NHL Offseason: Major Moves as Teams Reshape for 2025-26 Season

As the NHL offseason heats up, teams are busy making crucial adjustments in the wake of the 2025 NHL Draft and the conclusion of free agency. The Florida Panthers, fresh off their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, face significant challenges with prominent players like Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad entering free agency. Yet, under the guidance of General Manager Bill Zito, the Panthers managed to re-sign all their star athletes to multi-year deals, signaling a commitment to continued success.

Key Moves of the Offseason

Mitch Marner’s Move to Vegas
One of the most significant transactions was the Vegas Golden Knights acquiring winger Mitch Marner in a sign-and-trade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Marner signed an eight-year contract with a $12 million annual cap hit. This acquisition underlines Vegas’s strategy of pursuing high-caliber talent, following the footsteps of past stars like Jack Eichel and Mark Stone. Marner is expected to enhance the Golden Knights’ offensive capabilities, positioning the team as a serious contender for next season’s Stanley Cup.
Grade: A

Retaining Key Players in Florida

• Sam Bennett: The Panthers retained Bennett, who notably excelled during the playoffs and was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy. His eight-year deal at $8 million per season is viewed as a significant bargain, reflecting his importance to the team.
  Grade: A

• Aaron Ekblad: Returning to the Panthers on an eight-year contract worth $6.1 million annually, Ekblad’s retention was crucial for the team’s defensive lineup. Given the rarity of top-pairing defensemen, this deal signifies Florida’s commitment to maintaining a strong backline.
  Grade: B+

• Brad Marchand: Acquired mid-season, Marchand’s postseason performance was impressive, and the Panthers chose to extend his contract despite concerns over his age (37). The cap hit of $5.25 million per year is viewed as manageable, especially considering his impact on team dynamics.
  Grade: B

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Carolina
Ehlers, formerly of the Winnipeg Jets, became a sought-after free agent and ultimately signed with the Carolina Hurricanes for six years at $8.5 million per season. His addition is anticipated to bolster Carolina’s scoring depth and speed, making them a formidable competitor against the Panthers in the Eastern Conference.
Grade: A

Noah Dobson Heads to Montreal
In a strategic move, the Montreal Canadiens acquired defenseman Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders just prior to the draft. Dobson signed an eight-year extension with a $9.5 million cap hit. His capability in both offensive and defensive roles makes him a valuable asset, particularly as the Canadiens seek to build on their playoff appearance after a four-year hiatus.
Grade: B+

Noteworthy Additions Across the League

• Vladislav Gavrikov was signed by the New York Rangers for seven years at $7 million annually, aiming to shore up the defensive line. However, the aging roster and missed playoffs last season raise questions about their future.
  Grade: B-

• J.J. Peterka joined the Utah Mammoth, signing a five-year extension worth $7.7 million per season. His recent performance could help elevate the team’s chances for playoff qualification.
  Grade: B+

• Trevor Zegras was traded to the Philadelphia Flyers, presenting a low-risk, high-reward situation for the franchise, considering his past performance despite recent injury issues.
  Grade: A

• K’Andre Miller was acquired by the Hurricanes with an eight-year deal at $7.5 million annually. His decline in form raises some uncertainty, but his potential could prove beneficial if he returns to his previous level of play.
  Grade: B-

• Mikael Granlund, unable to stay with the Dallas Stars due to cap issues, signed a three-year deal with the Anaheim Ducks worth $7 million per year, as the Ducks look to fill gaps in their forward lineup.
  Grade: B-

• Jonathan Toews makes a comeback with the Winnipeg Jets on a one-year contract laden with incentives after a two-year hiatus. His leadership could boost a team that won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, but questions linger regarding his fitness and performance at age 37.
  Grade: C+

Conclusion

The 2025 NHL offseason has proven to be a pivotal time for many franchises, with teams strategically reshaping their rosters ahead of the new season. The ability of the Panthers to retain their key players signifies their intent to maintain dominance, while other teams like the Hurricanes and Flyers have made bold decisions to bolster their lineups.

As these transactions unfold, the coming season promises to feature heightened competition, especially among the top teams, as they vie for the prestigious Stanley Cup. The real impact of these moves will ultimately be measured by their success on the ice in the 2025-26 season.