While the Florida Panthers continue celebrating their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory, the NHL offseason has officially begun. Recent notable events include Jonathan Toews agreeing to join the Winnipeg Jets once free agency opens and a trade sending Andre Burakovsky from the Seattle Kraken to the Chicago Blackhawks, alongside various player re-signings.
The focus shifts this week to Los Angeles, where the NHL Entry Draft will unfold over Friday and Saturday. This seven-round event is typically a hotbed for significant trades that can reshape franchises. Following the draft, the league`s attention will turn to July 1st, the start of unrestricted free agency.
To provide clarity on the major storylines heading into these pivotal events, this article compiles insights gathered from sources within NHL front offices, offering the latest buzz on draft prospects, potential trade movements, and the upcoming free agent class.
Matthew Schaefer`s Resilience Through Personal Loss
Matthew Schaefer is widely projected to be the first overall selection in this year`s draft, held by the New York Islanders. Yet, the Erie Otters defenseman appears remarkably unburdened by the anticipation of where he might ultimately land. His perspective is grounded in enjoying the journey, a lesson learned through profoundly difficult personal experiences.
“I`ve been through a lot,” Schaefer recently shared, an understatement considering the past year. Within a span of twelve months, he endured the loss of his billet mother, followed two months later by the death of his own mother after a long battle with cancer. During the 2025 World Junior Championship, he also lost Jim Waters, the Otters owner with whom he had a close relationship. Adding to the challenges, Schaefer sustained a broken collarbone during the tournament, ending his season prematurely.
These immense hardships would be crushing for anyone, particularly for a 17-year-old on the cusp of fulfilling his lifelong dream of playing in the NHL. Despite this, Schaefer maintains a remarkably positive outlook. He views the adversity not as a burden, but almost as a source of strength, helping him navigate the pressures associated with being a top prospect.
“There’s a lot worse things that can happen in life [than not being picked No. 1],” he reflected. He feels that having gone through such significant loss makes handling challenges like injuries seem “super easy” in comparison. Schaefer emphasizes the importance of integrity and kindness, believing that “being a good person goes such a long way.”
Schaefer is known for his quick wit, sincerity, and genuine nature. He has participated in charity work supporting children experiencing grief and plans to dedicate more time to volunteering at the hospital where his mother received treatment. His willingness to connect with people and listen to their stories is authentic.
“I personally love helping people,” he stated, highlighting the value of respecting others and treating them well. He strives to approach each day with a positive mindset, profoundly influenced by witnessing his mother`s strength. “Seeing what my mom went through, having a smile on her face with cancer and everything trying to bring her down, but she wouldn’t let it bring her down,” he said, adding, “Wish I was as tough as her.” Schaefer believes his mother will be present spiritually during the draft, perhaps even continuing her familiar role from his childhood, playfully trying to “save” his shots as he practices. He feels the hardships have undeniably made him stronger.
Could the Islanders Draft James Hagens, Potentially Through a Trade?
James Hagens, an 18-year-old center from Hauppauge, New York, is well aware of the strong desire among local fans for him to be drafted by the Islanders, the team he supported passionately as a child. A top draft prospect, he has encountered fans expressing this hope and even spotted a “Bring Hagens Home” bumper sticker on a car. His excitement grew significantly when the Islanders secured the first overall pick in the lottery.
There was a point when Hagens was considered the likely top prospect for the 2025 draft. Prominent analyst Bob McKenzie even ranked him first before the season, with most NHL scouts agreeing. However, his ranking has shifted somewhat, attributed to a solid but not elite freshman performance at Boston College, persistent concerns about his size (listed around 5`11″), and the rise of Matthew Schaefer.
Despite this, buzz during the Stanley Cup Final suggested the Islanders might aim for a dramatic draft-day maneuver: selecting Schaefer first overall, and then trading assets to move back into the top four to also acquire Hagens. With Michael Misa expected to go second to San Jose, and Chicago potentially targeting other players at third, Utah (picking fourth) or Nashville (picking fifth) could be possible trade partners. Potential assets for such a trade could include defenseman Alexander Romanov, a restricted free agent due for a substantial raise, and Colorado`s first-round pick in 2026 (which the Avalanche can defer to 2027). Acquiring a top-five pick would necessitate a significant package of assets, but securing Hagens would align with GM Mathieu Darche`s vision for a more “attacking” team and co-owner John Collins` goal of building “deeper connections” with the Long Island hockey community. This rare opportunity might see Hagens join the Islanders, either at number one or via a strategic second top selection.
John Tavares` Future with the Toronto Maple Leafs
The anticipated departure of winger Mitch Marner as an unrestricted free agent this summer appears increasingly likely, a situation that reflects potentially suboptimal asset management by the Toronto Maple Leafs. While a sign-and-trade scenario remains theoretically possible, it is not widely expected.
With Marner likely moving on, the Maple Leafs` primary focus should now be on captain John Tavares. Recent reports indicate that contract extension talks between Tavares and the team are not progressing rapidly. Toronto faces a pressing deadline, given the scarcity of viable unrestricted free agent centers available on the market. Sam Bennett seems set to remain in Florida, and both Jonathan Toews and Matt Duchene have already signed elsewhere. The pool of remaining options is thin, including players like Mikael Granlund, Pius Suter, or potentially Claude Giroux.
The Maple Leafs cannot afford to lose Tavares, a valuable second-line center, for nothing, especially after he had one of his most effective seasons at age 34. Crucially, Tavares has expressed a desire to stay in Toronto and is reportedly willing to negotiate. Considering Matt Duchene recently signed a four-year, $18 million contract with Dallas ($4.5 million average annual value), a similar deal for Tavares appears reasonable. This is a critical moment for GM Brad Treliving, who must prioritize putting forth a competitive offer to ensure Tavares remains with the Maple Leafs, preempting potential offers from other teams.
