With the 2025 NHL draft now complete, the focus shifts to free agency. The official signing period is set to begin on Tuesday at noon ET, although teams have already been active with re-signings and trades in the days leading up to it.
Every team`s front office is working to maximize its chances of making the Stanley Cup playoffs next spring and competing for hockey`s most prestigious trophy. Here’s a look at how each of the 32 teams can navigate this offseason successfully, including their available cap space and a list of key players entering restricted (RFA) or unrestricted (UFA) free agency.
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Boston Bruins
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $12,743,333
Offseason Strategy: General Manager Don Sweeney appears committed to securing the team`s current players. He has already extended Mason Lohrei and is working on a new deal for Henri Jokiharju to maintain defensive depth on the right side. Morgan Geekie, coming off his best season (33 goals, 57 points), also signed a new contract and looks like a potential core player. Jokiharju was re-signed Monday morning. Beyond internal re-signings, Sweeney needs to recruit external talent to boost Boston`s scoring, which ranked 28th last season. Only Geekie and David Pastrnak scored 20+ goals, highlighting a significant area for improvement through free agency.
Buffalo Sabres
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: D Bowen Byram, G Devon Levi
Cap Space: $20,840,319
Offseason Strategy: GM Kevyn Adams initiated his plan by trading RFA JJ Peterka to Utah, signalling potentially more moves to come. He secured RFA Jack Quinn with a two-year extension but still has work ahead. If Adams intends to move Byram, doing so while his value is high is crucial. Extending Alex Tuch, a key forward and leader, should be a priority, as his contract can be signed from Tuesday onwards. The Sabres also need to address their inconsistent performance. Adams should target free agents like Mason Appleton or Connor Brown to strengthen the bottom six and add much-needed depth. The key for Adams is to remain proactive and avoid complacency after another missed playoff season.
Detroit Red Wings
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Patrick Kane
Key RFAs: F Jonatan Berggren, F Elmer Soderblom
Cap Space: $18,411,628
Offseason Strategy: The Red Wings made a significant move during the draft weekend, acquiring goaltender John Gibson from Anaheim for Petr Mrazek and draft picks. This provides a necessary upgrade in net, partnering Gibson with veteran Cam Talbot for a solid duo and a strong start to GM Steve Yzerman`s offseason. Yzerman will aim to further tweak the roster to push for a playoff spot. Re-signing Patrick Kane would be a valuable addition, as he performed well at 5-on-5 and on special teams, offering veteran presence. The defence needs a significant upgrade; Detroit allowed the 12th-most goals last season, and their second and third pairings struggled. Yzerman could pursue UFA options like Vladislav Gavrikov or explore trades for players like RFA K`Andre Miller. Finding one or two defensemen to alleviate pressure on Moritz Seider and Simon Edvinsson is essential.
Florida Panthers
2024-25 Outcome: Won Stanley Cup
Key UFAs: F Brad Marchand, D Nate Schmidt, G Vitek Vanecek
Key RFAs: F Mackie Samoskevich
Cap Space: $4,900,000
Offseason Strategy: The Panthers have already addressed their backup goaltending by trading for Daniil Tarasov from Columbus, replacing departing UFA Vanecek and checking off one item for GM Bill Zito. Star defenseman Aaron Ekblad signed an eight-year extension with a $6.1 million AAV on Monday, following Sam Bennett`s public declaration of wanting to stay in Florida before re-signing. Zito now has limited cap flexibility. A trade might be necessary to retain Marchand. Fortunately, Florida has few other roster gaps to fill, and keeping Marchand shouldn`t demand excessive cap space given his age and team role.
Montreal Canadiens
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Christian Dvorak
Key RFAs: G Jakub Dobes
Cap Space: $-3,394,166
Offseason Strategy: Montreal`s impressive push to the postseason in 2024-25 was just the beginning. GM Kent Hughes made a major splash on draft day by acquiring Noah Dobson from the Islanders and signing him to an eight-year, $76 million contract. This move, though costly (including two 2025 first-round picks), significantly strengthens the Canadiens` blue line with Dobson joining Lane Hutson and others, creating a formidable defensive group. The team`s most pressing need now is a second-line center, a position with limited options in free agency. Anthony Beauvillier has been linked to the team, but that offers only a short-term fix. Re-signing Dvorak is another stopgap option. Hughes could also add wingers or orchestrate a trade for a true top-six pivot. The goal is to inject exciting offensive energy without sacrificing future assets or draft picks.
