NHL Free Agent Frenzy: Which Surprise Moves Could Shake Up the Season?
Other teams are chasing the two-time champions and did their best to make acquisitions that will aid in that pursuit.
It will all play out across the 2025-26 season, which begins in October.
Why wait several months to see which are the shrewdest moves?
We asked NHL.com writers for their first take on what was the best signing of a potential free agent in the past several days. Here, in alphabetical order, are the responses.
Florida general manager Bill Zito continues to defy the odds by creating a culture and winning environment that’s too good to leave. Let’s face it, Bennett could have probably picked his destination after winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as Stanley Cup Playoff MVP after setting an NHL record with 13 road goals in the postseason. Simply put, the 29-year-old is built for playoff hockey, displaying a blend of skill and physicality that have made him into “one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,” according to Zito. Bennett had no interest in any other team, signing an eight-year, $64 million contract ($8 million average annual value) with Florida on June 28. He’s locked in and wants a third-straight shot at winning the Stanley Cup. After scoring 51 points (25 goals, 26 assists) in 76 regular-season games, he posted 22 points (15 goals, seven assists) in 23 playoff games. He had 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) in 19 playoff games during Florida’s Cup run in 2024. — Mike G. Morreale, senior draft writer
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