Predicting Landing Spots for the Top 45 NHL Free Agents

45. Nick Perbix

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning

Age: 27 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 74 GP | 6 G | 13 A | 19 PTS

Career Stats: 220 GP | 13 G | 50 A | 63 PTS

In his first season as a free agent, Nick Perbix elected to depart the only franchise he's known throughout his professional career. The 27-year-old embarks on a new venture, signing on with the Nashville Predators on a two-year contract.

Landing Spot: Perbix signed with the Predators (two years, $5.5 million)

2. Sam Bennett

Team: Florida Panthers

Age: 29 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 76 GP | 25 G | 26 A | 51 PTS

Career Stats: 691 GP | 162 G | 174 A | 336 PTS

Over the past few seasons, the Florida Panthers have built a dynasty, and it would be foolish if any of their impending free agents decided to abandon that for a few extra bucks. Sam Bennett is due for a pay increase, and the Panthers happily obliged.

Landing Spot: Bennet re-signed with the Panthers (eight years, $64 million)

3. Nikolaj Ehlers

Team: Winnipeg Jets

Age: 29 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 69 GP | 24 G | 39 A | 63 PTS

Career Stats: 674 GP | 255 G | 295 A | 520 PTS

For years, the Winnipeg Jets have failed to get over the hump, and that could necessitate a change this offseason. Consider Nikolaj Ehlers to be one of the casualties of the shifting culture. His speed and two-way play will be appreciated on many teams, but maximized by Rod Brind'Amour.

Landing Spot: Ehlers has signed with the Hurricanes (six years, $51 million)

4. Aaron Ekblad

Team: Florida Panthers

Age: 29 | Position: Right Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 56 GP | 3 G | 30 A | 33 PTS

Career Stats: 732 GP | 118 G | 262 A | 380 PTS

Injuries and a couple of down years could have cost Aaron Ekblad a monumental contract this offseason. Nevertheless, the hulking blueliner was happy to re-up with the two-time defending Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.

Landing Spot: Ekblad re-signed with the Panthers (eight years, $48.8 million)

5. John Tavares

Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Age: 34 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 75 GP | 38 G | 36 A | 74 PTS

Career Stats: 1,184 GP | 494 G | 620 A | 1,114 PTS

A few years ago, John Tavares left money on the table to join his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs. No amount of money can pry him away in the twilight of his career. Tavares took a significant pay cut to stay with the Leafs.

Landing Spot: Tavares re-signed with the Maple Leafs (four years, $17.2 million)

6. Brock Nelson

Team: Colorado Avalanche

Age: 33 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 26 G | 30 A | 56 PTS

Career Stats: 920 GP | 301 G | 286 A | 587 PTS

Nearly 1,000 games into his NHL career, and Brock Nelson has only a handful of playoff appearances under his belt. He obviously likes what he sees with the Colorado Avalanche, coming back on a short-term deal.

Landing Spot: Nelson has re-signed with the Avalanche (three years, $22.5 million)

6. Vladislav Gavrikov

Team: Los Angeles Kings

Age: 29 | Position: Left Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 5 G | 25 A | 30 PTS

Career Stats: 435 GP | 29 G | 106 A | 135 PTS

A quality rearguard in the prime of his career, several teams will try to lure Vladislav Gavrikov to a new home this offseason. Alas, it was the New York Rangers that had the most to offer.

Landing Spot: Gavrikov has signed with the Rangers (seven years, $49 million)

8. Ivan Provorov

Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

Age: 28 | Position: Left Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 7 G | 26 A | 33 PTS

Career Stats: 696 GP | 77 G | 205 A | 282 PTS

Ivan Provorov has been an underappreciated defensive contributor throughout his NHL career. However, the Columbus Blue Jackets were willing to pay him what he deserved this offseason.

Landing Spot: Provorov has re-signed with the Blue Jackets (eight years, $59.5 million)

9. Brock Boeser

Team: Vancouver Canucks

Age: 28 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 75 GP | 25 G | 25 A | 50 PTS 

Career Stats: 554 GP | 204 G | 230 A | 434 PTS

Foolishly, the Vancouver Canucks didn’t trade Brock Boeser when they had the chance. Now, the dynamic forward will depart for greener pastures without offering the Canucks anything in return. The Minnesota Wild will jump at the opportunity to bring the skilled forward back home to their top six.

Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Wild

10. Matt Duchene

Team: Dallas Stars

Age: 34 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 30 G | 52 A | 82 PTS

Career Stats: 1,138 GP | 371 G | 520 A | 891 PTS

Matt Duchene took a discount to stay with the Dallas Stars the last time he was a free agent, but he wasn't about to get underpaid on what will likely be the last meaningful contract of his career.  

Landing Spot: Duchene re-signed with the Stars (four years, $18 million)

11. Mikael Granlund

Team: Dallas Stars

Age: 33 | Position: Center/Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 83 GP | 22 G | 44 A | 66 PTS

Career Stats: 902 GP | 179 G | 431 A | 610 PTS

Desperately needing to improve their offensive firepower, the Anaheim Ducks have overpaid for Mikael Granlund’s services, dooming their franchise to another few seasons of mediocrity.

Landing Spot: Granlund has signed with the Ducks (three years, $21 million)

12. Brad Marchand

Team: Florida Panthers

Age: 37 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 71 GP | 23 G | 28 A | 51 PTS

Career Stats: 1100 GP | 424 G | 556 A | 980 PTS

Proving that he still has plenty left in the tank, Brad Marchand would have been a key offseason target for several teams wanting to take the next step in the playoffs. Instead, the Florida Panthers were willing to pay him until his age 43 season.

Landing Spot: Marchand has re-signed with the Panthers (six years, $31.5 million)

13. Jake Allen

Team: New Jersey Devils

Age: 34 | Position: Goaltender

2024-25 Stats: 31 GP | 13 W | 16 L | 4 SO | 2.66 GAA | .906 SV%

Career Stats: 460 GP | 208 W | 184 L | 28 SO | 2.76 GAA | .908 SV%

Starting-caliber goaltenders are in constant demand in the NHL, and one franchise has been desperately looking for stability for decades. Despite the Edmonton Oilers' best effort, Jake Allen elected to stay with the Devils. 

Landing Spot: Allen has re-signed with the Devils (five years, $9 million)

14. Ryan Donato

Team: Chicago Blackhawks

Age: 29 | Position: Center/Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 31 G | 31 A | 62 PTS

Career Stats: 438 GP | 108 G | 119 A | 227 PTS

A top candidate to be moved at the NHL Trade Deadline, Ryan Donato was expected to be on the move this offseason. Instead, the speedy winger decided to stay in the Windy City on a four-year pact.

Landing Spot: Donato has re-signed with the Blackhawks (four years, $16 million)

15. Dmitry Orlov

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 33 | Position: Left Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 76 GP | 6 G | 22 A | 28 PTS

Career Stats: 867 GP | 76 G | 251 A | 327 PTS

Dmitry Orlov heads into this offseason as one of the premier defensemen available in free agency. Curiously, Orlov decided to sign with the San Jose Sharks.

Landing Spot: Orlov signed with the Sharks (two years, $13 million)

16. Patrick Kane

Team: Detroit Red Wings

Age: 36 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 72 GP | 21 G | 38 A | 59 PTS

Career Stats: 1302 GP | 492 G | 851 A | 1343 PTS

Quietly, Patrick Kane has continued to assert himself as an offensive threat. The eventual Hall of Famer has been a catalyst for a young Detroit Red Wings team, who weren't about to let him walk in free agency. 

Landing Spot: Kane has re-signed with the Red Wings (one year, $3 million)

17. Jonathan Toews

Team: None

Age: 37 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: DNP

Career Stats: 1067 GP | 372 G | 511 A | 883 PTS

A bout of long COVID has kept Jonathan Toews out of the NHL for the past two seasons. Nevertheless, the veteran center will make his triumphant return to the league with his hometown Winnipeg Jets in 2025-26. 

Landing Spot: Toews has signed with the Jets

18. Claude Giroux

Team: Ottawa Senators

Age: 37 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 15 G | 35 A | 50 PTS

Career Stats: 1263 GP | 365 G | 751 A | 1116 PTS

A few years ago, the Ottawa Senators brought in Claude Giroux to stabilize their young core. While his production has waned, Giroux has cemented his position as a team leader and secondary contributor.

