NHL Offseason Guide 2025: Draft, Free Agency and Team Keys

April 14: Anaheim Ducks

Projected cap space: $39.55 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (WPG), 3rd, 3rd (TOR), 4th (DET), 5th, 5th (EDM), 6th, 7th

What went right?

The Ducks` young players showed significant development. Leo Carlsson had a 20-goal season, Lukas Dostal won 20 games with a strong save percentage, Cutter Gauthier approached 20 goals as a rookie, Jackson LaCombe improved his scoring and ice time, and Mason McTavish achieved his first 20-goal and 50-point season.

These young players helped the Ducks exceed 70 points after several seasons below 60.

What went wrong?

Defense around Dostal was a weakness. While the goal differential improved from -91 to -34, underlying metrics indicate more defensive work is needed. The Ducks allowed the most shots, scoring chances, and high-danger chances per 60 minutes in the NHL.

Keys to the offseason:

Securing contracts for young core players is crucial. Dostal and McTavish need new contracts. With substantial cap space, the Ducks should add support around their core.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Similar to Utah`s trajectory in 2024-25, the Ducks might not make the playoffs next season but could contend for a wild card spot by the end of the season with continued development and strategic free agency additions.

April 14: Boston Bruins

Projected cap space: $27.14 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd (CAR), 2nd (STL), 3rd, 4th (PHI), 5th, 6th, 7th

What went right?

Boston embraced a rebuild, becoming sellers at the trade deadline and acquiring draft capital, including multiple first and second-round picks, and new players like Casey Mittelstadt and Fraser Minten. The developing chemistry between Pastrnak and Geekie is a positive sign.

What went wrong?

A poor start, defensive struggles after Lindholm`s injury, and coaching changes impacted the Bruins. Swayman`s performance was inconsistent, and the offense was weak, ranking low in scoring and power play efficiency. McAvoy`s injury further hindered the team.

Keys to the offseason:

Hiring a permanent head coach is essential. The Bruins need to prepare for the draft, utilizing their high picks to strengthen a weak prospect pool. Decisions on young players and veteran additions in free agency will shape the rebuild.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

With Pastrnak, healthy Lindholm and McAvoy, and a stronger Swayman, the Bruins could be more competitive and entertaining, but a playoff return might be unlikely after just one year of absence. They are not starting from zero.

April 14: Buffalo Sabres

Projected cap space: $22.32 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 4th (MIN), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (NSH), 7th (WSH)

What went right?

Buffalo showed playoff potential, holding a postseason spot early in the season. Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin had strong individual seasons.

The team traded Dylan Cozens and added Josh Norris.

What went wrong?

The Sabres extended their playoff drought to 14 seasons due to a significant losing streak and inactivity at the trade deadline. Poor goaltending and high goals-against were major issues. Inconsistency and lack of growth from some young players also contributed.

Keys to the offseason:

The future of GM Kevyn Adams is uncertain after another playoff miss. Decisions on restricted free agents like Quinn, Peterka, Byram, Levi, and McLeod are pending. Addressing goaltending is critical, possibly through veteran acquisition if Luukkonen and Levi are not sufficient.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Playoffs are a must for Buffalo. They have the talent, and management needs to address gaps to end their playoff drought.

April 14: Chicago Blackhawks

Projected cap space: $29.17 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TOR), 2nd, 2nd (DAL), 3rd, 4th, 4th (NYR), 6th, 7th

What went right?

The Seth Jones trade was a positive move, acquiring a first-round pick and goalie Spencer Knight while shedding salary.

What went wrong?

Despite offseason additions, improvement was minimal. The team had few wins, and while the goal differential improved slightly, frustration led to a coaching change.

Keys to the offseason:

Deciding on the head coach, either retaining interim coach Sorensen or hiring someone new. Determining the future of leading scorer Ryan Donato, a pending free agent. Managing cap space after re-signing RFAs, considering future needs beyond 2025-26.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Next season is crucial for progress. Another stagnant season could raise questions for the front office. Reaching the 70-point mark for the first time since 2019-20 is a goal. The development of Bedard, Nazar, and Knight is central to their future.