Can the Panthers Retain Key Free Agents Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad?
Having secured their second consecutive Stanley Cup, the Florida Panthers now turn their attention to navigating the unrestricted free agent market, particularly concerning key players like center Sam Bennett and defenseman Aaron Ekblad. Discussions about their futures have evolved throughout the playoff run.
Sam Bennett, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, was largely expected to re-sign. While other teams might offer significantly more than his current $5 million salary, both Bennett and the Panthers expressed confidence in reaching a deal. This sentiment was publicly reinforced during the team`s celebration, where Bennett passionately indicated he wasn`t leaving, accompanied by a visual hint of an eight-year term.
The situation with Aaron Ekblad, the first overall pick in 2014, was initially viewed with more uncertainty. As a coveted right-shot defenseman with two championships, his future was unclear, especially after reports of rejecting an offer last summer and being mentioned in trade speculation. However, sentiment has shifted. Speculation now points towards a potential deal that exchanges a high cap hit for a longer term – a strategy with some risk given Ekblad`s injury history, but one that the Panthers seem willing to consider, valuing their established defensive core. While his return is now anticipated, Ekblad noted that contract discussions often extend late into the process.
Meanwhile, GM Bill Zito has expressed optimism about re-signing his key free agents, aiming for cap numbers that would allow the team flexibility to potentially add other players. The focus for the Panthers remains on retaining Bennett and Ekblad as they work to keep their championship core intact.
Could the Blackhawks Make a Surprising Pick at Third Overall?
With the third overall selection in the upcoming NHL Entry Draft, the Chicago Blackhawks face one of the most intriguing decisions of the first round, especially with Matthew Schaefer and Michael Misa widely expected to be chosen first and second. The fundamental question for Chicago is whether they will target a center or a winger.
Following the scouting combine in Buffalo, reports suggested the Blackhawks were particularly interested in either center Caleb Desnoyers from the Moncton Wildcats or winger Porter Martone of the Brampton Steelheads. Martone`s draft stock, in particular, has reportedly continued to climb significantly throughout June. Standing at 6`3″ and 207 pounds, Martone brings a valuable physical dimension along with creative playmaking abilities, an excellent shot, and impressive puck skills. As captain of the Steelheads, he recorded 37 goals and 98 points in 57 games last season, drawing high praise from scouts for his potential impact at the NHL level.
While the Blackhawks already possess an elite young center in Connor Bedard, and the prospect of adding another high-potential center is undoubtedly appealing, Martone`s compelling blend of size, skill, and leadership qualities might make him too enticing for Chicago to pass up at the third pick.
Oilers` Goaltending Dilemma After Stanley Cup Final Loss
The performance of the Edmonton Oilers` goaltenders proved to be a significant disadvantage during their Stanley Cup Final series loss to the Florida Panthers. Stuart Skinner struggled notably, being pulled twice and temporarily benched in favor of Calvin Pickard during Game 5, before returning for the elimination game. Both goalies were statistically below replacement level in goals saved above expected during the critical final games of the playoffs.
This outcome seemed perplexing to Oilers GM Stan Bowman, who argued that Edmonton`s goaltenders had outperformed their counterparts (Darcy Kuemper, Adin Hill, and Jake Oettinger) in their previous three Western Conference series, crediting this as the reason they reached the Final. He noted that the situation “flipped” dramatically in the championship series.
Conventional wisdom suggests the Oilers would prioritize acquiring an elite-level netminder this offseason to avoid facing similar decisions, such as choosing between struggling goalies for a crucial Game 6. However, Bowman indicated that he is still evaluating the goaltending situation for next season, with both Skinner ($2.6 million AAV) and Pickard ($1 million AAV) currently under contract. Bowman stated that potential changes “may involve the goaltending or it could not,” emphasizing the need for thorough analysis following their second loss to Florida in two seasons.
While it`s difficult to imagine the Oilers entering next season with the same goaltending tandem, options for significant upgrades appear limited. Trade targets like Anaheim`s John Gibson, who has a limited no-trade clause and two years left at a $6.4 million AAV, present complexities. The unrestricted free agent market is thin, with New Jersey veteran Jake Allen potentially being the best available option among others like Alexandar Georgiev, Alex Lyon, and Anton Forsberg.
Bowman highlighted the challenge of finding a true upgrade, stating, “It’s not like you just go down to the corner and pick up an elite goalie. They’re not just waiting for you to join your team.” He also pointed out that even among the few elite goalies, some have struggled in past playoffs, underscoring that “there’s no guarantee in the goaltending world.” While acknowledging goaltending`s importance, Bowman concluded that success isn`t always solely dependent on an elite netminder, noting that teams have won the Cup both with and without top-tier goaltending.
Nashville Predators` Willingness to Make Big Moves
Reports and speculation continue to circulate regarding the Nashville Predators, who hold the fifth overall pick in the draft. This is an unusual position for a team like Nashville that is currently focused on competing rather than rebuilding. The Predators possess valuable draft capital, which they may look to leverage in exchange for an established NHL player from a team that is closer to a retooling phase.
If a significant blockbuster trade is going to occur in the first round of the draft, the Nashville Predators are widely seen as a likely participant. A key area the Preds could look to strengthen is their defensive core, seeking a reliable partner to complement Roman Josi on the blue line. General Manager Barry Trotz has demonstrated in recent offseasons a clear willingness and ability to make bold, creative moves to improve the team immediately.
Should Trotz believe in the Predators` potential to rebound strongly from their performance in 2024-25, he is expected to be open to considering fair trade proposals that would bring an impact NHL skater into the lineup.
Gareth Tenby 
Duncan Priestley