Ottawa Senators
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Nick Cousins, G Anton Forsberg
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $8,194,286
Offseason Strategy: The Senators` primary goal was securing Claude Giroux. GM Steve Staios achieved this by signing Giroux to a one-year extension on Sunday, a crucial deal for maintaining the consistency that helped the team reach the playoffs last season. Staios has indicated satisfaction with the current roster and may prioritize internal growth over significant external additions, reinforcing the idea that retaining Giroux`s leadership is paramount for their developing core. Ottawa doesn`t appear to have glaring weaknesses elsewhere, having built steadily. Extending Forsberg would align with this philosophy, although the goaltender is reportedly interested in exploring the open market.
Tampa Bay Lightning
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: D Nick Perbix
Key RFAs: F Gage Goncalves
Cap Space: $5,480,001
Offseason Strategy: As is typical for Tampa Bay, nothing seems impossible for GM Julien BriseBois. The Lightning ran out of gas in the playoffs once again. BriseBois aimed to prevent this by leveraging their limited cap space to bring in new players, especially on defense. Securing Perbix and Goncalves is a minimum requirement; both have contributed effectively, and Goncalves is just hitting his stride. However, BriseBois has a history of major deals. Goncalves could potentially be part of a trade package if the GM decides to make another big move to give the Lightning the edge in Florida again.
Toronto Maple Leafs
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Second Round
Key UFAs: F Steven Lorentz, F Mitch Marner
Key RFAs: F Nick Robertson
Cap Space: $13,570,581
Offseason Strategy: The Maple Leafs addressed their top offseason priority by signing John Tavares to a four-year extension last week. Losing Tavares would have severely impacted their center depth, especially with Mitch Marner likely departing for free agency unless a trade materializes before Tuesday. With Tavares secured and Marner`s high cap hit avoided, GM Brad Treliving successfully signed RFA Matthew Knies to a six-year extension with a $7.75 million AAV, a highly favorable deal. Treliving should now focus on adding defensive help, which would be a smart move. Re-signing Lorentz and Robertson should also be considered.
METROPOLITAN DIVISION
Carolina Hurricanes
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Conference Finals
Key UFAs: D Brent Burns, D Dmitry Orlov, F Jack Roslovic
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $26,715,958
Offseason Strategy: Carolina has consistently fallen short in the Eastern Conference Finals, reaching that stage twice in three seasons. GM Erik Tulsky`s task is to find players who can propel them to the next level. The immediate need is skilled scoring wingers, preferably with top-nine experience. A second-line center would also be valuable, and if cap space allows, strengthening the right side of the defense wouldn`t hurt. Carolina struggled to score in the playoffs, particularly against Florida`s tight defense, averaging less than three goals per game. The team may have too many similar-style players, making them easier to contain. Tulsky should target players who bring some grit and diversity to complement the existing skill.
Columbus Blue Jackets
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Christian Fischer, F Luke Kunin, F Kevin Labanc, D Ivan Provorov
Key RFAs: D Jordan Harris, F Dmitri Voronkov
Cap Space: $28,533,752
Offseason Strategy: Columbus was active before Tuesday, trading for Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood from Colorado. Coyle enhances the middle six and adds center flexibility, while Wood could contribute to the bottom six if he regains form. This depth is positive but not enough to drastically change their fortunes. GM Don Waddell needs to find another center and a top-six winger who fit with the young core. The right side of their blue line also needs bolstering, beyond the extension for Dante Fabbro. The trade of goaltender Daniil Tarasov raises questions about the goalie situation, currently featuring Elvis Merzlikins and Jet Greaves. Waddell must explore options for an upgrade in net to give the team its best chance.
New Jersey Devils
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Nathan Bastian, F Daniel Sprong, G Jake Allen
Key RFAs: F Nolan Foote, D Luke Hughes
Cap Space: $14,394,167
Offseason Strategy: The Devils` priority is undoubtedly securing a new contract for Luke Hughes, a foundational defenseman and crucial part of the team`s future. Once that is done, GM Tom Fitzgerald can address New Jersey`s offense. A significant need exists for a center, especially if RFA Cody Glass is not qualified and Dawson Mercer isn`t ready for that role next season. Improving the team`s scoring, which ranked 20th last season even with a healthy Jack Hughes for a period, is another key task. The backup goaltender situation also needs attention: can Nico Daws reliably support Jacob Markstrom? Free agency offers limited goalie options, but a trade might improve the position.
