The NHL offseason is officially underway, even as the Florida Panthers continue to celebrate their back-to-back Stanley Cup championship. The past few days have seen notable moves, including Jonathan Toews agreeing to join the Winnipeg Jets in free agency, a series of contract extensions, and a trade that sent Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken to the Chicago Blackhawks. The key events are fast approaching: the NHL Entry Draft, featuring seven rounds and anticipated trade activity, will be held in Los Angeles this Friday and Saturday, followed by the opening of free agency on July 1. To make sense of these developments, ESPN reporters Kristen Shilton and Greg Wyshynski gathered insights from sources across the league on draft prospects, potential trades, and the free agent market, offering the latest buzz from around the NHL.
Schaefer`s Journey Through Adversity
Matthew Schaefer, widely projected as the first overall selection in this year`s draft (held by the New York Islanders), approaches the event with remarkable composure. His focus is on enjoying the process, a perspective shaped by significant personal challenges he has faced. Over the past year, Schaefer has endured multiple tragedies, including the loss of his billet mother, the death of his own mother after a long illness, and the passing of Erie Otters owner Jim Waters, with whom he was close. Compounding these losses, he suffered a broken collarbone during the World Junior Championship, ending his season early.
Despite this difficult period, the 17-year-old maintains a surprisingly positive attitude. He views these hardships not as obstacles but as experiences that have built resilience, helping him navigate the pressures of being a top prospect. “There are much worse things that can happen in life [than where you get picked],” Schaefer remarked, contrasting major life events with the relatively minor concern of draft position. He emphasizes the importance of seizing opportunities, working diligently, and treating others with kindness.
Described as witty, personable, genuine, and earnest, Schaefer actively helps others. He has participated in charity work supporting children coping with grief and plans to volunteer at the hospital where his mother received care, demonstrating a sincere desire to give back. He finds fulfillment in connecting with people and hearing their stories. “I personally love helping people,” he stated, highlighting the value of simple acts of kindness. His positive outlook is profoundly influenced by his mother`s strength in the face of her illness. Schaefer feels her continued presence, humorously imagining her spiritually trying to stop his practice shots like she used to in goal. These experiences have undeniably made him stronger.
Could the Islanders Draft Hagens Too?
James Hagens is well aware of the local desire for the New York Islanders to select him in the draft. As a Long Island native who grew up cheering for the team at Nassau Coliseum, the 18-year-old Boston College center embodies the hope of bringing a hometown talent into the franchise. Hagens shared anecdotes of fans expressing their wish for him to be drafted by the Islanders, including seeing a “Bring Hagens Home” bumper sticker.
He admitted his own hopes rose when the Islanders secured the first overall pick. At one point, Hagens was widely considered the potential first overall selection, even ranked highest by TSN`s Bob McKenzie based on scout surveys. However, his ranking has slightly adjusted, partly due to a solid but not exceptional freshman season and lingering questions about his size (around 5`11″), but primarily because Matthew Schaefer emerged as the probable No. 1 pick.
Despite this, buzz during the Stanley Cup Final suggested the Islanders might attempt a significant draft-day maneuver: drafting Schaefer at No. 1 and then trading up into the top four to also select Hagens. With San Jose expected to take Michael Misa second and Hagens not strongly linked to Chicago at No. 3, Utah (No. 4) or Nashville (No. 5) could be potential trade partners. Speculation regarding what the Islanders might offer includes defenseman Alexander Romanov (a restricted free agent) and the conditional 2026/2027 first-round pick from Colorado. However, acquiring a top-five pick would likely require more assets. This strategy aligns with Islanders GM Mathieu Darche`s stated goal of building a more “attacking” team and co-owner John Collins`s emphasis on fostering “deeper connections” with the local hockey community. Drafting Hagens could fulfill both objectives.
Time Running Out for Tavares Extension in Toronto
It appears increasingly likely that Mitch Marner`s tenure with the Toronto Maple Leafs will end this offseason, a widely anticipated outcome that highlights potential shortcomings in asset management, possibly resulting in the loss of a top unrestricted free agent without compensation. While a sign-and-trade or another team acquiring Marner`s rights remains theoretically possible, it`s not considered probable.
The Maple Leafs` focus should now shift to captain John Tavares. Reports indicate that the two sides are not close to finalizing a contract extension. Toronto faces pressure to act quickly, given the limited number of viable unrestricted free agent centers available. Sam Bennett is expected to remain in Florida, and both Jonathan Toews and Matt Duchene have signed with new teams. Beyond Tavares, the remaining options appear to be players like Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, or potentially Claude Giroux.
Unlike the Marner situation, Tavares is reportedly open to negotiation and wants to stay in Toronto, offering the team a more favorable position. Considering Matt Duchene`s recent four-year, $18 million contract (averaging $4.5 million annually), a similar cap hit for the 34-year-old Tavares, who is coming off a strong season, does not seem unreasonable. Losing a productive second-line center like Tavares would create a significant void, with few compelling alternatives available if he receives attractive offers from other clubs. This is a critical juncture for General Manager Brad Treliving, who needs to make retaining Tavares a top priority.
Panthers Aim to Keep Key Free Agents
Following their consecutive Stanley Cup victories, a major question for the Florida Panthers is retaining three important unrestricted free agents: forward Sam Bennett, defenseman Aaron Ekblad, and forward Brad Marchand. Initial perceptions regarding their futures have evolved.
