2025 Free Agency Breakdown: Every Major Signing Graded

July 1st delivered fireworks across the league as teams handed out long-term deals, gambled on upside, and in some cases — outright panicked. Let’s break down the biggest signings and how they stack up:

Vladislav Gavrikov → New York Rangers

7 years x $7M AAV

Grade: A+

An absolute home run for Chris Drury. Gavrikov brings shutdown ability, playoff experience, and physicality at a fair cap hit. At 7x7, the term is steep, but the value is undeniable. This stabilizes the Rangers’ blue line in a big way.

Mitch Marner → Vegas Golden Knights

8 years x $12M AAV

Grade: A

Vegas pulls off another blockbuster and somehow still comes out on top. Marner gives them a star with elite playmaking and point scoring value. $12M is rich, but the upside is infinite on a team that knows how to win. Cap magic strikes again.

Tanner Jeannot → Boston Bruins

5 years x $3.4M AAV

Grade: D

A brutal overpay. Boston pays premium dollars for grit and sandpaper — but at what cost? Jeannot’s production doesn’t justify the term or price. The market wasn’t there, and the Bruins bid against themselves. Feels like chasing identity over value.

K’Andre Miller → Carolina Hurricanes

6 years x $7.5M AAV

Grade: C

Carolina took a big swing, but it’s questionable. Miller is athletic, but struggles in his own zone and can be too easy to play against. Acquiring his rights cost expensive assets, to a division rival, and the contract doesn’t scream value. More risk than reward here.

Noah Dobson → Montreal Canadiens

8 years x $9.5M AAV

Grade: B

Smart gamble for the Habs. Dobson still has top-pair upside, and this contract could age well. The trade to acquire his rights wasn’t cheap, but he fits Montreal’s timeline. If he takes the next step, bounces back, this is a big win.

Brock Boeser → Vancouver Canucks (Re-signed)

4 years x $7.25M AAV

Grade: A

Finally, some stability in Vancouver. Amidst front office chaos and rumors about Quinn Hughes, this is a win. Boeser’s resurgence last season makes this contract look strong. Fans needed good news — and got it.

Ivan Provorov → CBJ (Re-signed)

7 years x $8.5M AAV

Grade: C+

The term and cap hit are steep for a defender who hasn’t consistently played to top-pair standards. Better options were available. Could age poorly.

🚨 Florida Panthers (Team Moves)

Ekblad, Bennett, Marchand, Nosek re-signed

Grade: A+

This is how dynasties are built. Florida retains key pieces, manages the cap flawlessly, and somehow stays deep. After back-to-back Cups, they look terrifyingly ready for a third.

🚨 Patrick Kane → Detroit Red Wings

1 year x $3M AAV

Grade: B-

This one’s a bit puzzling. Kane stays where he’s comfortable, but Detroit doesn’t look close to contending for the cup. Sentimental move? Possibly. At this stage in his career, maybe the rings were enough.

👀 What’s Next?

With major names off the board, all eyes now turn to Calgary, where Rasmus Andersson could be on the move in a potential sign-and-trade. Stay tuned.