Rankings of the top 25 NHL players available in free agency for 2025

The NHL Free Agency is set to kick off on July 1st, and this year’s lineup looks a bit different. It’s kind of a warm-up for the much-anticipated 2026 class, featuring names like Conor McDavid and Jack Eichel. Right now, though, the free agency doesn’t showcase a lot of star power, yet teams are feeling the pressure to improve.

This situation suggests that the upcoming free agency could teach teams about the importance of restraint over reckless spending. There’s a temptation for teams to try to make immediate improvements, risking their salary cap stability for the future. With a relatively low number of elite players available and varying degrees of cap space, this season could end up being notably significant in the NHL’s evolution.

Below is a rundown of five prominent free agents, followed by a list of the top 20 players heading into the market in 2025.

No. 1: Mitch Marner, RW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Marner’s a tough player to evaluate. He’s undoubtedly the top talent in this free agency class, contributing over 90 points in past seasons and is exactly the type of player every team covets for their top line. However, there’s valid criticism floating around regarding his performance in crucial games—particularly in the playoffs—where he seemed to lack the physicality necessary for a seven-game series.

Still, many teams are eager to make a move. The Carolina Hurricanes, with cap space, might be a possible fit for Marner, though it’s uncertain if he would consider playing in Raleigh. The Las Vegas Golden Knights also have their eyes on him and could be looking for a sign-and-trade scenario.

Someone is sure to pay a hefty price for Mitch Marner; only time will tell if he truly deserves it.

No. 2: Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, Winnipeg Jets

While not a superstar, Ehlers stands out as a high-end player who can elevate others’ performances. Last season, within a strong Winnipeg lineup, he netted 63 points. The Jets seemed keen to keep him until they found out he wanted to explore free agency.

Ehlers could command a deal in the range of $7-8 million AAV, but teams that miss out on Marner might overextend themselves. It’s all about fit. Ehlers is most beneficial to teams that recognize his role, and those that do could see a significant boost in their top six.

No. 3: Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers

At 37, age might be a concern, but he remains a player built for playoff success. The Panthers were already a solid team, but Marchand made a noticeable impact during their playoff run.

He’s both immensely skilled and a player who knows how to get under opponents’ skin while avoiding penalties. If a team is seeking that final push to elevate their playoff chances, Marchand could be the answer.

No. 4: Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

This 29-year-old defenseman serves as a significant asset on the blue line. Ideally, Florida would like to retain their alternate captain, but financial constraints could complicate negotiations, even with the allure of no state income tax in Florida.

Ekblad brings both strength and leadership, well-positioned to elevate the performance of younger defensemen. He stands out as the best defenseman in this class, and honestly, I’m not sure it’s a close competition.

No. 5: Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks seem to have mishandled the situation with Boeser. As the trade deadline approached for the 2023-24 season, he was a hot commodity—but Vancouver opted to keep him for another year, resulting in nothing substantial coming from it.

As Boeser matured, his game shifted. He’s taken on a more refined approach in play, making him an appealing asset for teams looking to reinforce their forecheck.

Top 25 NHL Free Agents of 2025