Former captains and current Stanley Cup champs. Top-pair defencemen and all-world playmakers.

Yes, even with several franchise studs and key support players signing pocket-padding extensions way before the deadline and avoiding the stress of free agency, the NHL’s 2025 UFA class still sets up to be an intriguing one.

And with the salary cap guaranteed to rise by $7.5 million, up to $95.5 million, those spendy general managers should have even more budget to splash the pot on the next difference-maker to test the open waters.

All eyes will be on the star players the Toronto Maple Leafs and Florida Panthers might keep — or lose.

Here’s a rundown and ranking of hockey’s best impending unrestricted free agents, plus the latest buzz circulating about their future.

July 1 is nigh. Free agency opens at noon ET.

1. Mitch Marner

Age on July 1: 28
Position: Right wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $10.9 million

The latest: Once Mikko Rantanen got traded for a second time (and not for Marner) and signed his eight-year, $96-million extension with Dallas, Marner shot to the top of the charts. The rest of the pack lags behind what is undisputedly the most coveted pending UFA of 2025.

Marner rebuffed the Leafs’ attempts to negotiate in-season — a $13.5-million AAV was reportedly offered on a long-term deal — and has positioned himself to become the NHL’s highest-paid winger.

Contending teams are willing to shuffle the decks and clear space to take a run at the playmaker.

The Vegas Golden Knights are the reported front-runner, with the Kings, Stars, Hurricanes and Ducks among the pack.

When Carolina proposed a Rantanen-for-Marner trade at the deadline, GM Brad Treliving brought the idea to Marner, and he refused to waive his no-move clause.

Following another Game 7 disappointment in Toronto, Marner spoke of his Leafs tenure in the past tense.

“I always loved my time here. I’ve loved being here,” he said in reflection. “It’s been amazing. It’s been ups and downs, obviously.

“I mean, you feel the love and the passion of the city, and you’re forever grateful for that. And it’s one of the best cities to live in in the world. And I’ve been forever grateful to not just grow up here but wear this Maple Leaf and be a part of the history and this team.”

Time to break up the band.

So, here we are: A team at risk of losing a star winger in his prime for nothing, and an in-demand talent who holds all the power over his future.

Treliving is now pushing hard to salvage an asset for Marner in a sign-and-trade with the Golden Knights.

Get your popcorn ready …

2. Nikolaj Ehlers

Age on July 1: 29
Position: Right wing / Left wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $6 million

The latest: Unlike the monster extensions centre Mark Scheifele and goalie Connor Hellebuyck signed in 2023 just ahead of their walk years, all was quiet in Winnipeg on the Ehlers extension front during the final year of his deal.

A frequent subject of trade rumours, the speedy Dane was reportedly open to a change of scenery one summer ago, according to The Fourth Period.

The Presidents’ Trophy–winning Jets were boosted by a winger who, despite injury, enjoyed his most efficient regular season, and followed it up with a career-high five goals in eight playoff games.

Now that Ehlers has come this far, he will peek behind the curtain. 

(Long shot: Does the idea of playing with centreman Jonathan Toews change his thinking? “Hopefully it moved the needle,” GM Kevin Cheveldayoff said.)

Carolina, Buffalo, Washington, Boston and Columbus are likely to outbid the Jets for Ehlers’ services in a market thin on 25-goal scorers.

Moreover, Cheveldayoff must consider upcoming raises for Gabriel Vilardi (RFA), Dylan Samberg (RFA), Kyle Connor (UFA 2026) and captain Adam Lowry (UFA 2026).

“(Ehlers is) such a big part of this family and the heart and soul of a lot of things we do here,” Hellebuyck told reporters on May 21.

“Not only does he bring it on the ice, but just around the rink he’s a pleasure to be around. You know he’s going to have your back, no matter what you’re going through. He’s a big part of the group, and the business side is up to him and his group coming up.”

Should a Marner sign-and-trade go down, Ehlers should be the most wanted man on Canada Day.

3. Aaron Ekblad

Age on July 1: 29
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $7.5 million

The latest: The second-longest-serving Florida Panther played an integral role in the franchise’s back-to-back championships.

