens, a local star, would be a strategic move that aligns with GM Mathieu Darche`s stated goal of building a more “attacking” team and co-owner John Collins` emphasis on fostering “deeper connections” with the Long Island hockey community.
Tavares` Future with Toronto on the Clock
It appears increasingly likely that Mitch Marner will not return to the Toronto Maple Leafs this fall, potentially departing as an unrestricted free agent. This outcome, anticipated for months, highlights concerns about the team`s asset management, as they risk losing a valuable player without compensation. While a sign-and-trade scenario or a team acquiring Marner`s rights before free agency are theoretical possibilities, they are not considered probable.
Given this situation, the Maple Leafs` immediate focus should be on captain John Tavares. Reports suggest that the team and Tavares are not close to finalizing a contract extension. Toronto faces a pressing deadline here, as the market for viable unrestricted free agent centers is notably thin. Sam Bennett is expected to remain in Florida, and both Jonathan Toews and Matt Duchene have signed with other teams. The remaining options for Toronto are limited to players like Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, or potentially Claude Giroux.
The Leafs cannot afford to lose Tavares, especially after he had one of his most effective seasons at age 34. Replacing a second-line center of his caliber would be challenging, particularly if other teams make competitive offers for his services. Matt Duchene`s recent four-year, $18 million extension with Dallas (a $4.5 million average annual value) provides a potential benchmark, suggesting that a similar AAV for Tavares, even with some creative structuring, might be a reasonable outcome for Toronto. Tavares is reportedly open to negotiating, providing the Maple Leafs an opportunity to retain him.
This juncture represents a critical test for Leafs GM Brad Treliving. Considering the limited options and Tavares` willingness to stay, Toronto must make a compelling offer to secure their captain`s future with the team.
Can Panthers Retain Their Core Trio?
Discussions have been extensive regarding the future of three key unrestricted free agents for the back-to-back Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers: center Sam Bennett, defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and winger Brad Marchand. Pre-Cup victory perceptions about their likelihood of re-signing have shifted:
1. Sam Bennett: Prior to the playoffs, Bennett was seen as a lock to re-sign, especially given his impact and subsequent Conn Smythe Trophy discussion. Despite the potential for other teams to offer significantly higher salaries, both Bennett and the Panthers have expressed confidence in reaching an agreement. His public declaration at a victory celebration, loosely quoting “I ain`t f—ing leaving,” reinforced this expectation.
2. Aaron Ekblad: The situation surrounding Ekblad, drafted first overall by the Panthers in 2014, was less certain. As a coveted mobile right-shot defenseman with two Cups, he would attract significant interest. Reports indicated he rejected a contract offer last summer, leading the Panthers to reportedly explore trading him. However, the sentiment has changed. Speculation now suggests Ekblad, 29, is likely to stay, potentially agreeing to a deal that exchanges a higher annual cap hit for longer term. This carries some risk given his injury history, but the Panthers value their defensive depth, believing Ekblad pairs well with Gustav Forsling and Seth Jones fits effectively on the second pairing. While his return is anticipated, Ekblad recently cautioned that “things seem to come down to the last minute here.”
Commentary on the Panthers` performance.
3. Brad Marchand: Marchand previously took less money in Boston compared to his market value. The initial assumption was that he would prioritize securing the highest salary and desired term (rumored to be four years) in free agency, leading to strong links with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, his successful fit and role in Florida`s championship run appear to have influenced his thinking. Marchand publicly asked GM Bill Zito for a contract, even doing so at a Dairy Queen. Zito has expressed optimism about re-signing all three key players while managing the salary cap to allow for further roster moves. Marchand has also been seen indicating he`s staying, reportedly flashing four fingers, but given his playful demeanor, these public gestures should be taken with some caution.
A Potential Surprise for Chicago at Pick No. 3?
The Chicago Blackhawks hold the third overall pick in the draft, a position of significant interest as Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely expected to be selected first and second, respectively. This leaves Chicago with the first truly unpredictable choice of the night, prompting questions about whether they will target a center or a winger.
