NHL’s Top Three Unrestricted Free Agent Destinations

As the 2025 NHL playoffs continue, readers of Draft Nation are preparing for the NHL draft at the end of June and the start of free agency in July. The futures of soon-to-be free agents Mitch Marner, John Tavares, and Aaron Ekblad are among the most closely watched storylines for hockey fans in the coming offseason. 

So where do they land?

Draft Nation takes a closer look at each player and their best suitors:

Mitch Marner 

Mitch Marner, the Toronto Maple Leafs' dynamic winger, is poised to test the free-agent market. With 80 points in 65 games this season and a consistent average of 104 points per 82 games since 2021, Marner remains in his prime and is one of the most coveted talents available.

Toronto fans have had an on-again, off-again love-hate relationship with Marner, so there’s sure to be mixed emotions if and when he leaves, but that’s not stopping other interested teams from salivating at the opportunity to sign such an elite scorer. 

Enter the Carolina Hurricanes. 

The Canes will have the cap space to sign Marner if they want and may be the odds-on favorite to land him. They are a contender and will be for the foreseeable future, and they made an effort at the most recent trading deadline to acquire him. 

But don’t count the Pittsburgh Penguins out of contention for Marner’s services. Former Leafs GM Kyle Dubas is the Pens GM now and is familiar with Marner through his time in Toronto. Their cap space will allow for a Marner-size signing, but it will be tight and likely require moving other pieces to make it happen. 

Will Dubas and the Pens make a run at the nifty winger? Seems unlikely, but the conversations still swirl in hockey circles. And Dubas has been known to be creative. 

John Tavares 

Tavares, the Toronto Maple Leafs' captain, is finishing the final year of his contract. Even at his advanced age, Tavares continues to be a top-tier center. But it’s unlikely he will stay with the Leafs when his contract expires. 

Rumors abound about several suitors for his services, but chief among them are the Boston Bruins. The Bruins have lost both Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci to retirement over the last few seasons and will need a veteran presence to stabilize their center position in 2026 and beyond. Tavares' experience and leadership could be invaluable to them as they aim to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.

The Calgary Flames are also reloading for 2026 and are amidst a bit of a rebuild. Tavares could hasten that process and help a young team mature more quickly. 

Does he want to serve that role, or would he want to make a run with a contender elsewhere? 

In truth, Tavares wants to stay in Toronto, but if they are eschewed from the playoffs early again, major changes may be in the works. 

Aaron Ekblad

The Florida Panthers’ Aaron Ekblad is one of the league’s most formidable defensemen. A rangy 6'4" and 220 pounds, Ekblad uses his strength and elite skills to make him one of the NHL’s most coveted blueliners. 

Can last year’s champions retain him? Can they afford not to?

Many teams are hoping that he hits the free agent market, including the Edmonton Oilers. The Oilers have needed a defenseman like Ekblad for several years, and his experience and physicality could complement their high-powered offense and address defensive needs.

But make no mistake, the Oilers will be one of many interested in adding Ekblad to their roster next year. But don’t sleep on the Panthers stepping up to retain him.