NHL free agency is swiftly approaching on July 1, 2025, at noon Eastern Time. With the increased salary cap rising to $95.5 million, NHL clubs will be wheeling and dealing to improve their rosters. The following article will delve into the free agency status of all 16 teams in the Eastern Conference, organized by division, to provide a comprehensive understanding. There may be some hectic moves as every team aims to improve upon its past performance.

NHL Free Agency – Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins – $26.3M cap space

  • Morgan Geekie – (RFA) ($2M) The Bruins would be crazy to let him go. He tallied 33 goals and 24 assists in 77 games this season. He has doubled his production from Seattle, which drafted him in the 2021 expansion draft.
  • Mason Kohrei – (RFA) ($925K) He is also a player the Bruins need to keep on their roster. He had five goals and 28 assists in 77 games. Kohrei has size (6’5″, 212 pounds) and has excellent puck skills with an NHL wrist shot.
  • Jakub Lauko- (RFA) ($787,500) He came over from the Minnesota Wild and collected 11 points in 56 games with both teams. He’s a fourth-liner who may get a contract to stay.
  • Henri Jokiharju – (UFA) ($3.1M) He was traded from the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline for a fourth-round pick in 2026. He was partnered with Nikita Zadorov on the blueline.

Buffalo Sabres – $23.2M cap space

  • JJ Peterka – (RFA) ($855,834) In his third full season in Buffalo, he had a terrific showing with 27 goals and 41 assists in 77 games. No doubt other teams may want to offer him a sheet, but the Sabres would be wise to re-sign him with a good raise. He can be a valuable addition to the offense on a team that needs his talents.
  • Bowen Byram – (RFA) ($3.85M) He has been mentioned in NHL rumors for a good reason. The Sabres already have Owen Power signed through the 2030-31 season at a $8.35M AAV. Does that leave Byram the odd man out? It’s not that the Sabres can’t afford to pay him. It may be that Byram wants first-line minutes and Power has them now. Plus, Buffalo is clogged with five left-shooting D-men.
  • Jack Quinn – (RFA) ($863,334) The 8th overall pick in 2020 has a $874,125 qualifying offer that the Sabres will most likely honor. He had his best year in 2024-25, scoring 15 goals and recording 24 assists in 74 games.

Detroit Red Wings – $21.3M cap space

  • Patrick Kane – (UFA) ($4M) The Red Wings may have some competition in securing Kane’s services. Other teams like the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Toronto Maple Leafs could sign him. The veteran forward is not slowing down and has collected 21 goals and 38 assists in 72 games this past season. Keeping him is ideal, but at what price?
  • Alex Lyon – (UFA) ($900,000) He backed up starter Cam Talbot and was decent with a 2.81 GAA and .896 SV%. The Wings may try to deal Petr Mrazek and his $4.25M contract.
  • Jeff Petry – (UFA) (6.25M) An abdominal injury cost him as he only played 44 games during the 2024-25 campaign. He will be 38 years old by the end of the year, and the Wings may decide to move on from him and his large contract.

Florida Panthers – $19M cap space

  • Brad Marchand – (UFA) ($6.125M) The Panthers would certainly like to keep “the Rat King,” as his playoff performance thus far (10-G, 10-A) in 22 games has paced the Panthers through five games. The problem will be cap space. With Sam Bennett ($4.425M), Aaron Ekblad ($7.5M), and Vitek Vanecek ($3.4M) all UFAs, it will be difficult to keep all four players. The projected salaries per dailyfaceoff.com for Bennett (6 x $6.4M), Ekblad (7 x $7.8M), and Marchand (2 x $5.1M) exceed the team’s $19M cap space limit.
  • Sam Bennett – Undoubtedly, Bennett’s scoring prowess in the playoffs has increased his value to the team. As of this writing, the gritty, gifted forward has tallied 15 goals and seven assists in 22 games. It will be a tough choice if it comes down to re-signing Marchand or Bennett. The likelihood of both staying in Florida is remote at best.
  • Aaron Ekblad – (UFA) ($7.5M) He, too, is showing up for the postseason. He has four goals and eight assists in 18 games. His toughness has helped the Panthers as they strive to raise the Cup again this year. He has been mentioned in trade rumors.
  • Vitek Vanecek – (UFA) ($3.4M) He became Sergei Bobrovsky’s backup when the Cats dealt Spencer Knight to the Chicago Blackhawks for Seth Jones. Vanecek wasn’t very impressive with a 2-4-1 record, a 3.00 GAA, and a .890 SV%. He could be dealt for a more reasonable backup goalie to save some needed cap space.
  • Nate Schmidt – (UFA) ($800,000) The soon-to-be 34-year-old veteran blueliner was on the third line and played in 80 games this past season. He tallied 19 points and could be re-signed depending on the team’s cap space limitations.

