Here are my predictions for what will happen during NHL Free agency in 2025. We are going to focus on some of the biggest stories and will update this as it draws closer (and we will change any of these if extensions get signed in advance).
Gunner’s NHL Free Agency Predictions
Brock Boeser Will Sign With The Minnesota Wild
Brock Boeser will be one of the biggest names in this free agency class (if he makes it there without getting traded or signing an extension). I have a feeling that he will end up moving on from the Vancouver Canucks. Not really sure why but a gut feeling that I have.
I am going to predict that Boeser will sign a deal with the Minnesota Wild. He is from Minnesota, so this would be him returning home. He could be a nice piece for the Wild and would provide them with some goal scoring and veteran leadership.
It feels to me like he will either re-sign with the Canucks or sign with the Wild. I don’t see anything else happening here.
| Prediction: | Minnesota Wild | 5 years, $35 million ($7 million AAV) |
Claude Giroux Will Leave Ottawa & Move To A Contender For Cheap
Claude Giroux is one of the most respected veterans in the NHL. He has yet to win a Stanley Cup and he will likely be hungry to get that done before his career is over. I don’t think Ottawa will be where he can get that Stanley Cup, so I could see him leaving.
I am going to predict that Claude will sign a deal with a contender for cheap. He has made over $90 million in his career, so he doesn’t need to cash in on a big deal. He likely wants to win and he will want to put himself in the best situation to do so.
I am going to guess that Claude will sign with a team like the Dallas Stars. The Stars have a lot of nice young talent and he could serve in a similar role as Joe Pavelski recently was, when they made it to the conference finals.
| Prediction: | Dallas Stars | 1 year, $2 million ($2 million AAV) |
Taylor Hall Will Return To Edmonton
Taylor Hall was a member of the Edmonton Oilers when they were terrible. He spent several (rough) years there before getting moved to the New Jersey Devils.
The Oilers are now a good team, with Stanley Cup or bust aspirations. Hall has never won a Cup in his career, so he will be desperate to get one. A reunion with Edmonton seems like it could make sense. He could play with Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. He would fit with either guy. Or, they could play him on the third line for some depth scoring.
My gut says that an Oilers reunion could be on the cards for Hall.
| Prediction: | Edmonton Oilers | 2 years, $8 million ($4 million AAV) |
John Tavares Will Sign A Team Friendly Contract To Stay With The Toronto Maple Leafs
John Tavares has made close to $100 million in his hockey career. Yes, I know there is the thing with the CRA and his taxes (which sucks) but the guy is set for life regardless.
At this point of his career, he is not going to want to leave Toronto and move his family. The Leafs are going to have a lot of the leverage here. Either he signs a very team friendly deal, or they move on from him.
$3 million on the AAV (or under) and everyone is happy. If he keeps declining, you can shift him down to the fourth line or move him to the wing. At that price, it seems worth it.
| Prediction: | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2 years, $6 million ($3 million AAV) |
Mitch Marner Will Sign A Big Deal With A Team That Isn’t In The Spotlight
Mitch Marner is one of the biggest names in this free agency class. It is clear that it isn’t working with the Leafs. It feels like both sides need to part ways (as a Leafs fan, I would love a trade to get back some assets but Marner holds all the cards with his no movement clause).
Marner is going to sign a big deal as he is a talented player. I am going to guess that he will sign with an out of the spotlight team, so he doesn’t have to be in another fish bowl like Toronto.
Anaheim is my prediction. Somewhere he is out of the spotlight and on an up-and-coming team.
| Prediction: | Anaheim Ducks | 7 years, $84 million ($12 million AAV) |
What are your NHL Free agency projections? Let us know your guesses in the comments or Tweet us with what you think!
On a related note, make sure to check out our predictions for the NHL awards.