1. Sam Bennett, the Conn Smythe Trophy winner as playoff MVP, was widely expected to re-sign. Despite the possibility of other teams offering significantly more than his $5 million salary, both Bennett and the Panthers have expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement. Bennett publicly reinforced this during the victory celebration, stating he wasn`t leaving, with an “8 more years” message displayed nearby.
2. Aaron Ekblad, the Panthers` 2014 first overall pick, was initially seen as less certain to return. A mobile right-shot defenseman with two championships, he is highly sought after. Previous reports indicated an offer from the Panthers last summer was rejected, leading the team to explore trading him. However, the situation appears to have changed. Speculation suggests Ekblad, 29, might accept a lower annual salary cap hit in exchange for a longer contract term, a decision that carries some risk given his injury history. Florida values their defensive group, especially the pairing of Ekblad with Gustav Forsling and Seth Jones on the second unit. While Ekblad is now largely expected to stay, he recently noted that contract discussions often come down to the final moments.
3. Brad Marchand, known for previously taking less than market value in Boston, was initially perceived as likely to pursue the highest offer, reportedly seeking a four-year term. The Toronto Maple Leafs were frequently mentioned as a potential destination. Other rumored suitors included teams like the Washington Capitals and the Utah organization. However, Marchand`s apparent satisfaction and success in Florida seem to have altered his plans. He humorously (and publicly) requested a contract from GM Bill Zito at a Dairy Queen. Zito has repeatedly expressed confidence in re-signing Bennett, Ekblad, and Marchand at cap figures that allow the team flexibility to acquire other players. While Marchand was reportedly captured on video suggesting he`s staying and indicated a four-year term, his history of public statements warrants some caution.
Blackhawks` Potential Draft Surprise at Pick 3
Holding the third overall selection, the Chicago Blackhawks face a critical decision after Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa are widely expected to be chosen first and second. Chicago`s pick is the first major point of intrigue in the draft: will they opt for a center or a winger?
Reports from the scouting combine suggested Chicago was focusing on either center Caleb Desnoyers of the Moncton Wildcats or winger Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Martone`s draft stock has reportedly risen further since early June. While the Blackhawks might prefer adding a center, the attributes of Martone could be too compelling to pass up. Standing 6`3″ and 207 pounds, he brings a physical edge, creative playmaking, a powerful shot, and excellent puck-handling skills. As captain of the Steelheads, Martone recorded an impressive 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games last season. Scouts are highly impressed with his potential to succeed in the NHL. While adding another promising young center alongside Connor Bedard is an attractive option, Martone`s overall package might make him the preferred choice for Chicago at No. 3.
Oilers` Goaltending Puzzle After Final Loss
The performance of the Edmonton Oilers` goaltending was undeniably a factor in their loss to the Florida Panthers in the Stanley Cup Final. Stuart Skinner struggled with an .861 save percentage and 3.97 goals-against average, being pulled twice and temporarily replaced by Calvin Pickard (.878 SV%, 2.88 GAA). Both goalies posted metrics below replacement level in goals saved above expected during their final playoff appearances, contrasting sharply with Florida`s Sergei Bobrovsky.
Oilers GM Stan Bowman expressed bewilderment, noting that Edmonton`s goaltending had been superior to that of their opponents (Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill, Jake Oettinger) in the three previous series, which he believed was crucial to their Final appearance. He observed that this advantage disappeared in the championship round. While many assume the Oilers will prioritize acquiring an elite goaltender to prevent similar issues, Bowman indicated he is still evaluating the position. Both Skinner ($2.6 million AAV) and Pickard ($1 million AAV) are under contract for another season. Bowman stated that next season`s adjustments “may involve the goaltending or it could not,” emphasizing the extensive analysis needed following their second consecutive playoff exit against Florida.
It seems unlikely the Oilers will enter next season with the same goaltending duo, but options for significant upgrades are limited. John Gibson of the Anaheim Ducks, who has a no-trade list and two years left on his contract with a $6.4 million cap hit, has been mentioned. The unrestricted free agent market for goalies is thin, with Jake Allen of the New Jersey Devils considered the best available option among others like Alexandar Georgiev, Alex Lyon, and Anton Forsberg. Bowman questioned the availability of truly elite goalies and whether any realistically attainable player would offer a guaranteed upgrade in playoff performance, citing instances of teams winning without top-tier goaltending and periods where even elite goalies have struggled in the postseason. He acknowledged goaltending`s importance but suggested a strong overall team could sometimes mitigate weaknesses in that position.
Is Nashville Planning a Draft Day Blockbuster?
Speculation surrounding the Nashville Predators continues to intensify. While they hold the fifth overall pick in the draft, the team is reportedly prioritizing immediate competitiveness rather than a typical long-term rebuilding approach associated with a high selection. Nashville possesses valuable draft capital that they could potentially leverage to acquire an established NHL player from a team more inclined towards a retooling phase.
If a major trade occurs during the first round, the Predators are widely considered strong candidates to be involved. A key area of need for the team is reportedly a reliable defenseman to strengthen their blue line alongside Roman Josi. General Manager Barry Trotz has demonstrated in recent offseasons a willingness to be aggressive and creative in pursuing his team-building goals. If Trotz believes the Predators can rebound effectively next season, he is likely open to trading their high pick for a proven NHL-level skater who can contribute immediately.
