The dust is still settling from a whirlwind start to NHL free agency on July 1st, and the landscape of teams – and critically, fantasy hockey rosters – has been significantly altered. As players trade their old sweaters for new colors, their roles, linemates, and power-play opportunities are undergoing drastic transformations. For fantasy managers, this isn`t just exciting news; it`s essential homework. Understanding where the value shifts, who gets a boost, and who might see their numbers dip is the key to drafting success.
Let`s break down some of the notable moves and what they could mean for your fantasy team.
Big Names, New Places: Reshaping the Top Lines
Perhaps the most talked-about move sees **Mitch Marner** heading to the Vegas Golden Knights from Toronto. The star winger is expected to slot onto the top line alongside playmaker Jack Eichel and the primary power-play unit. This move offers Marner a chance to potentially score more goals, slightly enhancing his value in leagues prioritizing goals. We can also anticipate a bump in shots on net. However, this signing has a ripple effect. Veteran **Mark Stone** is the likely candidate to see reduced even-strength ice time and potentially lose his spot on the top power play. Coupled with his well-documented durability concerns, Stone`s fantasy production could regress significantly from last season`s rate.
In Carolina, the acquisition of **Nikolaj Ehlers** from Winnipeg looks like a prime opportunity for the speedy Dane. Landing a six-year deal, Ehlers is poised for top-line and top-power-play minutes, likely with Sebastian Aho. This could push him toward career highs in points and goals, potentially breaking the point-per-game and 30-goal barriers for the first time. He`s a high-volume shooter who should see increased ice time. While maybe not a household name among casual fans, his potential deployment makes him an intriguing fantasy pick. The direct impact in Carolina might see **Andrei Svechnikov** drop to the second power-play unit, a configuration that could benefit center Jesperi Kotkaniemi if he remains in that role.
Opportunity Knocks: Depth Players Finding New Life?
Several mid-tier and depth players have landed in spots offering potential fantasy upside, though deployment will be critical. **Pius Suter** joins a crowded St. Louis Blues forward group. While he finished last season strong, his potential top-six role isn`t guaranteed, making his fantasy value entirely contingent on where he slots in.
The Edmonton Oilers, always in need of wingers to complement their superstar centers, added **Andrew Mangiapane**. While his 35-goal season was a few years back, the chance to play with someone like Leon Draisaitl offers a clear path to increased production if he earns the role.
**Mikael Granlund** heads to Anaheim, a team where opportunity is abundant. After a solid season where he needed significant minutes to produce, the Ducks likely offer the ice time and potential first-unit power-play duty he needs to remain fantasy relevant. He`s a solid late-round target if his role is confirmed.
Even **Jonathan Drouin**, landing with the New York Islanders, presents an interesting case. If he finds himself on a top line and power play with Mathew Barzal and Bo Horvat, his offensive potential is undeniable, having shown chemistry with elite players previously. However, skepticism remains; some argue he only truly clicked with Nathan MacKinnon, making his success here highly dependent on finding the exact right fit. He`s a fantasy wild card worth keeping on your radar, especially in deeper leagues.
**JJ Peterka** moves to the Utah Mammoth, a team with a suddenly crowded forward group. While a rising talent, maintaining his fantasy relevance will require securing a spot on the top power-play unit, which is far from guaranteed amidst established and developing talent. His value remains high in dynasty leagues due to his age and potential, but short-term impact is role-dependent.
And then there`s **Trevor Zegras** joining the Philadelphia Flyers. It`s a move many hoped for: a change of scenery after injury struggles and perceived friction. While Philadelphia is also rebuilding, there`s undeniable offensive talent (Michkov, Konecny) he could play with. Zegras`s fantasy value has cratered, but if health and chemistry align in his new home, there`s dormant upside. Don`t draft him early, but he`s a prime waiver wire candidate if he shows signs of a resurgence.
Tempered Expectations and Uncertainty
Not every move signals a fantasy boost. **Brent Burns** joins the Colorado Avalanche, but the days of him being a fantasy powerhouse defenseman are likely over. His production, particularly shots and power-play points, has declined. Expect his value to be limited, regardless of deployment.
**Gustav Nyquist** heading to Winnipeg after an outlier season in Nashville is another case for caution. His previous success relied on being a focal point, a role he`s unlikely to command on a Jets team with a defined pecking order. His fantasy value is expected to be negligible.
Veteran **James van Riemsdyk** signs with the Detroit Red Wings. While there are some top-six minutes available, his past usage suggests he`s unlikely to receive the consistent ice time needed to be fantasy relevant outside of very deep leagues.
Similarly, bringing **Jonathan Toews** to Winnipeg adds leadership but offers minimal fantasy certainty. He hasn`t been a fantasy factor in years and the Jets` top offensive line is already established. Expect leadership and playoff pedigree, not fantasy production.
