Ross is expected to be an important two-way player for the Leafs. Expect him to play in the AHL on an ATO.
NHL Signings & Free Agents
Varone had been playing in Rochester on an AHL deal. He is now eligible to play for the big club.

Killorn will likely begin his pro season in the AHL.

Broadhurst most likely plays in the AHL for the rest of the season.

Bunz just finished his fourth season with the Medicine Hat Tigers of the WHL. Expect him to play in the AHL with an ATO.

Thornton re-signs shortly after the Bs' shootout win. He scored four goals and 12 points with 175 PIM in 70 games.

Expect Caron to get a look with the Bolts next week.
You may have gotten a good look at Wedgewood as the starting goalie for Team Canada during the WJHC. He is probably the best internal option to replace Martin Brodeur at this juncture.

As a 20-year-old, Levi can play in the AHL. Expect him to start in the minors next season.

Melchiori gives the Jets added depth on the back end. He scored two goals and 36 points in 60 OHL games this season.

Gibson gives the Ducks added depth between the pipes. Drafted out of the USHL last year, he should be eligible to play in the AHL.

Morrison gives the Bruins a bit more depth between the pipes. In fact, that depth could lead to Anton Khudobin coming up from the AHL.

O’Neill scored 21 goals and 46 points in 35 games as the captain of the Yale Bulldogs. He will begin his pro career in the AHL.

Schneider is expected to start his professional career with the Binghampton Senators of the AHL. He scored 23 goals and 45 points in 38 games with the University of Connecticut.

Stalberg scored 12 goals and 31 points in 34 games with the University of Vermont. He might challenge for a roster spot as soon as next season.

Namestnikov likely contends for a roster spot during next season's training camp. The Russian expatriate scored 22 goals and 70 points in 60 games with the London Knights of the OHL.

Schwartz is expected to join the team tomorrow and could immediately get a look in the lineup. He scored 15 goals and 41 points in 30 games with Colorado College.

Although Carcillo's season was cut short, he will have another opportunity to thrive in Chicago. Nice little deal for both sides.

MacLellan could see some AHL action this season but probably won't touch the big club.

Halmo is currently playing for the Owen Sound Attack of the OHL. He could join the Bridgeport Sound Tigers later in the year.

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.