The Stanley Cup Finals have ended, and NHL teams are now turning their attention to the offseason, with drafts and free agency coming up soon. The Toronto Maple Leafs secured a key deal by re-signing John Tavares to a four-year contract worth $4.38 million annually. The 34-year-old was set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Meanwhile, former Chicago Blackhawks star Jonathan Toews will join the Winnipeg Jets after two years away from the league. Toews, originally from Winnipeg, had an impressive career with 883 points in 1,067 regular-season games.
NHL free agency officially begins at noon ET on July 1st, but teams are already making moves to bolster their rosters. Mitch Marner, who was expected to be the top free agent, has apparently found a new home in a trade with the Vegas Golden Knights. Marner, 28, is poised to sign an eight-year deal worth $96 million, bringing significant scoring power to Vegas. Other notable free agents include Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser and Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad.
In Florida, the Panthers are determined to stay competitive following back-to-back Stanley Cup wins. With Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand facing free agency on July 1, Florida secured Ekblad with an eight-year deal at $6.1 million per year and extended Marchand for six years at $32 million. Bennett, a key contributor to the team’s success and the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, also re-signed for eight years at $64 million.
Toronto also locked in Tavares, who had a strong season with 74 points in 75 games. His affordable deal is seen as a smart move as the Leafs likely lose Mitch Marner in free agency. Tavares is expected to anchor the second line next season. Meanwhile, Jets fans welcome Toews back, who brings extensive experience and accolades including three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe MVP.
The Dallas Stars kept forward Matt Duchene on a four-year contract after his standout 2024-25 campaign. The Colorado Avalanche extended Brock Nelson for three years at $7.5 million annually; Nelson was acquired mid-season from the New York Islanders and contributed well through the playoffs.
These moves highlight major shifts and strategic re-signings as teams prepare for the upcoming NHL season.
Fan Take: This offseason shakeup is crucial for hockey fans as it signals big changes in team dynamics and superstar movements, which can drastically reshape the league’s power balance. Watching how these contracts and trades play out will provide an exciting preview of the battles to come in the next NHL season.
