With the NHL salary cap set to rise to $104 million for the upcoming season, teams across the league are preparing for an active offseason marked by significant roster changes through trades, signings, and the draft.
The Carolina Hurricanes, fresh off their recent championship, lead the league but face decisions of their own. The buyout window opened late Tuesday and runs through June 30, though buyouts are expected to be limited. One notable potential candidate is Hurricanes forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi, who was a healthy scratch throughout the playoffs despite receiving the Stanley Cup alongside his teammates. Kotkaniemi, turning 26 in July, has four years remaining on his contract, but a buyout could free up nearly $4 million in cap space next season and offer further savings in subsequent years, with minimal long-term cap impact. Trading him remains an alternative, particularly for teams willing to take a chance on his potential.
Several other teams face key decisions regarding trades. The New York Rangers continue a retooling process, with veteran center Vincent Trocheck, soon to be 33, expected to attract interest from contenders seeking a versatile, experienced player who recently helped the U.S. win Olympic gold. Meanwhile, longstanding rivals Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens reportedly discussed a trade involving winger Matthew Knies, but no agreement was reached. The Leafs, who recently replaced general manager Brad Treliving with John Chayka, have yet to clarify their intentions regarding cost-controlled players like Knies.
Toronto’s longest-tenured player, defenseman Morgan Rielly, is widely anticipated to be moved. Similarly, the Edmonton Oilers are exploring changes on their blue line, with defenseman Darnell Nurse identifying preferred trade destinations.
The Maple Leafs hold the top pick in the upcoming draft, providing a potential fresh start after missing the playoffs for the first time in a decade. Their selection is widely expected to be Penn State winger Gavin McKenna, a highly regarded prospect whom new GM Chayka recently visited in his hometown of Whitehorse, Yukon. The draft begins with the first round on June 26 in Buffalo, New York. Other top prospects expected to be available include Swedish winger Ivar Stenberg and Canadian defensemen Chase Reid and Carson Carels, likely going in the second through fourth positions to the San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks, and Chicago Blackhawks, respectively.
Free agency officially opens on July 1, with some notable players available if not re-signed beforehand. Buffalo Sabres forward Alex Tuch, 30, stands out among a relatively shallow unrestricted free agent pool, as does Tampa Bay Lightning defenseman Darren Raddysh, coming off a career-best season. The New York Islanders may list longtime captain Anders Lee, 36, for free agency, while winger Anthony Mantha could leverage his strong Pittsburgh Penguins campaign, which saw him post career highs in goals, assists, and points.
Attention is also focused on the Florida Panthers, who missed the playoffs despite winning consecutive championships. Their veteran goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky, who backstopped those titles, remains unsigned and will be 38 by the start of the season, prompting questions about the team’s future in net.
As teams navigate these decisions, the expanding salary cap is providing much-needed flexibility, setting the stage for an active and potentially transformative offseason.