But Zito’s deadline trade for another excellent righty, Seth Jones, raised an eyebrow.

Jones comes with retained salary and five more seasons of term. In short, he serves as Ekblad insurance should the latter walk.

Ekblad already has $62.775 million (state tax free!) in career earnings, but he is one of the few top-pair defencemen under age 30 who could go to market in a summer where the cap spikes.

Ekblad has envisioned a scenario where he leaves — and the edgy, all-situations minutes muncher could surely get a raise on the open market — but he’d rather stay put.

“We’ll see how it plays out,” Ekblad said. “Everyone knows where I stand. Listen, this team… I live and breathe for the Florida Panthers. I bleed for the Florida Panthers. I have given my body and everything to this team. I want to keep doing it forever. For as long as they let me come to the rink.”

Jakob Chychrun’s eight-year, $72-million windfall in Washington leaves Ekblad as the most desirable defence option for teams looking to bolster their blue line.

That he rebounded from his 20-game PED suspension to contribute offensively and defensively to another Panthers title only ups his value.

Unless he’s willing to accept a significant discount, Ekblad will be cashing in elsewhere.

4. Brad Marchand

Age on July 1: 37
Position: Left wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $6.125 million

The latest: The former Boston Bruins captain’s ability to produce deep into his 30s and elevate his impact in important moments makes his current contract a bargain.

While it was difficult for fans to watch Marchand pull on a Panthers sweater and lift a Stanley Cup over his head, it was equally difficult — at the time — for the player to move south and for Bruins GM Don Sweeney to wave the white flag and detonate a chunk of his core.

Marchand met with the Bruins brass prior to his last-minute stunning trade with an appeal to negotiate an extension, reportedly through three years.

The money didn’t work, Sweeney opted to get younger and the sides agreed to send the loyal veteran to a contender he’d like.

“Just had a gap,” the GM said.

The Bruins were prepared to pay Marchand no less than his current $6.125-million AAV, but he will fetch more on the open market.

Marchand’s fit in Florida was fantastic; he energized the best third line in hockey.

And while proclamations made at Elbo Room should be digested like margaritas at Elbo Room (i.e., taken with a grain of salt), Party Marchand is on video saying: “I’m not f—— leaving” and suggesting four more years.

The worst-kept secret in hockey is that Toronto has strong interest in the former Leafs fan, but plenty of other teams (Kings, Mammoth, Devils, Capitals) will take a run if Marchand doesn’t stay with the champs.

Bill Zito made Marchand an offer to stay put.

“We have a Plan B and a Plan C,” Zito said on June 28. “But my preference — and maybe I’m hoping — is that there’s enough for guys to want to stay, to be part of this, be treated fairly and be happy, and that’s the most important thing.”

5. Brock Boeser

Age on July 1: 28
Position: Right wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $6.65 million

The latest: GM Patrik Allvin had stated publicly that he wanted to decide on Boeser’s future prior to the trade deadline. Then he tried — and failed — to deal the sniper for a decent return. The Hurricanes were one club with some measure of interest.

“If I told you what I was offered for Brock Boeser, I think I would have to run out of here because you would not believe me,” Allvin said on March 7 when asked why he had hung on to the expiring asset.

At that point, Boeser had 18 goals and 38 points through his first 55 games.

The eight-year veteran was aware of Allvin’s comments — which are hardly flattering — but said he hadn’t processed the implications.

“I’m trying not to really think about that,” Boeser told reporters post-deadline. “I honestly have no idea what’s going to happen.”

A rocky winter in Vancouver led to a coaching change, and now it feels like a longshot that the Canucks’ beloved sniper will stick around.

“Honestly, it’s unlikely at this point,” Boeser told Iain MacIntyre when asked about a return to Vancouver next season. “It sucks, it’s unfortunate. I’m just trying to play good hockey, and then I’ll worry about everything after that. We all know it’s been a roller-coaster of a year. There’s been a lot of different things.”

If Boeser leaves, the organization must wear some brutal asset management.