Landing Spot: Giroux has re-signed with the Senators (one year, $2 million)

19. Brent Burns

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 40 | Position: Right Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 6 G | 23 A | 29 PTS

Career Stats: 1497 GP | 261 G | 649 A | 910 PTS

Winning a Stanley Cup remains the top priority for Brent Burns, making it unlikely he signs anywhere other than the Carolina Hurricanes. However, he found a new landing spot, with equally promising Stanley Cup chances, with the Colorado Avalanche.

Landing Spot: Burns has signed with the Avalanche (one year, $1 million)

20. Jonathan Drouin

Team: Colorado Avalanche

Age: 30 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 43 GP | 11 G | 26 A | 37 PTS

Career Stats: 607 GP | 107 G | 267 A | 374 PTS

Jonathan Drouin has never really lived up to the hype. Still, he has been a productive complementary piece on many teams and is a top-tier offensive asset. We're betting he gets lured to the bright lights of Broadway this offseason. 

Landing Spot: Drouin signed with the Islanders (two years, $8 million)

21. Jamie Benn

Team: Dallas Stars

Age: 35 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 16 G | 33 A | 49 PTS

Career Stats: 1192 GP | 399 G | 557 A | 956 PTS

Jamie Benn has spent his entire career with the Dallas Stars, and that wasn't about to change this offseason. The Stars captain is running it back, looking to get over the hump in the Western Conference finally.

Landing Spot: Benn has re-signed with the Stars (one year, $1 million)

22. Pius Suter

Team: Vancouver Canucks

Age: 29 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 25 G | 21 A | 46 PTS

Career Stats: 364 GP | 82 G | 80 A | 162 PTS

Pius Suter plays an underappreciated role. He's a responsible two-way player with a decent scoring touch. While many teams covet that kind of player, Suter is tailor-made for the Blues' system.

Landing Spot: Suter has signed with the Blues (two years, $8.25 million)

23. Jack Roslovic

Team: Carolina Hurricanes

Age: 28 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 22 G | 17 A | 39 PTS

Career Stats: 526 GP | 102 G | 158 A | 260 PTS

At his best, Jack Roslovic is a fiery goal-scoring fiend, but few teams have been able to unlock that level of play. Roslovic would be remiss if he left his current squad. 

Predicted Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes

24. Andrei Kuzmenko

Team: Los Angeles Kings

Age: 29 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 66 GP | 11 G | 26 A | 37 PTS

Career Stats: 219 GP | 72 G | 85 A | 157 PTS

Four years into his NHL career, Andrei Kuzmenko has already played on four different teams. Nevertheless, he found his stride with the Los Angeles Kings after being acquired at the deadline. If he can produce at that level for an entire season, Kuzmenko will be in line for a hefty salary increase.

Landing Spot: Kuzmenko has re-signed with the Kings (one year, $4.3 million)

25. Reilly Smith

Team: Vegas Golden Knights

Age: 34 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 79 GP | 13 G | 27 A | 40 PTS

Career Stats: 919 GP | 226 G | 327 A | 553 PTS

Given their flurry of free agent action, it appeared unlikely that Reilly Smith would be back with the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, Smith landed back in Sin City on a one-year pact. 

Landing Spot: Smith re-signed with the Golden Knights

26. Ryan Lindgren

Team: Colorado Avalanche

Age: 27 | Position: Left Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 72 GP | 4 G | 18 A | 22 PTS

Career Stats: 405 GP | 14 G | 88 A | 102 PTS

Far from the flashiest player on the ice, Ryan Lindgren has proven to be a responsible shutdown defenseman. As we see every offseason, there is always one team willing to overpay for this kind of player. 

Landing Spot: Lindgren signed with the Kraken (four years, $18 million)

27. Matt Grzelcyk

Team: Pittsburgh Penguins

Age: 31 | Position: Left Defenseman

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 1 G | 39 A | 40 PTS 

Career Stats: 527 GP | 26 G | 149 A | 175 PTS

Matt Grzelcyk had the most productive season of his career, and it couldn't have come at a better time. There will be several teams inquiring about his services, but there is probably one team willing to overpay for his services. 

Predicted Landing Spot: Philadelphia Flyers

28. Andrew Mangiapane

Team: Washington Capitals

Age: 29 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 14 G | 14 A | 28 PTS

Career Stats: 498 GP | 123 G | 120 A | 243 PTS

Andrew Mangiapane had a down year in 2024-25. Still, we're expecting several Stanley Cup contenders to inquire about his services as a bottom-six winger. Expect him to land with an unsuspecting team.