New York Islanders
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: D Scott Perunovich
Cap Space: $14,693,334
Offseason Strategy: New GM Mathieu Darche wasted no time making changes, trading Noah Dobson to Montreal during the draft weekend. This left the Islanders with only four signed blueliners for the upcoming season, though Darche quickly secured Alexander Romanov with an eight-year contract. First overall draft pick Matthew Schaefer could potentially join the roster. The team`s next focus is ensuring strong goaltending support for Ilya Sorokin. Semyon Varlamov was injured last season and didn`t return, impacting goaltending performance. Varlamov is now 37, raising questions about his ability to partner effectively with a top goalie like Sorokin. Darche must decide whether to trade Varlamov or trust he can provide solid minutes. Scoring depth remains a perennial need (ranking 28th last season), but the team must prioritize which areas to address immediately.
New York Rangers
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: F Will Cuylle, F Arthur Kaliyev, D K`Andre Miller
Cap Space: $12,197,142
Offseason Strategy: New York cleared cap space by trading Chris Kreider to Anaheim, a move that seemed likely this offseason. This provides flexibility to build a playoff team again. A decision on K`Andre Miller is critical: will the Rangers keep him, trade him, or how does he fit long-term? Will Cuylle, who had an excellent second season, should be signed quickly to avoid offer sheet risks. With limited cap space remaining unless another veteran is traded, GM Chris Drury`s best course of action for now might be focusing on signing their own restricted free agents.
Philadelphia Flyers
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: F Jakob Pelletier, D Cam York
Cap Space: $15,141,905
Offseason Strategy: Philadelphia`s main needs for 2025-26 were strengthening the center position and adding another goaltender. The trade for Trevor Zegras theoretically addresses the first need. Now, the Flyers must find a goalie to complement Samuel Ersson. Philadelphia`s team save percentage (.872) was the lowest in the league last season, and neither Ivan Fedotov nor Aleksei Kolosov seem ready for a primary role. GM Danny Briere must search the limited free agent market for a netminder. A trade for Thatcher Demko, given his connection to new coach Rick Tocchet and manageable contract, could be the best option despite his injury history. Veteran goalies like Alex Lyon or Jake Allen could also support Ersson, in whom the organization still has confidence. If possible after addressing goaltending, adding a left-handed defenseman would also benefit the Flyers.
Pittsburgh Penguins
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: F Connor Dewar, F Philip Tomasino
Cap Space: $19,616,904
Offseason Strategy: While a Sidney Crosby trade seems highly unlikely, GM Kyle Dubas should explore options regarding Erik Karlsson. Karlsson has shown signs of age, and Pittsburgh needs to become younger and faster to contend for the postseason. Moving Karlsson`s contract will be challenging, but freeing up that cap space would significantly benefit the team. Dubas will likely sign both Dewar and Tomasino to new deals. The Penguins also face questions in net. Tristan Jarry and Alex Nedeljkovic remain, but they were not a top tandem last season. A trade involving Karlsson could potentially bring back a goaltender to help address this need.
Washington Capitals
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Second Round
Key UFAs: D Ethan Bear, F Anthony Beauvillier, F Andrew Mangiapane
Key RFAs: D Alexander Alexeyev
Cap Space: $9,375,000
Offseason Strategy: GM Chris Patrick stated his desire to add more high-skill players, a surprising comment given Washington ranked second in scoring in 2024-25. However, this logic makes sense; their offensive success relied heavily on several players having career years, which is unlikely to repeat for everyone. Retaining Beauvillier would help maintain bottom-six depth affordably. With TJ Oshie retiring, roster turnover is expected regardless, making the focus on adding scoring a prudent decision.
CENTRAL DIVISION
Chicago Blackhawks
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: None
Key RFAs: D Louis Crevier, D Wyatt Kaiser, F Philipp Kurashev, G Arvid Soderblom
Cap Space: $22,495,357
Offseason Strategy: The goal is to improve the roster while continuing the rebuild. Chicago was in the bottom 10 for goals scored per game and allowed the second-most goals. GM Kyle Davidson acquired Andre Burakovsky for scoring depth and could use free agency or another trade to find an experienced scorer who fits with the young players. They might also seek at least two experienced defensemen to address last season`s defensive issues, especially as their current group includes seven defensemen under 24 who are under contract or team control.
