Wildcard Wednesday: 07/16/2025 - NHL New Places, New Cases

Bounce-Back Candidates on New NHL Teams After Free Agency and Trades

The first wave of NHL free agency has come and gone, and several players have already found new homes — some through trades, some via free-agent deals. While not every move was a headline-grabber, there are a handful of players who now find themselves in much better situations to rebound after disappointing or injury-shortened seasons. Here are five players on new teams who could be poised for bounce-back campaigns in 2025–26.

Matias Maccelli — LW, Toronto Maple Leafs

Maccelli struggled to replicate his breakout 2023–24 campaign this past season, finishing with just 34 points (9G, 25A) in 71 games, well below the 49 points he posted the year prior. Now he heads to Toronto as part of Utah’s summer retooling. The Leafs have an opening on the left wing in their top six, and Maccelli has the vision and playmaking chops to potentially flourish alongside Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies. With Toronto’s up-tempo, high-scoring attack and significant power play usage likely, Maccelli is an under-the-radar candidate to push for 50–55 points or more if he can regain confidence.

Trevor Zegras — C, Philadelphia Flyers (from Anaheim)

Zegras never quite lived up to expectations in Anaheim after his 65-point sophomore season in 2022–23. Injuries and inconsistency limited him to only 27 points (8G, 19A) in 54 games last year, and his relationship with the Ducks reportedly soured. In Philadelphia, Zegras should get a clean slate and every opportunity to center the Flyers’ top line between Travis Konecny and either top prospect Matvei Michkov or Owen Tippett. He’ll also feature prominently on the first power play. At just 24 years old, Zegras still has the skill and flair to deliver a 60–70 point campaign with the right fit.

Mikael Granlund — RW/C, Anaheim Ducks (from Dallas)

Granlund enters his age-33 season looking to bounce back after an up-and-down year split between San Jose and Dallas. He posted 40 points (10G, 30A) in 79 games, a drop from his career-high 67 points in 2021–22 with Nashville. In Anaheim, he should have the opportunity to reclaim a 20+ minute-per-night role, slotting into the Ducks’ top six while providing leadership and versatility at both center and wing. Granlund’s savvy in the offensive zone and playmaking ability could also earn him time on Anaheim’s first power play unit.

John Klingberg — D, San Jose Sharks (from Edmonton)

Klingberg’s brief stint in Edmonton last season was derailed by injury, limiting him to just 9 games. Now 32, Klingberg is looking to get his career back on track in San Jose, where he’s expected to anchor the blue line in a top-four role. Known for his puck-moving and offensive instincts from the back end, Klingberg has two 50+ point seasons on his résumé, though his last came in 2017–18. If he can stay healthy and earn heavy power play minutes on a rebuilding Sharks team, he could quietly become fantasy-relevant again, with a 35–40 point ceiling.

Evgenii Dadonov — LW, New Jersey Devils (from Dallas)

Dadonov struggled to find consistency last season, posting just 17 points (7G, 10A) in 52 games while bouncing up and down the lineup in Dallas. He joins the Devils likely penciled in as a bottom-six winger, but New Jersey’s depth and aggressive offensive style could still provide him with opportunities. Dadonov is a streaky scorer who has topped 20 goals three times in his career, and he’s expected to get looks on the Devils’ second power play unit. While his upside is modest, a 15-goal, 35-point bounce-back is in play if he stays healthy and earns consistent ice time.

Andrew Mangiapane – LW, Edmonton Oilers

Mangiapane inked a two-year, $7.2 million deal with Edmonton, moving into the Oilers’ top-six mix  . Known for his 35‑goal season in 2021–22 and playoff grit, the 29‑year‑old left wing brings speed, scoring touch, and championship experience. Edmonton views him as a strong fit alongside elite centers McDavid or Draisaitl, and he should rebound from a down season in Washington due to limited role.

Viktor Arvidsson – RW, Boston Bruins

Edmonton flipped Arvidsson to Boston in exchange for a draft pick  . Arvidsson, a proven secondary scorer who contributed 20+ goals in previous seasons, will find a strong two-way system under the Bruins. He should slot into their top-nine forward group, bringing veteran scoring depth and penalty kill value.

Michael Kesselring – D, Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres added depth to their defensive ranks by acquiring Kesselring from the Rangers. The 24-year‑old defenseman, showing promise in his AHL games, is a potential late‑season NHL call‑up or third-pairing option. His defensive development and puck-moving skills could provide solid backend insurance.

Andre Burakovsky – RW, Chicago Blackhawks

Burakovsky lands with Chicago after a productive season in Seattle. The skilled winger scored 20 goals in 2024–25 and brings veteran scoring to the rebuilding Blackhawks. He should play a top-nine role and help stabilize their offensive output.

James Van Riemsdyk – LW, Detroit Red Wings

Veteran JVR signs with Detroit, expected to serve a bottom-six/enforcer role. While his scoring days may be winding down, he brings leadership, net-front presence, and penalty kill expertise—a solid veteran addition for a young Red Wings squad.

Vladimir Tarasenko – RW, Minnesota Wild

Tarasenko joins Minnesota hoping to recapture his elite scoring from earlier in his career. Despite recent inconsistency, he remains a proven 30+‑goal scorer. The Wild will utilize his shooting and experience in their top-six, with power play time a strong possibility.

Zach Bolduc – LW, Montreal Canadiens

The Canadiens acquired young Bolduc, adding NHL-ready size and skill to their forward pipeline. Expect Bolduc to start in Laval (AHL), with strong chances to compete for a bottom-six NHL role and special teams minutes as he develops.

Jonathan Drouin – LW, New York Islanders

Drouin looks to resuscitate his career in Long Island after inconsistent stints, including time out of the league. The Islanders offer a low-pressure, structured environment which could help him regain his exceptional vision and playmaking—if he stays healthy.

Pius Suter – C, St. Louis Blues

Suter provides the Blues with a dependable two-way center. Known for his versatility, forechecking, and faceoff skills, Suter should slot into the third line and offer penalty kill support, as well as occasional secondary scoring.

Evander Kane – LW, Vancouver Canucks

Vancouver trades a pick to acquire Kane, betting on his high-end scoring upside. Despite off-ice controversies, his physical style and goal-scoring pedigree in ideal matchups bring potential punch to the Canucks’ middle-six.

Jonathan Toews – C, Winnipeg Jets

Toews brings veteran leadership and refined two-way play back into the NHL with Winnipeg. After a hiatus season, he aims for a third-line shutdown role and PK anchor duties, contributing with experience and mentoring in a smaller offensive output role.