NHL Free Agency Frenzy: The Athletic Grades Every Team’s Early Offseason Strategy…read more…
As the 2025 NHL offseason heats up, the free agency period has already seen a flurry of moves — blockbuster signings, savvy depth additions, and a few head-scratching decisions. In its annual “NHL Free-Agency Report Cards,” The Athletic provided in-depth analysis and letter grades for every team’s early offseason performance.
From contenders bolstering their rosters to rebuilding teams making bold bets, The Athletic’s assessments offer insight into how front offices are navigating the cap-constrained landscape of today’s NHL. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the most notable takeaways from this year’s free agency grades — who passed with flying colors, who barely scraped by, and who might be repeating the class.
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Top of the Class: Free Agency Winners
Nashville Predators – Grade: A
The Barry Trotz-led Predators have arguably made the most noise this offseason. After last season’s surprise playoff push, Nashville doubled down, adding veteran winger Jake Guentzel on a long-term deal and securing shutdown defenseman Brett Pesce to solidify the blue line. The Athletic praised the Predators for aggressively targeting areas of need while maintaining flexibility down the road.
> “Guentzel gives Filip Forsberg an elite running mate, and Pesce brings structure to a defense that’s growing in confidence,” the report read. The Predators’ moves reflect a front office that believes its window is opening — and is acting accordingly.
Utah Hockey Club – Grade: A-
In their first free agency as a relocated franchise, Utah made a splash by locking up Chandler Stephenson and re-signing key contributors like goalie Karel Vejmelka. The franchise’s rebrand appears to be matched by a commitment to winning, and The Athletic applauded the balanced approach to team-building: “Utah didn’t chase headlines, but they addressed major needs smartly.”
Columbus Blue Jackets – Grade: B+
After a dismal 2024 season, Columbus is trending upward again thanks to a well-rounded offseason. The acquisition of veteran forward Anthony Duclair and solid role players has drawn praise, especially when paired with new head coach Todd McLellan. The Athletic noted that the Jackets are laying the groundwork for their youth movement to flourish without rushing the process.
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Making the Grade: Solid but Not Spectacular
Detroit Red Wings – Grade: B
GM Steve Yzerman’s patience has become a trademark, and this offseason was no different. The Wings didn’t land a marquee name, but re-signing Patrick Kane and shoring up their defensive depth shows a commitment to internal growth. The Athletic gave credit for the “measured, calculated approach,” but noted that playoff hopes may hinge on breakout years from key prospects.
New Jersey Devils – Grade: B-
After underwhelming performances in 2024, the Devils needed a rebound. They acquired goaltender Jacob Markström to stabilize the crease — a much-needed move. However, The Athletic questioned whether enough was done to improve the defense or bottom-six scoring: “A step forward, but not a leap.”
Toronto Maple Leafs – Grade: B-
Toronto finally addressed its perennial blue-line weakness by adding Chris Tanev and Jani Hakanpää. Yet, questions remain about scoring depth and goaltending behind Ilya Samsonov. The Athletic sees promise but warns: “The Leafs improved in key areas, but are they improved enough?”
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Underwhelming Returns: Teams on Thin Ice
Boston Bruins – Grade: C+
Despite high expectations, Boston’s offseason has been somewhat muted. While they brought back key pieces and added Elias Lindholm, critics argue they didn’t do enough to replace outgoing talent. The Athletic acknowledged Boston’s budgetary limitations but questioned the long-term vision: “It’s a stopgap summer for a team at a crossroads.”
Florida Panthers – Grade: C
Coming off a Stanley Cup win, the Panthers’ strategy leaned conservative. With departures like Brandon Montour and Sam Reinhart potentially looming, The Athletic suggested Florida may be overly reliant on internal development: “A championship hangover is understandable, but the East isn’t standing still.”
Vancouver Canucks – Grade: C-
Vancouver lost key defensemen and attempted to plug gaps with short-term contracts. While they added Vincent Desharnais and depth forward Kiefer Sherwood, The Athletic saw the moves as reactionary: “There’s no clear direction, and they’re risking stagnation.”
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Failing to Impress: Questionable Moves or Missed Opportunities
Pittsburgh Penguins – Grade: D+
Kyle Dubas’ vision for the Penguins’ future remains murky. The report card highlighted a confusing mix of win-now and future-minded decisions, including the signing of aging veterans with limited upside. The Athletic wrote: “Sidney Crosby deserves better in what may be his final elite years.”
Chicago Blackhawks – Grade: D
Despite possessing significant cap space and a budding superstar in Connor Bedard, Chicago’s offseason lacked ambition. Outside of re-signing some RFAs, the Hawks failed to land top-tier talent to support their rebuild. The Athletic didn’t hold back: “If you’re not building up, you’re falling behind.”
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Notable Free Agent Signings Highlighted
Jake Guentzel (Nashville) – Term and value questioned by some, but the fit is excellent for a team aiming higher.
Chris Tanev (Toronto) – A stabilizing presence for a team desperate for defense.
Elias Lindholm (Boston) – A good two-way forward, but will it be enough to keep Boston relevant?
Jacob Markström (New Jersey) – Addresses their most glaring weakness.
Chandler Stephenson (Utah) – Versatility and playoff experience for a young, rising team.
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Final Thoughts: What’s Still to Come
It’s important to note that these grades reflect only the early wave of free agency. Several impact players remain unsigned, and teams still have opportunities to make trades or late-summer signings that could dramatically shift their outlook.
Additionally, with the salary cap rising only modestly, many GMs are playing a long game — avoiding overpayment now in order to maintain flexibility for the 2026 offseason, when the cap is expected to jump significantly.
As The Athletic concluded: “Some of the smartest moves happen after the spotlight fades.”
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Conclusion
The 2025 NHL free agency period has already reshaped the league’s balance of power. While some teams earned high marks for vision and execution, others raised more questions than they answered. With puck drop still months away, the true impact of these decisions won’t be felt until the season begins — but as always, the race for the Cup begins in July.
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