April 14: Detroit Red Wings

Projected cap space: $22.98 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 3rd (NYR), 4th (TB), 5th, 6th, 7th, 7th (STL)

What went right?

Detroit showed resilience, overcoming a slow start with a coaching change that sparked a surge. Larkin and Raymond led the offense, and the power play was strong.

What went wrong?

Defensive issues persisted, with high goals-against and a league-worst penalty kill. Limited trade deadline activity and free agency impact contributed to another playoff miss. Inconsistency and defensive structure were lacking.

Keys to the offseason:

GM Yzerman might need to consider bolder moves. Decisions on RFAs and UFAs are pending. Addressing scoring depth and defensive improvements are needed. Boosting the blue line is essential.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Detroit has playoff potential and should aim to contend for a postseason spot. Yzerman`s offseason moves will determine if they can reach this goal.

April 14: Nashville Predators

Projected cap space: $17.26 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (TB), 1st (VGK), 2nd, 2nd (TB), 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 6th (COL)

What went right?

Prospect development is a positive. Matthew Wood and Joey Willis showed promise. Justin Barron, Zachary L`Heureux, and Fedor Svechkov gained NHL experience.

What went wrong?

The Predators regressed significantly, going from playoff team to near the bottom of the league despite offseason spending. Team performance was inconsistent and disconnected, with poor goal scoring despite high shot volume and defensive issues despite a good penalty kill.

Keys to the offseason:

With multiple first-round picks and cap space, the Predators have options to improve both short-term and long-term. Strengthening their plan to integrate young players while improving the current roster is key after a disappointing season.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

The Predators` direction is uncertain. Another playoff miss next season would raise serious questions for management.

April 14: New York Islanders

Projected cap space: $28.90 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th

What went right?

The Islanders showed resilience to be in contention, highlighted by a strong run in January. Horvat and Lee had good individual seasons. Dobson continued to develop, and Romanov became more comfortable. A trade involving Brock Nelson yielded a first-round pick and prospect.

What went wrong?

The Islanders lacked excellence in key areas, with below-average scoring, goals-against, power play, and penalty kill. Barzal`s injury significantly impacted the team. Lack of trade deadline additions and missed opportunities for draft assets were criticized. Team tensions became visible.

Keys to the offseason:

The Islanders need to consider significant changes. With cap space and draft picks, they must decide on the franchise`s direction: contention or rebuild. Personnel decisions on RFAs like Dobson and Romanov are critical, as is addressing scoring depth and injury resilience.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

After recent first-round playoff exits, the Islanders need major offseason changes to expect more than another quick postseason exit.

April 14: New York Rangers

Projected cap space: $9.67 million

2025 draft picks: 2nd, 3rd (SEA), 4th (ANA), 4th (COL), 5th (MIN), 6th, 6th (SEA), 7th

What went right?

Offloading Trouba and Kakko early in the season was beneficial. Acquiring J.T. Miller was an attempt to boost the offense. Young players like Cuylle showed growth. Panarin and Fox had strong individual seasons.

What went wrong?

The Rangers were a major disappointment, regressing from Presidents` Trophy winners. They lacked consistency, veteran contributions, power play efficiency, and resilience. Locker room issues or coaching effectiveness are questioned. Playoff elimination was confirmed with a heavy loss.

Keys to the offseason:

Coach Laviolette`s future is uncertain despite previous success. Drastic changes are expected. Assessing the core, deciding who to build around and who to trade. Addressing defensive issues and goaltending support. Identifying and fixing the season`s weaknesses is crucial.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

The Rangers can be a playoff team again with changes. Standing pat is not an option after this season`s poor performance. A renewed determination is needed.

April 14: Philadelphia Flyers

Projected cap space: $25.64 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (COL), 1st (EDM), 2nd, 2nd (ANA), 2nd (CGY), 2nd (CBJ), 3rd, 5th, 5th (CAR), 6th

What went right?

Michkov`s arrival signaled a new era. Other young players like Luchanko showed promise. Konecny had a strong season. GM Briere made moves to kick-start the team for 2025-26, including trades and a coaching change.

What went wrong?

The Flyers struggled in key areas, with poor goaltending, power play, and offense. A significant losing streak led to Tortorella`s firing. Something is still missing in Philadelphia.