A long list of Boeser tire-kickers has emerged in recent weeks: Senators, Kings, Sharks, Wild, Lightning, Ducks, Sabres, Predators and Red Wings.

Essentially replaced in Vancouver by Evander Kane, the sniper now has options galore. As a result, the Oilers are the most fascinating rumoured landing spot now.

6. Vladislav Gavrikov

Age on July 1: 29
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $5.875 million

The latest: New Los Angeles Kings GM Ken Holland has wasted no time engaging in contract extension talks with Gavrikov, who is coming off a fantastic 30-point, plus-26 campaign just as the cap spikes.

Gavrikov switched agents, to Pat Brisson, with whom Kings president Luc Robitaille has a strong relationship.

Robitaille is a big Gavrikov fan, and a nice raise feels like a smart bet.

“Before the season, I let (the Kings) know I have no rush with (a contract), so we can wait until whenever,” Gavrikov said, after the club’s elimination. “No one wants to talk about it, rushing it before the playoffs especially. And during the summer, we have more time to think. I made it clear that we have plenty of time.”

That said, as arguably the best left-shot, top-four D-man unclaimed, Gavrikov will have plenty of suitors on July 1. An AAV nearing $8 million won’t be a crazy ask in this climate.

“It’s a hard question to answer right now, because you have to scout more around the league, if you want to know when you’re going to be and a good fit for a team,” he said.

“I haven’t done it yet, but I have plenty of time to research with my agent, to see where we’re at. I think we have a good idea about it over the next few weeks or so.”

Holland has the cap space and positional need to accommodate. Talks continue.

Eager to remodel their blueline, the Rangers have strong interest in partnering Gavrikov with Adam Fox. The Blue Jackets are another reported suitor.

7. Mikael Granlund

Age on July 1: 33
Position: Centre
2024-25 salary cap hit: $5 million

The latest: The latest: Dealt from lottery-bound San Jose to contending Dallas at the deadline, the 2010 top-10 pick relished in his first taste of playoff action in three years and longest run to date.

The 900-game veteran made the transition seamlessly, producing well as a member of the Stars’ Finnish Mafia, and looking every bit like another smart rental for GM Jim Nill.

Nill has some level of interest in making Granlund more than just a rental, but the major issue in Big D is little cap space.

The organization already dumped Mason Marchment’s salary to re-sign Matt Duchene and Mavrik Bourque. Nill also plans to retain captain Jamie Benn and is gauging Jason Robertson’s trade value.

Any serious thought of bringing back Granlund would require further roster surgery.

“He is a very efficient player,” said Nill, who noted Granlund’s connection with Duchene in Nashville.

“Very versatile, can play any forward position, centre, wing. Very effective on the power play. He’s a very good penalty killer, and he takes draws. He can play up and down the lineup. Great connection with the players here, that was another big part of it.”

8. Pius Suter

Age on July 1: 28
Position: Centre
2024-25 salary cap hit: $1.6 million

The latest: As with the decision to hang on to Boeser at the trade deadline, keeping the expiring Suter amid a career year and potential offensive peak — 25 goals, 46 points — was met with derision in the market.

“Not a whole lot of market on our players,” Allvin said at the time.

Suter’s situation is an interesting one.

Now that the Canucks have dealt away J.T. Miller and Filip Chytil’s durability is of concern, the roster needs a centre who can find the net.

Are the Canucks able to re-sign Suter? They’re taking a stab at it.

Or does the undrafted, underpaid Swiss player explore the market?

This is his best chance to get (over?)paid, especially with the cap going up and so few centres available.

Suter’s paycheques might triple.

With RFA centre Morgan Geekie re-upping in Boston for six years at a $5.5 million AAV, Suter’s paycheques could well triple.

9. Ivan Provorov

Age on July 1: 28
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $6.75 million

The latest: The Blue Jackets opted to keep the veteran Provorov — the seventh-overall pick in a loaded 2015 draft — at the trade deadline and keeping pushing for a playoff spot that was surprisingly well within reach.

Though GM Don Waddell’s group came painfully short, the decision was understandable.

Now, however, it feels likely that at least one of the club’s UFA defencemen — Waddell also has a decision to make on Dante Fabbro — will walk for money.