Following the scouting combine in Buffalo, it was reported that Chicago`s attention was primarily focused on either Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers or Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone. Martone`s draft stock has reportedly climbed since the beginning of June.
While the Blackhawks might have initially leaned towards selecting a center to complement Connor Bedard, the appeal of Martone may prove too strong to pass up. Martone is a physically imposing winger, listed at 6-3 and 207 pounds, known for his physical edge, creative offensive play, powerful shot, and excellent puck-handling skills. As captain of the Steelheads last season, he recorded an impressive 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games. Scouts have highly praised his talent and potential to become a significant player in the NHL.
Despite the temptation to add another high-caliber center alongside Bedard, the draw of a potential star winger like Martone might ultimately dictate Chicago`s third overall selection.
Oilers GM Ponders Goaltending Decisions
There is little doubt that the Edmonton Oilers` goaltending was a significant factor in their loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard both struggled; Skinner finished the Final with an .861 save percentage and 3.97 goals-against average, being pulled twice and briefly benched for Pickard, who also posted an .878 save percentage and 2.88 goals-against average in the series. Both netminders performed below replacement level in terms of goals saved above expected during their final five playoff appearances, contrasting with Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky, who maintained a 3.1 goals saved above expected and a .919 save percentage in the Final.
Things were going well enough for the Oilers` goaltending battery of Stuart Skinner and Calvin Pickard — and then the Stanley Cup Final began.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman expressed perplexity regarding the reversal in goaltending performance. He argued that Edmonton`s goalies had outperformed their counterparts in the previous three series against Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill, and Jake Oettinger, which he believed was key to reaching the Final. “And then in the Final it flipped,” he noted.
The prevailing assumption has been that Edmonton would prioritize acquiring an elite-level netminder to avoid similar struggles in the future. However, Bowman indicated he is still evaluating whether changes in goal are necessary. Both Skinner ($2.6 million AAV) and Pickard ($1 million AAV) are under contract through the next season before becoming unrestricted free agents.
Bowman stated that potential changes for next season “may involve the goaltending or it could not,” emphasizing that significant analysis is required following their second consecutive playoff loss to Florida before a decision is made. It seems challenging to imagine the Oilers returning with the same goaltending tandem next season, but options for an upgrade are limited.
The Oilers have been linked to John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, but he possesses a 10-team no-trade list and two years remaining on his contract with a $6.4 million AAV. The unrestricted free agent market for goalies is thin, with New Jersey`s veteran Jake Allen perhaps the best available option, alongside players like Alexandar Georgiev (San Jose), Alex Lyon (Detroit), and Anton Forsberg (Ottawa).
Bowman highlighted the difficulty in acquiring a truly elite goalie, noting, “It`s not like you just go down to the corner and pick up an elite goalie. They`re not just waiting for you to join your team.” He also questioned how many goalies truly belong in that elite group and noted that some high-profile goalies have also experienced tough playoff performances. Bowman concluded that while goaltending is the most important position, it`s not always the sole reason teams win, pointing out that some Cup champions have succeeded without perceived elite netminding, while others have won specifically because of their goalie`s performance.
Is Nashville Truly Open to Anything?
Rumors surrounding the Nashville Predators continue to circulate with growing intensity. The Predators hold the fifth overall pick in the draft, a position from which they are not typically expected to operate given their current trajectory. Unlike teams looking to rebuild from the draft, Nashville aims to compete immediately.
This puts Nashville in a unique position to potentially use their high draft capital as leverage to acquire an established NHL player from a team that might be closer to a retooling or rebuilding phase. If a major trade occurs in the first round of the draft, it feels highly probable that Nashville will be involved.
Specifically, the Predators could benefit from acquiring a reliable defenseman to bolster their blue line alongside Roman Josi. We know from General Manager Barry Trotz`s recent offseasons that he is willing to go “all-in” and be creative when he believes the team has an opportunity to contend. If Trotz is confident in Nashville`s ability to rebound effectively in the upcoming season, he is likely to seriously consider a fair trade that brings in an NHL-level player in exchange for draft assets.
Rupert Hartwell