Landing Spot: Mangiapane signed with the Oilers (two years, $7.2 million)

29. Corey Perry

Team: Edmonton Oilers

Age: 40 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 19 G | 11 A | 30 PTS

Career Stats: 1392 GP | 448 G | 487 A | 935 PTS

Old man Corey Perry has earned an unflattering distinction of being on the losing side of the Stanley Cup Final in five of the last six seasons. Still, the Los Angeles Kings paid a premium to keep him in the Pacific Division.

Landing Spot: Perry signed with the Kings (one year, $2 million)

30. Evgenii Dadonov

Team: Dallas Stars

Age: 36 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 20 G | 20 A | 40 PTS

Career Stats: 617 GP | 163 G | 198 A | 361 PTS

When Evgenii Dadonov decides to turn it on, he can be an electric scoring winger. Consistency continues to limit his upside. At 36 years old, he's only getting a short-term deal. 

Landing Spot: Dadonov signed with the Devils (one year, $1 million)

31. Tanner Jeannot

Team: Boston Bruins

Age: 28 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 67 GP | 7 G | 6 A | 13 PTS

Career Stats: 294 GP | 49 G | 44 A | 93 PTS

Tanner Jeannot is part of a dying breed of hockey players. His truculent style is no longer a requirement on an NHL team, and he lacks the scoring pedigree to play significant minutes on a nightly basis. Still, the Boston Bruins were willing to overpay the bruiser on an extended term.

Landing Spot: Jeannot signed with the Bruins (five years, $17 million)

32. Nate Schmidt

Team: Florida Panthers

Age: 33 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 5 G | 14 A | 19 PTS

Career Stats: 741 GP | 52 G | 187 A | 239 PTS

Fresh off his Stanley Cup victory, Nate Schmidt is free to sign with the team of his choosing. While he has offensive skills to contribute, Schmidt is best suited for a primarily defensive role on the second or third pairing.

Landing Spot: Schmidt signed with the Mammoth (three years, $10.5 million)

33. Brandon Tanev

Team: Winnipeg Jets

Age: 33 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 79 GP | 10 G | 12 A | 22 PTS

Career Stats: 552 GP | 84 G | 96 A | 180 PTS

We see it at the trade deadline every year: Contending teams need a player of Brandon Tanev's ilk come the playoffs. While he lacks offensive firepower, Tanev is well-suited for a checking role on any team.

Landing Spot: Tanev signed with the Mammoth (three years, $7.5 million)

34. Cody Ceci

Team: Dallas Stars

Age: 31 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 85 GP | 4 G | 20 A | 24 PTS

Career Stats: 871 GP | 52 G | 183 A | 235 PTS

Cody Ceci was traded partway through last season, resulting in him playing 85 games in 2024-25. Heading into free agency, there was sure to be a team willing to overpay for his services, and he found that with the Los Angeles Kings.

Landing Spot: Ceci signed with the Kings (four years, $18 million)

35. Brian Dumoulin

Team: New Jersey Devils

Age: 33 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 80 GP | 3 G | 19 A | 22 PTS

Career Stats: 706 GP | 28 G | 149 A | 177 PTS

Another one of the shutdown defensemen available in this year's free agency crop, teams will be clamoring for a player of Brian Dumoulin's pedigree. Still, the Los Angeles Kings didn't need two of the same player. 

Landing Spot: Dumoulin signed with the Kings (three years, $12 million)

36. Christian Dvorak

Team: Montreal Canadiens

Age: 29 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 82 GP | 12 G | 21 A | 33 PTS

Career Stats: 534 GP | 105 G | 144 A | 249 PTS

Throughout his career, Christian Dvorak has been a solid two-way, depth scorer. Still, he lacks the offensive punch to consistently produce in the attacking zone. Coming off a career-best 33 points, some team was sure to overpay for his services.

Landing Spot: Dvorak signed with the Philadelphia Flyers (one year, $5.4 million)

37. John Klingberg

Team: Edmonton Oilers

Age: 32 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 11 GP | 1 G | 3 A | 4 PTS

Career Stats: 664 GP | 82 G | 334 A | 416 PTS

Once considered one of the premier defensemen in the NHL, injuries have slowed John Klingberg's production over the past few seasons. Nevertheless, he remains a point producer on the backend, a skillset that is coveted by every team in the league.