The club has reportedly presented both short- and long-term extensions to Provorov’s camp.

“We know these guys,” Waddell told The Columbus Dispatch on June 15. “We know what they bring. Sometimes the unknown (with signing new free agents) is they might be good players but don’t fit really well in the locker room.

“We have some priority guys we’re trying to see if we can get done and know where we are here in the next week or so, before free agency starts.”

The Rangers, Senators, Mammoth and Kings are among other clubs with reported interest here.

10. Patrick Kane

Age on July 1: 36
Position: Right wing
2024-25 salary cap hit: $4 million

The latest: The future Hall of Famer is on the brink of becoming an unrestricted free agent for the third straight summer.

Recovering reasonably well from hip surgery, Kane scored 21 goals and 59 points for the Red Wings this past season — his healthiest and most productive campaign in three years.

Both Kane and Detroit GM Steve Yzerman are open to continuing the relationship here. That said, with the market light on scoring wingers and old guys back in style, Kane will have no issue finding a landing spot if things don’t work out in Motown.

A peek at buddy Jonathan Toews’ contract in Winnipeg shows the type of contract creativity that can be arranged for those eligible for age-35-plus bonuses.

“I still expect us to get a deal done with Patrick,” Yzerman told reporters Saturday after the draft. 

“It’s a busy time for everyone. I’ve had some discussions with both Patrick and Pat Brisson, his agent. Once you get around the draft, the agents have a lot of other things they’re doing as well. So, I’m hopeful that we can get something done soon.”

11. Jake Allen

Age on July 1: 34
Position: Goaltender
2024-25 salary cap hit: $3.85 million

The latest: Posting his best save percentage (.908) in five seasons, Allen is the most in-demand goaltender testing a thin market for UFAs in masks. 

The reliable veteran No. 2 has appeared in at least 30 games in each of his past four seasons, but the New Jersey Devils aren’t sure if they can afford to keep Allen in the fold.

“We’re trying to figure out where some of the holes are in our group and how do we fill those holes with the funds we have and who’s available via trade or unrestricted free agency,” Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald told NHL.com in mid-June. 

“I’d say the back end is probably the safest place where we feel very comfortable. As far as goaltending, Jake Allen is one of the better ones on the market. His camp tells me he would like to stay. He really enjoyed his time here. We’re trying to figure out what that number is, and then does it work for us?”

Rumoured to be seeking an AAV in the ballpark of $5 million, Allen should have interest in Utah, Edmonton, San Jose and Philadelphia.

Count Detroit out of the running now that the Red Wings traded for John Gibson.

12. Dmitry Orlov

Age on July 1: 33
Position: Defence
2024-25 salary cap hit: $7.75 million

The latest: The Carolina Hurricanes took a giant swing at Orlov two years ago and weren’t thrilled with how things ended in the post-season, so he’ll be seeking work elsewhere — likely at a reduced salary.

Top-four two-way defencemen with 13 years of experience are hard to find, though. Once Gavrikov and Provorov are spoken for, interest in this veteran Russian will rise.

Orlov’s agent, Shumi Babaev, is on record saying his client has no intention of departing for the KHL. Babaev told Match TV’s Vladimir Pushkarev that Orlov will be hunting another NHL contract.

Potential landing spots should include Los Angeles (if Gavrikov leaves), Columbus, and Washington — where Orlov played his best hockey. One more year with Alex Ovechkin?

More notable UFAs in 2025: Nate Schmidt, Jonathan Drouin, Jack Roslovic, Ilya Samsonov, Brent Burns, Gustav Nyquist, Dan Vladar, Ryan Lindgren, Brandon Tanev, Anthony Mantha, Ryan Johansen, Jeff Petry, Andrew Mangiapane, Andrei Kuzmenko, Tanner Jeannot, Jeff Skinner, Alexander Georgiev, Tony DeAngelo, Victor Olofsson, Ryan Suter, John Klingberg, Christian Dvorak, Joel Armia, Nick Bjugstad, Cody Ceci, Nick Perbix

All salary info via the fine folks at PuckPedia.com.