Montreal Canadiens – $6.1M cap space

  • Joel Armia – (UFA) ($3.4M) The fourth-line forward scored 29 points while only missing one game this past season. If the Habs could re-sign him at a bargain price of $2.5M for two years, they should do it.
  • Christian Dvorak – (UFA) ($4.45M) He played all 82 games this past season for the first time in his NHL career. He tallied 12 goals and 21 assists, which matched his output in his first season with the Arizona Coyotes in 2016-17. Centers are always in demand, but it’s doubtful Dvorak will get a new contract in Montreal.
  • Jakub Dobes – (RFA) ($925,000) The prospect has performed well enough to secure a two- to three-year bridge contract. He has backed up starter Sam Montembeault admirably.

Ottawa Senators – $15.03M cap space

  • Claude Giroux – (UFA) ($6.5M) Negotiations are still taking place, so the status of Giroux playing in Ottawa is uncertain. While he scored 15 goals and 35 assists this past season, he is 37 years old and starting to slow down.
  • Anton Forsberg – (UFA) ($2.75M) His future in Ottawa could be jeopardized by the excellent play (8-3-1, .925 SV%, 1.99 GAA) of young goalie Leevi Merilainen. There are plenty of NHL clubs looking for a veteran goalie like Forsberg.
  • Leevi Merilainen – (RFA) ($820,000) In the soon to be 23 years old, the Sens have a good prospect backup goalie to Linus Ullmark and should re-sign him. If Forsberg walks to free agency, they can afford to give Merilainen a bump in salary. He had three shutouts in 12 games. I’d say he deserves a shot.
  • Nick Cousins – (UFA) ($800,000) While not an offensive threat, Cousins fills his fourth-line role with grit and physicality. Re-signing him should be a no-brainer.

Tampa Bay Lightning – $3.5M cap space

  • Gage Goncalves – (RFA) ($775,000) He scored 20 points in 60 games and deserves to be re-signed. He’s a reliable third-line contributor.
  • Nicklaus Perbix – He has averaged 23 points in his three seasons with the Lightning. Perbix is a third-line blueliner who will be re-signed.

Toronto Maple Leafs – $25.7M cap space

NHL Free Agency
  • Mitch Marner – (UFA) ($10.9M) This star forward will likely test the waters of free agency. Even with the Leafs having over $25 million to re-sign him, it appears he will not be staying in Toronto. There are at least four teams very interested in signing the gifted forward. The Anaheim Ducks ($38.7M cap space), the Carolina Hurricanes ($28.4M cap space), the Vegas Golden Knights ($9.62M cap space), and the Los Angeles Kings ($21.1M cap space) are all in on the Marner sweepstakes.
  • John Tavares – (UFA) ($11M) He desires to stay in Toronto but will need to accept a lower salary. The expectation of Marner leaving leaves more cap space to use for retaining Tavares. He tallied 38 goals and 36 assists in 75 games this past season.
  • Matthew Knies – (RFA) ($925,000) He will turn 23 years old in October and has shown he belongs in the NHL. He accumulated 29 goals, 29 assists in 78 games. No doubt he could be offered a sheet, but it can be expected that the Leafs will match any offer to keep him on the roster.
  • Nicholas Robertson – (RFA) ($875,000). He requested a trade and was denied; therefore, his status is uncertain. He has arbitration rights, so the Leafs could be forced to pay him more than their budget allows. He could be a trade candidate, so stay tuned to that.
  • Pontus Holmberg – (RFA) ($800,000) He played in 68 games while adding 19 points. He is a versatile two-way player and provides the Leafs with depth at a reasonable price. He’ll be back.

NHL Free Agency – Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes – $28.4M cap space

  • Jack Roslovic – (UFA) ($2.8M)- He had a decent season, scoring 22 goals and 39 points. He deserves a multi-year contract at this point. With the Canes in the Marner derby, they may want to retain as much cap space as possible. Roslovic will be waiting.
  • Brent Burns – (UFA) ($8M) He has not missed a game in his three seasons with Carolina. He played on the top defense pair with Jaccob Slavin and had 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) and a plus-7 rating during the regular season and five points (one goal, four assists) in 15 playoff games. He still has it at age 40. He may need to accept a smaller contract, especially if the Canes stay in the hunt for Marner.
  • Dmitry Orlov – (UFA) ($7.75M) He is expected to NOT re-sign in Carolina, according to The Athletic
  • Eric Robinson – (UFA) ($950,000) Both sides have expressed interest in getting a new contract for Robinson. It could be in the $3 million range.