Landing Spot: Klingberg signed with the Sharks (one year, $4 million)

38. Gustav Nyquist

Team: Minnesota Wild

Age: 35 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 79 GP | 11 G | 17 A | 28 PTS

Career Stats: 863 GP | 209 G | 322 A | 531 PTS

Now 35 years old, Gustav Nyquist could inch closer to the 1,000-game mark after the 2025-26 season. While he isn't the marksman he once was, Nyquist still has plenty to offer offensively. 

Landing Spot: Nyquist signed with the Winnipeg Jets (one year, $3.25 million)

39. Mason Appleton

Team: Winnipeg Jets

Age: 29 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 71 GP | 10 G | 12 A | 22 PTS

Career Stats: 400 GP | 57 G | 81 A | 138 PTS

Mason Appleton is your quintessential bottom-six forward. While he doesn't possess game-changing offensive abilities, he plays responsibly in his own end. 

Landing Spot: Appleton signed with the Red Wings (two years, $5.8 million)

40. Anthony Beauvillier

Team: Washington Capitals

Age: 28 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 15 G | 10 A | 25 PTS

Career Stats: 631 GP | 131 G | 140 A | 271 PTS

Early in his career, Anthony Beauvillier was viewed as a top offensive prospect. But nine years later, he's flashed middling offensive skills. While it's possible he continues his development through his prime years, Beauvillier is nothing more than a depth scoring option. 

Landing Spot: Beauvillier re-signed with the Capitals (two years, $5.5 million)

41. James van Riemsdyk

Team: Columbus Blue Jackets

Age: 36 | Position: Left Wing

2024-25 Stats: 71 GP | 16 G | 20 A | 36 PTS

Career Stats: 1,082 GP | 327 G | 338 A | 665 PTS

Sixteen seasons into his NHL career, and James van Riemsdyk remains a solid secondary contributor. JVR has 36 or more points in nine of his past 10 seasons. He'll have the chance to add to that total with the Detroit Red Wings.

Landing Spot: van Riemsdyk signed with the Red Wings (one year, $1 million)

42. Dan Vladar

Team: Calgary Flames

Age: 27 | Position: Goaltender

2024-25 Stats: 30 GP | 12 W | 11 L | 2 SO | 2.80 GAA | 89.8 SV%

Career Stats: 105 GP | 49 W | 34 L | 4 SO | 2.98 GAA | 89.5 SV%

Dan Vladar is not a household name, but the Philadelphia Flyers are paying him like he's about to become one. The 27-year-old netminder will challenge for a prominent role in The City of Brotherly Love.

Landing Spot: Vladar signed with the Flyers (two years, $6.7 million)

43. Joel Armia

Team: Montreal Canadiens

Age: 32 | Position: Right Wing

2024-25 Stats: 81 GP | 11 G | 18 A | 29 PTS

Career Stats: 586 GP | 103 G | 104 A | 207 PTS

For the past seven seasons, Joel Armia has been an underappreciated asset of the Montreal Canadiens' forward corps. A solid two-way player, Armia contributes enough offensively without compromising his defensive zone play. Coincidentally, that's exactly the type of profile that's valued by the Los Angeles Kings.

Landing Spot: Armia signed with the Kings (two years, $5 million)

44. Radek Faksa

Team: St. Louis Blues

Age: 31 | Position: Center

2024-25 Stats: 70 GP | 5 G | 10 A | 15 PTS

Career Stats: 708 GP | 94 G | 121 A | 215 PTS

Clearly, Radek Faksa wasn't well-suited to the St. Louis Blues' system. The veteran center had the worst offensive production since his rookie season, precipitating a move back to the Dallas Stars this offseason.

Landing Spot: Faksa signed with the Stars (three years, $6 million)

45. Nick Perbix

Team: Tampa Bay Lightning

Age: 27 | Position: Defense

2024-25 Stats: 74 GP | 6 G | 13 A | 19 PTS

Career Stats: 220 GP | 13 G | 50 A | 63 PTS

In his first season as a free agent, Nick Perbix elected to depart the only franchise he's known throughout his professional career. The 27-year-old embarks on a new venture, signing on with the Nashville Predators on a two-year contract.

Landing Spot: Perbix signed with the Predators (two years, $5.5 million)