Blue Line and Crease Calculations
Defensemen and goaltenders require a different kind of analysis, often focusing on peripherals and volume. **K`Andre Miller** moves to Carolina, a team already strong on the blue line. While he`s unlikely to step into a prime offensive role immediately (with Slavin, Walker, Nikishin, Gostisbehere), his fantasy value is solid in leagues counting hits and blocks, supplementing his decent offensive output. He`s a reliable depth defenseman.
**John Klingberg** takes a flyer with the San Jose Sharks. Surgically repaired but having struggled since leaving Dallas, he`s hoping to recapture his form. The Sharks lack proven power-play quarterbacks, offering Klingberg an opportunity to potentially anchor their top unit. If he wins that battle, he could be a sleeper, especially in leagues ignoring plus/minus.
**Vladislav Gavrikov** gets a big contract and heavy minutes guarantee with the New York Rangers. His fantasy value lies in durability, consistent shots, and particularly, a high volume of blocked shots. Useful in deeper leagues rewarding these categories.
Another significant defenseman move is **Noah Dobson** to the Montreal Canadiens. Despite a dip in production last season, he still provided solid fantasy value. In Montreal, he`ll log heavy minutes and likely compete for time on the secondary power play (with Calder winner Lane Hutson expected to anchor the first unit). His well-rounded contributions (shots, blocks) make him a valuable pick depending on league settings. On the Islanders side, Dobson`s departure could open a significant power-play opportunity for top prospect **Matthew Schaefer** if he makes the jump to the NHL.
In net, the goaltender market saw some notable shifts. **Dan Vladar** joins the Philadelphia Flyers. While not expected to be a fantasy savior, the Flyers limit shots reasonably well, even if their goalies have struggled. Vladar had one decent rookie season, but he`ll likely back up **Samuel Ersson**, who enters as the presumed starter with higher upside. Vladar is a deep league stash at best.
More significantly, **John Gibson** finally leaves Anaheim for the Detroit Red Wings. Expected to be the clear starter after years of heavy workloads on a struggling team, Gibson recently showed flashes of his earlier elite form despite the Ducks` performance. If he can replicate last season`s solid save percentage and handle a significant increase in starts, he has the potential to be a top-15 fantasy goalie. It`s a gamble given his injury history, but the opportunity is massive.
Heading to Anaheim is **Petr Mrazek** to back up **Lukas Dostal**. Dostal proved capable as a starter last season. With the Ducks` offense expected to improve with young talent maturing and veteran additions, Dostal could see his win totals and overall fantasy value climb significantly, potentially finishing as a top-20 netminder.
Hidden Gems and Calculated Gambles
Keep an eye on some lesser-known names landing in intriguing spots. **Zack Bolduc** moving to Montreal from St. Louis appears to be a “fantastic gamble” by the Habs. He finished last season strong, even from a third-line role, showing offensive upside including power-play production. With a likely increased opportunity in Montreal, he could be a fantasy sleeper.
**Matias Maccelli** joins the Toronto Maple Leafs, stepping into the massive void left by Marner. Maccelli is a creative playmaker, but doesn`t score like Marner. However, the chance to play with Auston Matthews and Matthew Knies on the top line is too significant to ignore. While pass-first, his assist rates in Arizona suggest he can produce with elite linemates. He`s a great bench stash whose value could skyrocket in training camp if he locks down that coveted spot.
**Viktor Arvidsson** heads to the Boston Bruins. While his 30-goal days are behind him, he was fantasy relevant recently, particularly due to power-play production. Boston needs help on the power play beyond David Pastrnak. Arvidsson is a longshot, but worth a late-round look if your team needs goals or shots and he gets a look with the top unit.
**Evander Kane** signing with the Vancouver Canucks after missing last season is intriguing. He proved effective in the Oilers` playoff run. With Brock Boeser potentially leaving Vancouver, Kane might be positioned for a significant wing role, possibly alongside Elias Pettersson and with power-play time. This could push him back into fantasy relevance after a lost season.
**Mason Marchment** joins the Seattle Kraken, a team built on depth. He`s a streaky player who needs the right linemates, which Seattle`s flexible lineup could provide. His ceiling might be limited by minutes, but his value is boosted in leagues counting plus/minus due to his strong defensive metrics. His fantasy worth hinges on linemate assignments and league scoring settings.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NHL offseason has fundamentally changed the fantasy hockey landscape. Draft strategies must be adaptable. The key takeaway from all these moves is simple: pay close attention to training camps. Linemate combinations and power-play units solidified in September will tell you far more about a player`s true fantasy potential in their new home than any offseason speculation. Be informed, stay vigilant, and good luck in your drafts!
Dominic Ashworth 
Jasper Hawthorne