Columbus Blue Jackets – $40.4M cap space

  • James van Riemsdyk – (UFA) ($900,000) He has stated his wish to remain with the team, and the Blue Jackets also have interest in retaining him. His age (36) could hold him back as the club has younger players to fill his exact role.
  • Dmitry Voronkov – (RFA) ($925,000) The Russian native had a productive season, scoring 22 goals and adding 24 assists in 71 games. He will only get better and was solid in his second-line role. Re-sign him.
  • Ivan Provorov – (UFA) ($6.75M)- Although he has been rumored to be traded, GM Don Waddell has stated that they are not trading him. They are working on a contract renewal, and that is good news for the Blue Jackets, as he has been solid on the blueline with seven goals and 26 assists playing all 82 games. With the available cap space, the Blue Jackets will most certainly keep him.
  • Dante Fabbro – (UFA) ($2.5M) GM Waddell has expressed interest in retaining Fabbro and could expect a contract in the $3.5M-$4M range. He had 26 points in 62 games this past season.
  • Sean Kuraly – (UFA) ($2.5M)- He’s a valuable fourth-line center who served as a mentor to the younger players. Depending on other signings, Kuraly may get a new contract.

New Jersey Devils – $11.2M cap space

  • Luke Hughes – (RFA) ($925,000) There is no doubt that the Devils wish to retain Hughes. His 44 points in 71 games this past season prove he is a talented player. That talent should net him $6M – $7M AAV for two to three years. If they desire to sign him long-term, an eight-year pact could amount to $7.5M – $ 8.5 M. He’s that good.
  • Jake Allen – (UFA) ($3.85M) Allen wishes to stay in New Jersey, and the team is working on getting a contract done to retain him.
  • Brian Dumoulin – (UFA) ($3.15M) It is unlikely that he will re-sign with the Devils. He was a trade deadline acquisition and will move on to another team. It has been rumored that he could rejoin Mike Sullivan with the New York Rangers if things can be worked out.

New York Islanders – $20.9M cap space

  • Noah Dobson – (RFA) ($4M) He has value since the Isles don’t have any strong right-handed blueliners in their prospect pool. Dobson had a down year with 39 points compared to 70 points in the 2023-24 season. Still, he could be re-signed to a bridge deal at this point, which may not agree with his intentions.
  • Simon Holstrom – (RFA) ($850,000) The second-line winger had a decent year with 20 goals and 25 assists in 75 games. He should be re-signed.
  • Alexander Romanov – (RFA) ($2.5M) Extension talks have not commenced yet, so it is unclear whether Romanov will be offered a new deal. The Isles may wait until after the NHL draft to make a decision.

New York Rangers – $14.9M cap space

  • Will Cuylle – (RFA) ($828,333) The second-line winger had a good season with 20 goals and 25 assists in 82 games. No doubt the Rangers will want to keep him around. He can expect to be offered a two- to three-year bridge deal in the $3-$4 million range.
  • Matt Rempe – (RFA) ($820,000) He’s a physical fourth-line player who needs to control his temptation to always drop the gloves and concentrate on improving his overall game. He will be re-signed.
  • K’Andre Miller – (RFA) ($3.872M) The Rangers are reportedly testing the trade market for Miller’s services. If he is not in the team’s long-term plans, he will likely be traded before the free agency deadline.

Philadelphia Flyers – $18.9M cap space

  • Cameron York – (RFA) ($1.6M) The Flyers are examining a long-term deal for York. He’s an established second-pairing blueliner who didn’t get along with former head coach John Tortorella, but that’s not an issue now.
  • Jakob Pelletier – (RFA) ($800,000) The third-line winger split time with the Calgary Flames before being traded to the Flyers. He added 19 points in 49 games this past season. The Flyers have other priorities, and it’s unlikely he will be re-signed. He could be a trade candidate.

Pittsburgh Penguins – $23.7M cap space

  • Matt Grzelcyk – (UFA) ($2.75M). His future is unclear as a new head coach will be in charge. With the departure of former head coach Mike Sullivan, it may influence Grzelcyk’s decision to stay or leave. He had a good season with a career high of 40 points.
  • P.O. Joseph – (RFA) ($950,000) His return is uncertain at this time, and he didn’t help his cause with only three points in 47 games split between the St. Louis Blues and the Penguins.
  • Philip Tomasino – (RFA) ($825,000) He had 21 points in 49 games after arriving from the Nashville Predators. More likely than not, he will be re-signed after showcasing his skills in Pittsburgh.
  • Conor Timmins – (RFA) ($1.1M) Timmins was solid while playing 16 games with the Pens and tallying seven points. He could be signed to an affordable deal.

Washington Capitals – $9.38M cap space

  • Anthony Beauvillier – (UFA) ($1.25M ) Beauvillier’s arrival in Washington saw him score two goals and five points in 18 regular-season games, followed by two goals and four assists in 10 playoff games. He was a good addition and will probably be re-signed.
  • Andrew Mangiapane – (UFA) ($5.8M) The Caps intend to get younger and may pass on re-signing Mangiapane. The team is weighing its options, including the free agent market.
  • Taylor Raddysh – (UFA) ($1M) His future with the Caps may depend on whether Mangiapane and/or Beauvillier get re-signed.
  • Ethan Bear – (UFA) ($2.06M) He struggled through a period of mental health concerns, but managed to participate in 24 games this past season. His future should still be with the Capitals.

That concludes our look at the Eastern Conference free agency for 2025.