NHL free agency player rankings for top-25 available in 2025

The NHL free agency opens on July 1 and it will be a rather bizarre class. Operating as a preamble to the Mammoth 2026 class which could be titled by Connor McDavid and Jack Eichel, this year is bright on the real power of the stars, but lands at a time when each team is desperate to improve.

This could mean that this free agency is more a lesson in restraint than expenses. This is the kind of free agency that could see the teams that are too extensive in the desire to improve now to the detriment of their future CAP solvency. With so few elite players and ceiling space to burn, it is very likely that we are watching this group of players like a turning point in the NHL, for better and for worse.

Here is an overview of the five best free agents, followed by the list of the 20 best guys who hit the market in 2025.

N ° 1: Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Marner is a difficult player to judge. On the one hand, there is no doubt that he is the best player in this class, a legitimate wing of more than 90 points and the kind of talent that each team wants on its line. On the other hand, there are good criticisms of disappearing in the big games, fighting in the playoffs and not showing the physics necessary to succeed in seven series of matches.

This will not dissuade any number of teams from trying to run. The Hurricanes of Carolina are a competitor in the ceiling space to get there, although it is not clear if Marner wanted to play Raleigh. Meanwhile, there are the Golden Knights of Las Vegas, a similar competitor who would be desperate to take a step in a scenario of sign and exchange.

Someone will pay a lot For Mitch Marner. Time will say if it is worth it or not.

N ° 2: Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg jets

Although it is not a superstar, Ehlers is the best guy in high -end glue of this project that can improve everyone around him. The wing of the impactful jets scored 63 points last season on an effective range of Winnipeg, and the jets were desperate to keep it until it informed the organization that he wanted to test the free agency – but ensuring that he leaves the team.

Ehlers is easily worthy of an AAV contract from $ 7 to 8 million, but could go much more in this free agency course, because the desperate teams that are lacking marner could be tempted to spend too much. This is where Fit is more than anything. Ehlers will not be worth money for each team, but those who understand their role will get a huge boost in their top 6.

N ° 3: Brad Marchard, LW, Florida Panthers

It doesn’t matter that Marchand is 37 years old, he is a tailor -made player built to bring a championship to a rival team. The panthers were good before acquiring merchant on the deadline, but he was undoubtedly the player who helped the playoffs to bring consecutive cuts.

Marchand is the most gifted player in the NHL of exasperating opponents. He has a talent to put himself under the skin of people and understands the line he needs to walk to avoid penalties. If you are a team that needs a guy to make you pass the bump after being stuck in the playoffs, it’s a merchant you want.

N ° 4: Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

The 29 -year -old defender is a strength multiplier on the blue line. In an ideal world, Florida would like to keep its alternative captain, but there does not seem to be a way to operate money, even with a beneficial negotiation position due to the lack of income tax of an Florida.

Ekblad brings strength and leadership to a defensive unit. The teams who are already full of young defender should line up, because Ekblad will help improve everyone around him. He is the best defender in this class, and I’m not sure it’s near.

N ° 5: BROCK BOESER, RW, Vancouver cannucks

Brass Adveliers: The cannucks have played a wrong wrong. During the 2023-24 season, Boeser was one of the hottest names near the NHL trade deadline and at that time, Vancouver could have obtained transport. Instead, they decided to keep Boeser for one more season and now he walks without anything for Vancouver to watch him.

A wing that has developed as they get older, Boeser plays less a game of finesse than before, becoming more a more disposed striker on the first time. It is a coveted skill off the edge and a team will certainly find a place for him.