Colorado Avalanche
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Jonathan Drouin, F Joel Kiviranta, D Ryan Lindgren, F Jimmy Vesey
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $8,950,000
Offseason Strategy: The Avalanche need to strengthen their roster to pursue another Stanley Cup. Building a solid supporting cast has been a challenge since their 2022 championship. They must retool their bottom-six forwards and their third defense pairing. While options are available, their cap situation is the primary constraint. Trading Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood freed up $8.2 million but also created two more bottom-six vacancies that need filling.
Dallas Stars
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Conference Finals
Key UFAs: D Cody Ceci, F Evgenii Dadonov, F Mikael Granlund
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $980,084
Offseason Strategy: The Stars need to reinforce their bottom-six forward group. Like other Western Conference contenders, they face the task of rebuilding this part of their roster with players who can contribute to a deep playoff run. Although they could potentially add help elsewhere, the bottom six appears to be their most significant need. With only 10 forwards currently under contract, the team must create cap space to acquire the best possible options.
Minnesota Wild
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Justin Brazeau, D Jon Merrill, F Gustav Nyquist
Key RFAs: F Marco Rossi
Cap Space: $17,711,835
Offseason Strategy: The Wild need to solidify their roster by adding more goal scorers. GM Bill Guerin indicated at the end of the season that finding another center was planned. However, potential free agent centers like Sam Bennett, Matt Duchene, Brock Nelson, and John Tavares re-signed with their teams, and Jonathan Toews signed with the Jets. If the Wild look elsewhere, they could add a top-six or top-nine winger. A local player, perhaps a seven-time 20-goal scorer, entering free agency would be an interesting option.
Nashville Predators
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: D Marc Del Gaizo, F Jakub Vrana
Key RFAs: F Luke Evangelista
Cap Space: $13,519,610
Offseason Strategy: The Predators must decide on their path forward after falling from a playoff team to a lottery team, despite GM Barry Trotz`s successful moves last July 1st (“winning July 1”). Trotz sees potential in the team`s young players and believes they can mesh with the experienced core. However, to be safe, the team might still add another top-nine forward or a top-six defenseman. Trotz recently did the latter, trading for Golden Knights defenseman Nicolas Hague and signing him to a four-year, $5.5 million AAV contract on Sunday.
St. Louis Blues
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: F Radek Faksa, D Ryan Suter
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $1,625,150
Offseason Strategy: The Blues need to add at least one more defenseman. GM Doug Armstrong stated in May that Torey Krug is not expected to play next season. If this is the case, the Blues require another top-six defenseman and potentially one for depth. Armstrong confirmed the team will have long-term injured reserve space from Krug`s $6.5 million annual contract. Aside from defense, the Blues` top-nine forwards appear settled, and both goalies are under contract, with Joel Hofer signing a two-year extension Saturday.
Utah Mammoth
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: D Robert Bortuzzo, F Nick Bjugstad, F Michael Carcone
Key RFAs: F Jack McBain
Cap Space: $14,982,143
Offseason Strategy: Utah should aggressively pursue top-six forwards. They`ve already started by trading for JJ Peterka and signing him to a five-year extension worth $7.7 million annually. Other potential top-six players could be available in free agency. If not, the Mammoth might seek a trade to add another forward to a team seemingly close to playoff contention. Despite ranking in the top 10 for shots and scoring chances per 60 minutes, Utah finished 21st in goals per game, indicating a need for finishers.
Winnipeg Jets
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Second Round
Key UFAs: F Mason Appleton, F Nikolaj Ehlers, F Brandon Tanev
Key RFAs: F Morgan Barron, F Rasmus Kupari, D Dylan Samberg, F Gabriel Vilardi
Cap Space: $23,513,810
Offseason Strategy: The Jets need to strategically sign more forwards. The situation with Nikolaj Ehlers, a key free agent option, could conclude with him re-signing or leaving. Regardless, the Jets have cap space to add scoring help but must manage it carefully. They either need to re-sign Ehlers or find a suitable replacement. Securing a new contract for 27-goal scorer Gabriel Vilardi is also essential. Additionally, they need to strengthen their bottom-six forwards and sign Dylan Samberg on defense.
PACIFIC DIVISION
Anaheim Ducks
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Robby Fabbri, F Brock McGinn
Key RFAs: G Lukas Dostal, D Drew Helleson, F Mason McTavish, F Isac Lundestrom
Cap Space: $35,988,812
Offseason Strategy: GM Pat Verbeek has substantial cap space but should spend cautiously with future needs in mind. He could add a top-six forward, middle-six players, or at least two bottom-six forwards. While adding defensemen is possible, it might take playing time away from promising young blueliners. Any decision must consider the key players needing new contracts this offseason and the fact that Leo Carlsson, Cutter Gauthier, Jackson LaCombe, Pavel Mintyukov, and Olen Zellweger will all be RFAs after next season.
