NHL Free Agent Rankings: Best Available Players in 2025

This year’s NHL trade deadline not only shook up the playoff picture but also did the same to this offseason’s free agency market.

A handful of traded players have already been given extensions by their new teams. Mikko Rantanen was projected to be a top free agent but was locked down by the Dallas Stars with an 8-year, $96 million contract. 

Other free agents will likely have to reevaluate their market and whether they’ll stay with their current teams. Take Mitch Marner, for example, who reportedly exercised his no-move clause at the deadline.

With all that in mind, here’s an updated ranking of the top 20 free agents for this NHL offseason.

NHL Free Agent Rankings

1. Mitch Marner

Given their current salary cap situation, Marner probably had a slim chance of re-signing with the Maple Leafs. But, now, the rickety bridge between him and the front office is likely fully burned. 

Look for Marner to be the most sought-after free agent and the biggest earner this offseason. 

2. Matt Duchene

Duchene has improved his free agency value a lot this season, already surpassing his point total of 65 from last year in sixteen fewer games. 

While his current one-year $3 million deal with the Dallas Stars will expire this offseason, he has said he’d like to re-sign in Dallas. However, the recent big-money contract given to Rantanen could affect that.

3. Nikolaj Ehlers

The 29-year-old Ehlers could have been on the Jets’ trading block, but he’s still on the team for what looks to be a major playoff run in Winnipeg. Ehlers is on pace for a career year, with 21 goals and 57 points overall, in the last year of his seven-year contract with Winnipeg. 

4. John Tavares

After relinquishing his captaincy of the Maple Leafs this offseason, Tavares became another aggrieved UFA in Toronto. While it’s hard to picture him playing for anyone else, he’ll become a heavily sought-after player if he’s allowed to enter the open market this summer. 

5. Mikael Granlund

Granlund was already going to be a top-free agent this offseason, even before he was acquired by the Dallas Stars as a rental at the deadline. He’s become an early contributor to the Stars, who may want to lock him up for future playoff runs, but he’ll have interest around the league on the open market. 

6. Ryan Donato

It’s odd that Donato is still with the Chicago Blackhawks, who were looking like a full-on fire-sale team after they traded away Seth Jones and Taylor Hall. Chicago is reportedly trying to hammer out an extension for Donato, but the 28-year-old could probably find his way to a contending team this offseason. 

7. Brad Marchand

Marchand would probably be higher on this list if not for his current upper-body injury, which may suppress his eventual contract this offseason. There’s also a chance he doesn’t even make it to the open market, given how great a fit he is with the Florida Panthers culture. 

8. Brock Nelson 

The Islanders made a tough choice in dealing Nelson at the deadline, just a few days after he played his 900th game with the team. Now that Nelson’s already moved once, the 33-year-old center will probably feel a little more comfortable testing the free agency market this summer. 

9. Sam Bennett

Like Tavares, it’s hard to imagine Sam Bennett playing for another team after the run he’s had with Florida. But the Panthers, who are already one of the most expensive rosters in the NHL, will have some decisions to make this offseason. Bennett is a proven veteran leader who will surely have suitors on the open market if he makes it there. 

10. Kyle Palmieri

Palmieri was predicted to be on the move at last week’s deadline, but the Islanders held onto him. With 20 goals and 41 points this season, the 33-year-old is still a valuable contributor and will have interest in free agency.