14 NHL free agents to watch

July 1 is always a date to circle on hockey fans' calendars, as it marks the opening of the free agent market in the NHL. The 2025 crop is particularly well represented by established NHL veterans, including several big names. Here are 14 to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.

The 28-year-old Toronto superstar will become a free agent in July, if the Leafs fail to sign him. A golden opportunity for a team to acquire a points-producing machine. Currently paid $10.9 million (US), he's in line for a considerable salary increase. He achieved his first career 100-point season, with 102 points, including 27 goals, in 81 games.

At 29 years of age, the Dane is likely to be in real demand if he becomes available, as he is a top-6 winger who is very effective and dynamic offensively. Author of 63 points in 69 games this year, he'll be earning well over $6 million (US) on his next deal.

At 34, time is running out for John Tavares, if he wants to win the Stanley Cup. Like Marner, he could be headed for another avenue this summer, and there's no doubt the interest will be palpable, being a renowned NHL veteran. With 74 points in 75 games this season, "JT" still has plenty of good hockey to give.

At 28 years of age, Sam Bennett will also be getting a lot of attention in the free agent market, as he is expected to leave the Panthers. The center-forward is likely to sign the most significant contract of his career, and the prize money will be huge. He combined for 25 goals and 26 assists in 76 games this season.

At 34 years of age, Matt Duchene has scored 82 points in 82 games for Dallas this year. Teams will be lining up to get him, given his talent and experience. The Stars may not have the money to sign him, given their roster of up-and-coming free agents.

At 29, Ekblad will clearly be the most sought-after defenseman this year, as he has a profile that is sought-after throughout the league, being a big, complete, right-handed D. But he needs to stay off the injured list... He scored 33 points in 56 games in 2024-2025.

At 28, Brock Boeser is an established NHL scorer, with one 40-goal season and six 20+ goal seasons to his credit. He is not expected back in British Columbia next season. The American winger has racked up 50 points, including 25 goals, in 75 duels this year.

the 35-year-old Stars captain may well have to find a new home this summer. With his leadership and grit, all GMs will be after him, as he's a player built perfectly for the playoffs. He amassed 49 points, including 16 goals, in 80 games.

While he'd love to return to Ottawa, there are no guarantees for the 37-year-old veteran center. The Franco-Ontarian will certainly want to chase the chance to win a Stanley Cup, but will it be in Ottawa? He may decide to leave the Nation's Capital to do so. Le 28 scored 50 points, including 15 goals, in 81 outings this season.

After two seasons in Carolina, the 33-year-old Russian may decide to consider other options. With his stability at the point and his offensive contribution, the left-handed defenseman is likely to receive a lot of calls this summer. He amassed 28 points in 76 regular-season games this season.

Also 37, Brad Marchand has acclimatized well to the Panthers' style, but it will be interesting to see if Bill Zito can retain his services, given their salary limitations. The ultimate pest amassed 51 points, including 23 goals, in 71 games with Boston and Florida this year.

Even at 36, Patrick Kane is still capable of generating offense, so if he fails to sign with the Wings, Stanley Cup contenders will surely want to convince him to move to their lineup. The three-time Stanley Cup winner piled up 59 points, including 21 goals, in 72 duels with Detroit this season.

at 29, Ryan Donato had a stellar 24-25 season, tallying 62 points, including 31 goals, in 80 games. He could easily land the most lucrative contract of his career, especially as he enters his prime years. Will he be back in Chicago? The question remains!

Another Stars player who could leave Texas is 33-year-old center Mikael Granlund. The Finn has proven to be a natural fit with the Stars, but the team may run out of money to sign him, especially since he's likely to ask for the paddle, given his performances over the past two years. He's put up over 60 points in his last two campaigns, so there's no doubt he'll be boosted by his offensive record.