We have finally arrived at the opening of NHL Free Agency. As always, there's been a spree of signings and big money handed out across the league since the clock struck noon Eastern time. But unfortunately, this year, there just isn't much quality available.
The 2025 free agent class was not too strong to begin with, so removing Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand, and Ivan Provorov from the board in the 48-hour lead-up has put a dent in the market. It's pretty much down to the Nikolaj Ehlers sweepstakes, because after that, it gets thin in a hurry.
That means teams are going to be forced to improve their roster by way of the trade market, which should have Kyle Dubas licking his chops.
It's been well documented that the Penguins are on their own as the only team in the NHL that's currently willing to sell. Rickard Rakell, Bryan Rust, and Erik Karlsson are the big names who have surfaced in the rumor mill, and the interest and attention around them should increase substantially as teams turn from free agency to the trade market.
NHL insider David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period echoed that sentiment this morning.
The Penguins remain open to moving out veterans via trade, and some teams are expected to circle back to Pittsburgh if they lose out on their UFA targets. In addition to that, the Pens are expected to pursue some depth players today via free agency to fill out their roster.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) July 1, 2025
While the Penguins don't want to deal away both of Sidney Crosby's wingers, the opportunity to bring back a haul for one of them that will benefit the team now and into the future has to be considered. That being said, the asking price won't be easy to meet.
There is no shortage of suitors
Kyle Dubas will be getting a plethora of phone calls about his players in the coming days and weeks.
Teams that expected to have a shot at Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, or even Brad Marchand are scrambling for a backup plan.
The LA Kings, Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks were all in heavy pursuit of Marner and are surely still seeking a top-six forward. Not to mention the Buffalo Sabres, Vancouver Canucks, and Utah Mammoth, who also want to add up front. And those are just to name a few.
It's all playing right into the Penguins' hands; we'll just have to wait and see if Dubas actually gets an offer that matches or exceeds the value of these great players. Because when it's all said and done, he really doesn't have to move any of them; he holds all of the leverage.