Articles / NHL Free Agency: Four Tiers Of Players Who Can Sign Extensions On July 1

NHL Free Agency: Four Tiers Of Players Who Can Sign Extensions On July 1

H
Hockey News
Jun 26, 2025 6:24 PM

Summary: This is a summary of an article originally published by Hockey News. Read the full original article here →

With NHL free agency approaching, players are bracing for the opportunity to secure contract extensions starting July 1. Stars like Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, and Auston Matthews are among those who could be eyeing new deals. The landscape is evolving, as many teams are looking to solidify their rosters while managing cap space in a changing economy.

The upcoming free agency period is pivotal for several franchises. Teams will be categorized into tiers based on the players eligible for extensions, allowing for strategic planning. High-profile players such as McDavid and Matthews are expected to draw significant interest, while others might see less immediate action. Each player’s situation will be influenced by team needs and salary cap implications.

Analysts are keeping a close watch on how various teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers, approach the contract negotiations. Decisions made during this period could set the tone for the upcoming season and beyond, as teams balance the desire to build a competitive roster with financial constraints. Expect this summer to be one filled with excitement and unpredictability in the NHL landscape.