The NHL offseason is officially underway following the Florida Panthers` second consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Recent news includes Jonathan Toews` agreement to join the Winnipeg Jets, a trade sending Andre Burakovsky to the Chicago Blackhawks from Seattle, the upcoming two-day NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles, and the opening of free agency on July 1st.
To help make sense of the flurry of activity, ESPN reporters gathered insights from sources within various NHL front offices, sharing the latest buzz on prospects, potential trades, and the free agent market.
Schaefer`s Perspective Shaped by Personal Hardship
Matthew Schaefer, widely anticipated to be the first overall selection in this year`s draft (held by the New York Islanders), approaches the process with an unusual calmness. For Schaefer, enjoying the experience is paramount, a lesson learned through profound personal tragedies.
Within a challenging 12-month span, Schaefer experienced the deaths of his billet mother, followed two months later by the passing of his own mother after a long illness. During the same period, Erie Otters owner Jim Waters, a close figure in his life, also died. Additionally, Schaefer suffered a broken collarbone during the 2025 World Junior Championship, ending his season with the Otters.
Enduring such loss at just 17, on the verge of his NHL dream, is immense. Yet, Schaefer maintains a remarkably positive outlook, viewing these experiences as a form of strength. He feels less pressure about where he`s drafted, understanding that much worse things can happen in life.
Schaefer is described as quick-witted, personable, and genuinely earnest. He has engaged in charitable work supporting children dealing with grief and intends to volunteer further at the hospital where his mother received care. He finds joy in connecting with people and hearing their stories, emphasizing kindness and a positive mindset, inspired by his mother`s incredible resilience despite her battle with cancer.
He believes his mother will be watching the draft and offering spiritual support, perhaps even playfully deflecting his metaphorical shots as she did when he practiced as a child. These experiences have undeniably made him stronger.
Could the Islanders Target Hagens After Schaefer?
James Hagens, an 18-year-old center from Hauppauge, New York, and a Boston College product, is well aware of the local desire to see him drafted by his hometown Islanders. As a kid who cheered for the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, he understands the connection, even still possessing a rally towel from those games.
The wish for him to join the Islanders is palpable in his community, with one instance even involving a `Bring Hagens Home` bumper sticker. Hagens admits to getting his hopes up when the Islanders secured the first overall pick in the draft lottery, especially after he was initially ranked No. 1 by some prominent scouts before the season.
Factors like his solid, but not elite, freshman season at BC and ongoing questions about his size (around 5-foot-11) contributed to a slight dip in rankings, alongside Matthew Schaefer`s emergence as the likely first pick. However, buzz surfaced during the Stanley Cup Final suggesting the Islanders might make a bold move: drafting Schaefer first overall and then trading back into the top four to also select Hagens.
With San Jose expected to take Michael Misa at No. 2 and Chicago at No. 3 (where Hagens hasn`t been strongly linked), the Islanders would likely need to trade with Utah (No. 4) or Nashville (No. 5). Potential assets for such a trade could include defenseman Alexander Romanov, a restricted free agent due a raise, or the conditional 2026/2027 first-round pick acquired from the Colorado Avalanche. This strategic play would not only add a highly-rated prospect but also bring a local favorite into the fold, potentially boosting fan connection and aligning with the team`s stated goal of becoming a more `attacking` team.
Time May Be Running Out for Tavares in Toronto
It appears increasingly likely that winger Mitch Marner will not be with the Toronto Maple Leafs next season, an outcome anticipated for months due to asset management challenges. While a sign-and-trade or a trade of his rights remains a possibility, it`s not highly probable.
The Maple Leafs` critical focus now shifts to captain John Tavares. Current reports suggest the team and Tavares are not close to an extension agreement. Toronto cannot afford significant delays, as viable unrestricted free agent centers are scarce. Sam Bennett is expected to remain in Florida, while Jonathan Toews and Matt Duchene have signed elsewhere. Toronto`s remaining options in the UFA market appear limited to players like Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, or potentially Claude Giroux.
Considering Matt Duchene`s recent four-year, $18 million deal with Dallas (structuring gives a $4.5 million AAV), a similar average annual value for Tavares doesn`t seem unreasonable, especially given his value as a second-line center who just had a productive season at age 34. Losing Tavares without compensation would be a significant blow for the Leafs. This negotiation is a pivotal moment for GM Brad Treliving, who needs to prioritize re-signing Tavares and making a strong offer given the limited alternatives.
Can Panthers Retain Key UFAs: Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand?
