Tuesday Trends: 07/08/2025 - NHL Free Agency Fantasy Fallout

The 2025 NHL offseason is in full swing, and teams across the league are making bold moves to reshape their rosters. From blockbuster trades to savvy free-agent signings, front offices are addressing needs in net, on the blue line, and up front as they gear up for the new season. Here’s a breakdown of 10 major headlines and what they mean for the league and your fantasy teams.

Goalie Markets

Thatcher Demko is locked in through 2028–29 after agreeing to a 3‑year, $25.5 M extension with Vancouver. Demko enjoyed a strong campaign in 2024–25 with a .919 save percentage, 35 wins, and 6 shutouts, cementing himself as one of the league’s most dependable starters.

John Gibson was traded from Anaheim to Detroit in a fresh start after a tough season (.888 save percentage, 13–27 record). With a more structured team in front of him, Gibson is expected to take on starting duties and could bounce back into the top‑20 goalie conversation.

Edmonton & Florida Dig In

Both clubs reaffirmed key pieces on their blue lines. Evan Bouchard delivered a breakout season with 67 points and remains Edmonton’s offensive driver from the back end. Darnell Nurse continued his steady two‑way play with 10 goals and 32 points, while Aaron Ekblad provided leadership and 33 points for Florida despite missing time. Florida also ensured its forward core remains intact by re‑signing Sam Bennett, whose gritty, two‑way play and playoff pedigree make him a vital piece of the Panthers’ top six. Brad Marchand, though now more of a supporting scorer, contributed 47 points and is expected to remain a veteran presence in the Panthers’ top nine.

Vegas Strikes Gold

The Golden Knights made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason by acquiring Mitch Marner in a blockbuster sign‑and‑trade. Marner, coming off a career‑high 102‑point season, signed an 8‑year, $96 M deal and steps right into Vegas’s top line and power play, adding elite playmaking and scoring ability.

Colorado Shakes Things Up

Colorado recalibrated its roster by moving on from Miles Wood and Charlie Coyle to clear cap space. Wood, who posted 8 points in 37 games, and Coyle, who put up 35 points, both head to Columbus. To fill the gap, Colorado signed veteran defenseman Brent Burns, who brings experience, leadership, and power‑play contributions after a 29‑point season.

New York Teams Make Their Marks

The Rangers bolstered their defense by signing Vladislav Gavrikov to a long‑term deal after his 30‑point season, where he projects to log heavy minutes on the top pairing. The Islanders added Maxim Shabanov, a dynamic young forward coming off a 67‑point KHL season, to bolster their middle‑six scoring.

Nikolaj Ehlers Moves to Carolina

Nikolaj Ehlers landed in Carolina on a six‑year contract and is expected to step into a first‑line role with top‑power play responsibilities. Ehlers brings elite speed and offensive creativity after posting 63 points in Winnipeg.

Devils Reload

New Jersey added Connor Brown and Evgenii Dadonov to strengthen their depth scoring. Brown contributed 30 points last season while Dadonov added 40. The Devils also re‑signed goaltender Jake Allen to serve in a tandem role after he posted a .908 save percentage and four shutouts.

Mammoth Building

Utah added veterans Chris Tanev and Nate Schmidt to solidify the blue line, while giving J.J. Peterka an expanded top‑six role. Tanev and Schmidt bring experience and grit to the defense, and Peterka, after a breakout 68‑point season, is expected to become a key offensive contributor.

Sharks Defense Additions

San Jose shored up its defense by signing Dmitry Orlov, Nick Leddy, and John Klingberg. Orlov and Klingberg are projected to form a strong second pairing that can move the puck and contribute on the power play. Leddy adds depth as a reliable seventh defenseman.

Blues Net Suter

The Blues added Pius Suter to their middle six, where he’ll bring responsible two‑way play and timely scoring. Coming off a 46‑point campaign, Suter adds depth and versatility to St. Louis’s forward group.

Fantasy Hockey Outlook

Mitch Marner and Nikolaj Ehlers immediately elevate their fantasy value in new roles, each set to deliver first-line minutes and heavy power-play usage. 

Brent Burns remains a dependable late-round pick for managers seeking blue-line offense and veteran reliability. 

John Gibson could rebound in Detroit and be a solid starting option for managers willing to take on some risk. 

J.J. Peterka has already emerged as a core offensive weapon and should continue to produce at a high level in all formats, while Pius Suter offers more than just depth. His steady two-way play and growing offensive role in St. Louis make him a viable starter even in standard leagues.