Hecht was let go following a premature ending to last season due to a concussion. After convincing management that he has overcome those issues through play in Germany, Hecht will be back to provide much needed depth for the Sabres.
NHL Signings & Free Agents
Burning a second rounder during the draft is really going to irk the Isles fans on this decision. They'll fight it but this could mirror the Nabokov situation from a couple years ago.

The move gives the Wings another offensive blueliner for the powerplay, when healthy.

Semin latches onto another 1-year contract with hopes of regaining the scoring prowess that he once saw with the Caps. The improving Hurricanes will foster an environment where could emerge as the team's top scoring forward. Look for him near the top of our ranks this preseason.

It's a low-risk move for both the Caps and Wolski that could pay out huge dividends. Wolski has shown flashes of his offensive ability in the past but injuries have limited his output in recent years. If Wolski finds himself fortunate enough to be at RW on the Caps' top line, he could be a great FA pick up.
Suter was the second most coveted defender and joins Parise in Minnesota. Suter's fantasy stock should remain just about where it was with Nashville.

Parise, the most coveted free agent of the 2012 offseason, signs a $98-million deal, 13-year deal with his hometown and joins a Wild team that has shown limited offensive potential in the past.

Jagr is an interesting addition to the re-tooling Stars. His skills appeared to be declining last season but could still be a mid-tier winger if he holds on to a top-six role with the Stars.

This paves the way for Richard Bachman to be Lehtonen's backup.
The Devils still retain the rights for the young winger.
Tough to see Hudler finding more opportunity to score in Calgary than in Detroit.

Jokinen should see find himself part of the offense in Winnipeg but with the Jets' balanced approach, we don't see him standing out much.

Many would say good riddance as Radulov became the butt of jokes in the NHL. His rights still lie with the Preds but don't expect him back in the NHL any time soon.

Corvo finished with 25 points in 75 games with the Bruins last season. He returns to Carolina where had 40 points with the Canes the season before.
Parenteau had a breakout season with the Isles last year and could help spark the Avs' offense.

Samuelsson will help improve the Wings' second power play.
The Wings have had success with European free agents before and Mike Babcock feels that Brunner can contribute on the Wings' top two lines.

Kuba will be looked at to replace Garrison's void on the powerplay.
A low risk contract for the Isles who could hope to see Boyes return back to productivity after an off year in Buffalo.

Latendresse has been plagued by injuries in his short career but he's only 25 and looking for a new start with the Sens.
NHL Free Agents: Best Available Players in 2025
Types of Free Agent Markets
Restricted Free Agents
Qualifying Offers
Non-Qualified RFAs
Unrestricted Free Agents
Group 3 UFAs
Group 6 UFAs
Undrafted UFAs
NHL Free Agency FAQs
Some of the top NHL free agents available this summer are Mitch Marner, Mikko Rantanen, Aaron Ekblad, Nikolaj Ehlers, John Tavares, Brock Boeser, Brad Marchand and Linus Ullmark.
This offseason will bring a stacked crop of free agents to the market that will shape the landscape of the 2025-26 NHL season. Not only will the final landing spots for each of the top 2025 NHL free agents shake up the framework of the league, but will also have major implications on the upcoming fantasy hockey season. Be sure to stay in the know in regard to the latest free agency updates with our NHL player news.
On July 1st, 2025, at 12 PM EST, the 2025 NHL free agency period officially opens. While some players will have all but signed the dotted line up to this point, nothing can become official until noon on Canada Day.