Following their back-to-back Stanley Cup triumph, the Florida Panthers face crucial decisions regarding three prominent unrestricted free agents: center Sam Bennett, defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and forward Brad Marchand. The perception around their futures has shifted post-championship.
Sam Bennett, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy, was widely expected to re-sign despite potentially receiving higher offers elsewhere. He publicly reinforced this sentiment at a victory celebration, declaring, “I ain`t f—ing leaving” while an “8 more years” message was displayed.
Aaron Ekblad, the Panthers` 2014 first overall pick, was previously considered uncertain to return, reportedly rejecting an offer last summer and having his name surface in trade discussions. However, speculation now suggests he is likely to stay, possibly signing a long-term deal that might trade a higher cap hit for term, a strategy with some risk given his injury history. The team values its defensive depth, and Ekblad`s return would solidify the top pairings. Ekblad himself noted that “Things seem to come down to the last minute here.”
Brad Marchand had a history of taking less money in Boston. The assumption was he would pursue the most lucrative offer as a UFA, rumored to be seeking four years and linked to teams like Toronto, Washington, and Utah. However, his successful fit and championship experience in Florida appear to have altered his perspective. Marchand publicly appealed to GM Bill Zito for a contract and has hinted at seeking a four-year deal. Zito remains optimistic about re-signing all three key players at cap figures that allow the team to add other pieces, suggesting they are working towards a solution that keeps the core intact.
Do the Blackhawks Have a Round 1 Surprise Brewing?
Holding the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Chicago Blackhawks are in a fascinating position after Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely projected to go first and second, respectively. Chicago`s selection marks the first major question mark of the draft.
The primary debate for the Blackhawks appears to be between drafting a center or a winger. Buzz from the scouting combine suggested Chicago was focusing on either Moncton Wildcats center Caleb Desnoyers or Brampton Steelheads winger Porter Martone.
Martone`s draft stock has reportedly climbed significantly in recent weeks. At 6-foot-3 and 207 pounds, he possesses size, a physical edge, creative offensive instincts, a strong shot, and impressive puck handling. As captain of the Steelheads, he recorded 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games last season. While adding another potential high-end center to play alongside Connor Bedard is tempting, many in the scouting community believe Martone`s complete package of size, skill, and leadership makes him increasingly difficult for Chicago to pass up at number three.
Oilers GM Perplexed by Goaltending Performance
The performance of the Edmonton Oilers` goaltenders was a clear disadvantage in their Stanley Cup Final series loss to the Florida Panthers. Stuart Skinner`s save percentage (.861) and goals-against average (3.97) were poor, leading to him being pulled twice and briefly replaced by Calvin Pickard (.878 SV%, 2.88 GAA). Both goalies performed below replacement level in goals saved above expected in their final playoff games, a stark contrast to Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky`s solid performance.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman expressed confusion over this turn of events, arguing that Edmonton`s goaltending had been superior to their opponents` in the previous three Western Conference series, which he felt was key to reaching the Final. Bowman stated, “Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill and Jake Oettinger, our goalies were better than them in each of those series… And then in the Final it flipped.”
While an upgrade in goaltending for next season seems like an obvious priority, Bowman is still evaluating his options. Both Skinner ($2.6 million AAV) and Pickard ($1 million AAV) are under contract for another season before becoming unrestricted free agents. Bowman noted that changes “may involve the goaltending or it could not,” indicating significant analysis is ongoing.
Finding a significant upgrade is challenging. Anaheim`s John Gibson is a potential trade target but carries a high $6.4 million AAV for two more years and has a no-trade list. The UFA market is thin, with limited options like New Jersey`s Jake Allen, San Jose`s Alexandar Georgiev, Detroit`s Alex Lyon, and Ottawa`s Anton Forsberg being among the better choices. Bowman highlighted the difficulty in simply acquiring an `elite` goalie, noting that top goalies sometimes struggle in the playoffs and that teams have won Cups without truly elite netminders, relying instead on overall team strength.
Is Nashville Genuinely Open to Anything?
Speculation continues to swirl around the Nashville Predators. While they hold the fifth overall pick in the draft, their position is unusual for a team selecting that high, as they aim to be competitive immediately.
Nashville possesses significant draft capital that they appear willing to leverage to acquire an established NHL player from a team potentially in a retooling phase. If a major trade unfolds during the first round, the Predators are widely considered a likely participant.
A key area of need for Nashville is bolstering their defensive corps alongside cornerstone Roman Josi. Given GM Barry Trotz`s history of aggressive moves and willingness to be creative, if he believes the team can rebound strongly next season, he is expected to seriously consider trading the No. 5 pick for a proven NHL-level skater who fits their competitive window.
