Way too early predictions for 2025 NHL Free Agency | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

The NHL’s annual free agent market begins on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. ET.

As always, the best unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are quickly signed during free agency hours.

The only question will be which outstanding UFA stars will still be available after the market opens.

At first glance, many well-known players are entitled to UFA status next July.

Need a Vezina Trophy-winning goalkeeper? Then Igor Shesterkin of the New York Rangers is perfect for you.

Teams looking for a top defenseman with Stanley Cup experience will demand Florida Panthers blueliner Aaron Ekblad.

Does your favorite club need a talented two-way striker? Mitch Marner of the Toronto Maple Leafs could be up for grabs.

Colorado Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen could be on the open market for teams looking for a front-line scorer.

However, some of them could be re-signed by their current clubs before July 1st. Notable stars such as Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, Edmonton Oilers center Leon Draisaitl, Florida Panthers winger Carter Verhaeghe, Philadelphia Flyers winger Travis Konecny, and Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark have played since January 1 September contract extensions signed.

Even though the start of the 2025 NHL free agent market is still months in the future, we’ve dusted off our crystal ball to look ahead and predict what’s in store for the ten upcoming UFAs in 2025.

Do you agree or disagree with our predictions? Let us know in the app comments below.