The NHL’s free-agency period is almost here, and it’s time to look at the key pivots who could be UFAs on July 1.
TheHockeyNews.com has already looked at the top eight UFA defensemen and the top seven wingers. As for the centers, this is a rather thin class, but there’s no doubt which center will be paid the most as a UFA this summer.
1. Sam Bennett, Florida Panthers
Bennett was arguably the biggest impact player of the 2025 playoffs, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP.
Bennett posted an amazing 15 goals and 22 points in 23 playoff games. No other player had more than 11 goals, making Bennett’s scoring prowess all the more remarkable.
The 29-year-old will get a massive raise on the $4.425 million he earned for the past four years. The Panthers aren’t devoid of salary cap space, with $19 million in room. However, they might prioritize re-signing UFA winger Brad Marchand and defenseman Aaron Ekblad, cutting ties with Bennett and sending him to the open market looking for a bigger payday than Florida can afford.
There will be a slew of teams – including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and many more – who will happily bring Bennett on board with a salary north of $8 million. It’s all up to Bennett to choose where he plays next, but he can rest assured he’ll be one of the most targeted assets in free agency.
2. John Tavares, Toronto Maple Leafs
At 34 years old, Tavares is entering the final stage of his tremendous NHL career. But he hasn’t let up in terms of offensive production, putting up 38 goals – his best total since 2018-19 – and 74 points in 75 games. There are few players more consistent as a point-per-game producer than Tavares, but he’ll be taking a huge pay cut as he does his best to remain with his hometown Maple Leafs.
Thus, Tavares will be earning far less than the $11 million he earned for the past seven years. Rumored projections have him in the $4-million to $5-million range over a four- or five-year contract term. That should make Leafs fans very happy. Tavares can be part of the solution in Toronto by accepting a massive pay cut and allow the Buds to put together a deeper, stronger roster.
3. Mikael Granlund, Dallas Stars
Very quietly, Granlund put together an excellent season, generating 44 assists and 66 points in 83 games split between the Stars and San Jose Sharks. In the playoffs, Granlund amassed another five goals and 10 points in 18 games with Dallas. He was a terrific acquisition, and he guaranteed himself a strong market for his services this summer.
Granlund earned $5 million annually for the past six years, but at 33 years old, his next contract will likely be for three or four years. He’ll probably want to sign on a bona fide Cup contender, but a developing team might offer him more money to come in and provide leadership and offensive consistency to their lineup. Regardless, once Bennett and Tavares come off the board, Granlund will quickly garner major attention and sign very soon on July 1.
4. Pius Suter, Vancouver Canucks
For the first four years of his NHL career, Suter posted either 14 or 15 goals. But in 2024-25, he had a career-high 25 goals and 46 points in 81 games. The 29-year-old’s agent had to be ecstatic with the timeliness of Suter’s offensive outburst, because he’s going to be the focus of teams that lose out on Bennett, Tavares and Granlund.
Suter was a serious bargain this year in particular, earning just $1.6 million. He’ll easily double that amount this summer, as many teams – including the Canucks, which have the cap space to bring him back to Vancouver – will be jockeying for Suter’s attention. We’ll see who winds up with him, but there’s no question he’ll be in high demand.
NHL Free Agency: Top Seven Pending UFA WingersThe NHL’s free-agency period is fast approaching, so it’s time to break down the key free agents who will soon be on the open market.
5. Christian Dvorak, Montreal Canadiens
Dvorak has had trouble staying healthy, as he appeared in 82 games this past season for the first time in his nine-year NHL career. But as a third-line center option, he’s going to be intriguing.
Dvorak posted 12 goals and 33 points last season – numbers that don’t knock your socks off but aren’t anything to sneer at, either. He won’t match or better his 2024-25 salary of $4.45 million, but on a playoff-bound team, he could be a nifty little acquisition who is hungry and determined to be part of a winning organization.
6. Adam Gaudette, Ottawa Senators
In parts of seven NHL seasons, the 28-year-old Gaudette has had to scratch and claw for opportunities in hockey’s best league. Before this past season, his career high in games played was 59, back in 2019-20. But in ’24-25, the Senators took a chance on him for just $775,000, and in return, Gaudette put up 19 goals and 26 points.
So, once the other players on this list have signed a new contract, Gaudette is bound to get multiple offers for his services. The Sens aren’t swimming in cap space, so Gaudette could be moving on to a different team next year. But as a third- or fourth-line option, he could fit in very well with a team intent on being a playoff contender.
Get the
latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by
subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below
the article on THN.com.
Read the full article here