Calgary Flames
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Anthony Mantha, F Kevin Rooney, G Dan Vladar
Key RFAs: F Morgan Frost, F Connor Zary
Cap Space: $19,820,000
Offseason Strategy: The Flames need to acquire forwards who can consistently finish scoring chances. This is complicated by a free agent market where desired options could lead to bidding wars. The Flames can participate in free agency or look for trades to address their needs. They also need to structure new contracts for RFAs Morgan Frost and Connor Zary, deciding between short-term bridge deals or longer-term agreements for cost certainty.
Edmonton Oilers
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Cup Final
Key UFAs: F Connor Brown, D John Klingberg, F Corey Perry, F Jeff Skinner
Key RFAs: D Evan Bouchard
Cap Space: $11,050,834
Offseason Strategy: The Oilers` priority is re-signing Evan Bouchard and then revamping their supporting cast. There`s at least one top-six opening, several spots on the fourth line, and at least one defense spot to fill. Goaltending also remains a question after uneven performances in consecutive Stanley Cup Final losses. The Oilers have clear areas to address but must either create more cap space or find affordable players. All decisions occur with the knowledge that their superstar player is slated for UFA status after 2025-26, potentially influencing strategy.
Los Angeles Kings
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in First Round
Key UFAs: D Vladislav Gavrikov, F Tanner Jeannot, F Andrei Kuzmenko, G David Rittich
Key RFAs: F Alex Laferriere
Cap Space: $23,210,000
Offseason Strategy: New GM Ken Holland should aim for one or two significant additions. He has been linked to top-six forwards like Brock Boeser, Mitch Marner, and Brad Marchand. The Kings could also target another top-four defenseman, either by re-signing Gavrikov or pursuing someone else. However, they also need to retain enough cap space to add experienced players to their fourth line and potentially upgrade their backup goaltender.
San Jose Sharks
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: G Alexandar Georgiev, D Jan Rutta
Key RFAs: F Thomas Bordeleau, F Klim Kostin, F Nikolai Kovalenko
Cap Space: $44,090,832
Offseason Strategy: The Sharks, having finished last, need help in nearly every area: the top nine, bottom six, defense, and another goaltender to potentially partner with prospect Yaroslav Askarov. With Macklin Celebrini and Will Smith entering their second season, the focus remains on the future. The Sharks might again sign veterans to one-year deals that can be traded at the deadline for more draft capital, continuing their rebuild efforts.
Seattle Kraken
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Michael Eyssimont
Key RFAs: D Ryker Evans, F Kaapo Kakko, F Tye Kartye
Cap Space: $18,057,621
Offseason Strategy: The Kraken should continue adding players who bring consistency, similar to acquiring 22-goal scorer Mason Marchment to bolster the top nine or Frederick Gaudreau, a two-way center with consistent scoring, for the bottom six. These types of moves help the Kraken find more continuity and build potentially deeper roster than they had when they made the playoffs in their second season.
Vancouver Canucks
2024-25 Outcome: Missed Playoffs
Key UFAs: F Brock Boeser, F Pius Suter
Key RFAs: None
Cap Space: $7,031,667
Offseason Strategy: The Canucks need more help in their top nine forward group. Consistent scoring was an issue last season and could persist. They might re-sign Brock Boeser and Pius Suter, but losing either or both would create new gaps. The Canucks should also add a bottom-pairing defenseman, acknowledging their limited cap space restricts major moves.
Vegas Golden Knights
2024-25 Outcome: Lost in Second Round
Key UFAs: F Victor Olofsson, F Tanner Pearson, G Ilya Samsonov
Key RFAs: F Alexander Holtz
Cap Space: $2,186,429
Offseason Strategy: The Golden Knights are always expected to make moves to pursue another Stanley Cup. GM Kelly McCrimmon`s options are complex. Reports on Saturday linked them to a potential sign-and-trade for Mitch Marner. A day later, reports surfaced that defenseman Alex Pietrangelo is expected to miss the 2025-26 season due to multiple surgeries. Hours after that, they traded RFA defenseman Nicolas Hague for forward Colton Sissons and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon, adding depth but leaving them with less than $800,000 in cap space. It`s certainly never dull in Vegas!
Rupert Hartwell