With the NHL offseason a few months away, several key players are ready to hit the market. Whether it is a strong season, timely bounce-back, a solid playoff track record, or simply the nature of the market, these players are in a prime spot to cash in. Some offer a short-term lift for a contender, while others are long-term investments. Let's dive into the top 10 free agents set to make a major impact with their signings this offseason.

Enjoy!

10. Patrick Kane – Detroit Red Wings

Kane had a strong second season with the Red Wings, posting 21 goals and 59 points. In a top-six role and on the first power-play unit, he contributed 29 PPP matching players like Kyle Connor and Jake Guentzel. Kane's elite puck skills, vision, and hockey IQ were evident this season, especially alongside younger linemates such as Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Larkin, Lucas Raymond, and Marco Kasper. At 35, he likely will not secure a long-term deal, but the resurgence in his game positions him for a lucrative short-term contract. Win-now teams will target him for his playoff experience, power-play pedigree, and offensive upside, making him a highly sought-after asset.

9. Brad Marchand – Florida Panthers

Marchand may be 36, but he still provides value to any NHL team, despite a slight decline in production. Over the past two years, he has posted nearly 70 points while maintaining strong two-way play and his physical edge. While his offensive prime is fading, his value to a contender is clear. Even at his age, Marchand could secure a raise on the open market. His playoff impact, clutch scoring, and all-around game make any concerns about his age irrelevant, solidifying him as a top-tier asset and a pest to face night in and night out.

8. Aaron Ekblad – Florida Panthers

Ekblad enters the offseason with a strong resume: former first-overall pick, Stanley Cup champion, and still just 28. While injuries have been an issue, when healthy, Ekblad is a rare all-situations defenseman capable of logging top minutes, quarterbacking the power play, and contributing offensively without being a liability. Ekblad returned back to the lineup after 20 games for a suspension for violating the terms of the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, hoping to help push the Panthers to the next round. That may slightly affect his value going into the offseason, but frankly any team looking for a top-pairing defenseman will be lining up to sign Ekblad.

7. Brock Nelson – Colorado Avalanche

Nelson may not be flashy, but he is one of the NHL's most consistent and underrated scoring centers. Despite the Islanders' offensive struggles, Nelson has quietly posted multiple 30-goal seasons while excelling in two-way play. That is why he was acquired by the Avalanche at the trade deadline for a Stanley Cup run. Entering his age-33 season and coming off a $6M AAV deal, Nelson is poised for a raise, likely in the $6.5–7M range on a 3–4-year deal. His durability and low injury history make him a dependable option, and even if his skating slows, his shooting and hockey sense should keep him effective for years.

6. Brock Boeser – Vancouver Canucks

After being two-years removed from a career-best 40-goal, 73-point season, Boeser's production regressed this year, falling back in line with his previous seasons' numbers. It was a tough go for the Canucks with key injuries to Thatcher Demko, J.T. Miller's trade, and Elias Pettersson's injury late in the year. Still, Boeser's lethal shot remains a game-changer for many teams. Boeser is likely to test the open market and move on from Vancouver. With limited elite top-six wingers available this summer, Boeser's offseason is shaping up to be busy. While injury and defensive concerns remain a question, his proven 30–40 goal potential will make him a valuable target for teams willing to pay up.

5. Matt Duchene – Dallas Stars

Duchene's career revival as some something for the ages. After playing in Nashville, he signed a $3M “prove-it” deal in Dallas and delivered, producing at a 60+ point pace in a secondary role. He found strong chemistry with players like Mason Marchment, and Tyler Seguin held solid possession numbers, and showed more defensive commitment. At 34, it is unlikely that Duchene will land a long-term deal, but a short-term (2–3 year) contract with a solid AAV feels realistic. His speed, versatility (center/wing edibility), and proven production make him highly coveted.

4. Nikolaj Ehlers – Winnipeg Jets

Ehlers has long been one of the NHL's most underrated wingers, and with Winnipeg facing cap decisions, a fresh start and a raise could be coming. A consistent five-on-five play driver with elite speed, slick hands, and relentless puck pursuit, Ehlers always found ways to impact games despite limited usage. Health remains a concern as he is a Certified Band-Aid Boy, but when in the lineup, the production is there. Now 29 and heading into free agency, there is no doubt he will draw strong interest as a plug-and-play top-six winger capable of 60+ points. With better deployment and a new situation, Ehlers's upside could still hit another level.

3. John Tavares – Toronto Maple Leafs

Tavares enters the final year of his $11M AAV deal at a career crossroads. At 34, he is still a reliable center with upside, posting 38 goals and 38 assists over 75 games. He remains strong on the power play, clutch in the faceoff circle, and brings leadership and playoff experience that will keep him in demand when he hits free agency in 2025. While his footspeed has dipped, he is still producing at a high clip. If he prioritizes a Cup chase (outside of Toronto), he could take a slight discount. Even with a reduced salary, Tavares's value, especially for teams needing veteran stability stays strong.

2. Sam Bennett – Florida Panthers

Bennett's stock has never been higher. After multiple deep playoffs runs with Florida, he has cemented himself as one of the NHL's top playoff-style forwards, gritty, physical, relentless, and clutch. His regular-season numbers (41 points last year, 51 this season) are decent, but it is the postseason where he really shines with key goals, big hits, and heavy forechecking. At 29 and coming off a $4.425M AAV, he is in line for a raise with plenty of gas still left in the tank. Florida will want to keep him, but in a thin free-agent class, teams craving edge, reliability, and playoff pedigree will be lining up. Bennett fits any contender perfectly.

1. Mitch Marner – Toronto Maple Leafs

Marner enters the offseason with plenty of noise around his future in Toronto. One of the NHL's elite two-way wingers, Marner's playmaking, defensive impact, and special teams work remain among the best, consistently producing over a point-per-game for the last seven years. At 28 and coming off a $10.9M AAV deal at the end of this season, he is still a franchise cornerstone despite playoff criticisms (who is by the way leading the Leafs in points this playoff round). If he hits free agency, expect bidding to push him into the $11–12M+ range. If he stays, the Leafs will need to do a lot to lock him up. Either way, Marner's getting paid.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open — happy to help!