Keys to the offseason:

Hiring a head coach is the first priority. Capitalizing on multiple high draft picks is crucial. Focusing on player development rather than major free agency spending is expected. Creating competition for roster spots is essential.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

After five playoff misses, the Flyers must contend for a playoff spot next season. Patience has been exercised, and results are expected.

April 14: Pittsburgh Penguins

Projected cap space: $24.58 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (NYR), 2nd (WSH), 3rd, 3rd (MIN), 3rd (OTT), 4th, 5th (CHI), 5th (NYR), 6th, 7th

What went right?

Crosby continued to perform at a high level. Youth movement with McGroarty and Koivunen gaining NHL experience is a positive step.

What went wrong?

Lack of depth scoring beyond the top line and Malkin`s struggles were issues. Poor goaltending from Jarry and weak defense contributed to high goals-against.

Keys to the offseason:

Coach Sullivan is expected to stay. Focus on integrating McGroarty and Koivunen. Addressing scoring depth with veteran additions and improving defense are crucial. Balancing present and future needs in roster construction.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Playoff return is uncertain without significant changes. Addressing weaknesses could make Pittsburgh a playoff contender, but it`s a major question.

April 14: San Jose Sharks

Projected cap space: $42.19 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 1st (DAL), 2nd, 2nd (OTT), 3rd (COL), 4th (STL), 4th (WPG), 5th (COL), 7th (NJ)

What went right?

Building for the future is the focus. Rookies Celebrini and Smith showed promise. Accumulating draft picks, including multiple first-rounders in 2025 and 2026. Slight improvement in goal differential.

What went wrong?

Expected struggles of a rebuilding team. Bottom-tier rankings in offense and defense across various metrics.

Keys to the offseason:

Securing a high draft pick, potentially No. 1 overall, for the third straight year. Utilizing significant cap space strategically, though major free agency moves might be premature.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Continued development of young players like Askarov, Eklund, Celebrini, and Smith is the priority. Further improvement is expected, but significant free agency moves or trades to add draft capital are possible.

April 14: Seattle Kraken

Projected cap space: $21.75 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 2nd (TOR), 4th, 4th (DAL), 5th, 7th

What went right?

All three trades made this season were successful, acquiring Kakko and future draft capital.

What went wrong?

Inconsistent defensive performance and goaltending. Defensive metrics declined. Grubauer`s struggles and demotion. Daccord was a consistent performer.

Keys to the offseason:

Finding a defensive coaching solution to match the offensive improvements made this season. Achieving consistency is the franchise`s biggest challenge.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Playoff contention, at least for a wild card spot, is expected. Failure to contend would raise questions for the front office.

April 14: Utah Hockey Club

Projected cap space: $21.53 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th

What went right?

Significant progress for the franchise. Trade for Sergachev set the stage for improvement. Team exceeded previous point totals and contended for a playoff spot late in the season.

What went wrong?

Overtime and shootout losses were frequent, indicating close games but missed opportunities for points.

Keys to the offseason:

No cap space limitations, unlike the previous Arizona Coyotes. Sufficient cap space to improve the roster, focusing on offensive improvements and power play.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Playoff appearance is the clear goal. Core group has gained experience and shown progress. Roster stability and cap space allow for targeted additions to push for playoffs.

April 14: Vancouver Canucks

Projected cap space: $15.08 million

2025 draft picks: 1st, 2nd, 3rd (SJ), 4th (OTT), 5th, 6th, 7th

What went right?

Despite inconsistencies, injuries, and internal friction, the Canucks were in wild-card contention late in the season. Strong individual seasons from Hughes and Suter.

What went wrong?

Inconsistencies, injuries, and internal friction. Defensive metrics were good, but goals-against were average. Lack of scoring depth became apparent after trading Miller.

Keys to the offseason:

Head coach Tocchet`s future is uncertain. Decision on Boeser, a pending UFA and key scorer. Addressing coaching and key player contracts.

Realistic expectations for 2025-26:

Offseason decisions will clarify expectations. Most of the team is under contract. Uncertainty around coach and key UFAs. Playoff return is achievable with right moves.