The season may be over, but the action isn’t done just yet. Starting July 1, teams will begin actively reshaping their rosters for the upcoming season. Many organizations are already shedding inconvenient contracts to create room for high-profile signings. Here, we look at the top players set to hit the market this summer, each ready to make an impact for teams looking to add talent.

Brett Pesce (Carolina)

Season Stats: 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists), +10 rating in 70 games

Brett Pesce’s departure from Carolina has been expected since last fall. The defenseman declined an extension from his current management, and though there were attempts to trade him, they were unsuccessful. This uncertainty may have impacted Pesce’s performance last season, as he put up lower stats both offensively and defensively compared to previous years. While the 30-year-old’s numbers fell, they’re still solid. He’ll likely be seeking a mid-term contract; after last season, only the most eager team would offer him a seven-year deal. Yet, Pesce’s defensive skill remains valuable in this year’s free-agent market, earning him a spot in this top-10 list even after a less stellar season.

Jonathan Marchessault (Vegas)

Season Stats: 69 points (42 goals, 27 assists), -2 rating in 82 games

Jonathan Marchessault will most likely be leaving Vegas, a team he’s led since its inception. As a core player who helped win the Stanley Cup and brought camaraderie to the locker room, Marchessault’s departure seems almost inevitable given Vegas’s financial choices. The team acquired several players on hefty contracts and extended younger talent, leaving little room to re-sign him. Now 34, Marchessault can be counted among the league’s veterans. While a contract beyond four or five years is unlikely, he won’t want to rely on short-term deals. After finishing as the Knights’ top scorer, with 42 goals, and still showing strength defensively, Marchessault remains a desirable asset for teams looking to contend for the Cup. Should he prioritize salary over team potential, he’ll have every reason—after all, he’s already lifted the Stanley Cup.

Teuvo Teravainen (Carolina)

Season Stats: 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists), +15 rating in 76 games

Teravainen, like Pesce, has been a vital part of Carolina but has lost some of his spark lately. Carolina’s play style under Rod Brind’Amour, with frequent line changes, along with occasional injuries, impacted his recent performance, even though top scorer Sebastian Aho found it challenging to score under Brind’Amour’s system. While Teravainen still holds value for Carolina, multiple factors suggest a split: a tight cap, numerous key players needing extensions, and Teravainen’s diminishing effectiveness within the team’s current system (Brind’Amour is likely to stay long-term). This versatile winger may thrive elsewhere, where he can fully utilize his creativity and defensive skills. Teravainen remains a strong option for a top-six role on competitive teams, especially if he and his agent avoid overpricing.

Matt Duchene (Dallas)

Season Stats: 65 points (25 goals, 40 assists), +15 rating in 80 games

Duchene’s buyout last summer under unusual circumstances left little doubt that he could perform well in the new season. Dallas wisely signed him for $3 million, and at 33, Duchene has matured into a leader both on and off the ice. Though he may not be a superstar, Duchene’s consistency has grown, and he’s shed the performance ups and downs that marked his earlier years. Now, he’s likely to seek stability over a high salary. Duchene’s family life and age mean he’s not looking to move yearly, but he’ll also command more than his current $3 million salary, making it challenging for Dallas to retain him. He may focus on joining a Cup-contending team, as his career window is narrowing.

Brandon Montour (Florida)

Season Stats: 33 points (8 goals, 25 assists), +1 rating in 66 games

Montour had an excellent run with Florida, winning a Stanley Cup, yet his timing is somewhat unfortunate. His stats peaked last season with an impressive 73 points, but his performance cooled off this year. This gives potential suitors more leverage in contract negotiations, while Florida’s tight cap situation may also make it difficult to keep him. Montour, now 30, will likely look to maximize his earnings, based on his two standout seasons and playoff experience. The timing is right for Montour to secure the contract of his life.

Patrick Kane (Detroit)

Season Stats: 47 points (20 goals, 27 assists), -5 rating in 50 games

Kane took a relatively modest deal with Detroit but proved he’s still a capable playmaker, finishing second in Detroit in points per game. Kane has expressed contentment in Detroit, but now he’ll expect a much higher contract, and there will be more suitors than last year. With his strong season showing he’s still in form, Kane might even pursue a return to contention for the Stanley Cup, with rumors hinting at a possible reunion with Artemi Panarin on the New York Rangers.

Elias Lindholm (Vancouver)

Season Stats: 44 points (15 goals, 29 assists), -14 rating in 75 games

Lindholm declined two extension offers this season, first with Calgary, then with Vancouver. Both clubs offered around $7–7.5 million annually for maximum terms. Given Lindholm’s recent performance slump, it may be challenging for him to find higher offers on the open market. Speculation suggests his refusals were more about Canada’s tax structure than money. Teams like Boston, which lack strong centers, could provide a good fit, even if the offer is lower than what Canadian teams proposed. Despite a down season, Lindholm remains a talented player and an attractive option in free agency.

Steven Stamkos (Tampa Bay)

Season Stats: 81 points (40 goals, 41 assists), -21 rating in 79 games

A high-profile split is coming in Tampa, as Stamkos expressed frustration last fall that the Lightning hadn’t even started negotiating. With his leadership and long-standing role, such exits are rare, but the club’s reported eight-year offer at $3 million per season indicated they were undervaluing their captain. Stamkos remains a top scorer but has declined in other areas, ending the season with a team-worst -21 rating. Yet, he’s still a major threat on offense and power plays, where his shooting ability shines. At 34, Stamkos believes he deserves both respect and a generous contract—two things Tampa’s budget doesn’t seem to allow right now.

Jake Guentzel (Carolina)

Season Stats: 77 points (30 goals, 47 assists), +25 rating in 67 games

Carolina was interested in extending Guentzel after his trade from Pittsburgh, but the team’s cap constraints hindered them from meeting his price. Carolina reportedly offered $8 million annually on an eight-year deal, but Guentzel, 30, expects more. With his performance level and reputation, he’s one of the most attractive pieces available, although not every club can afford him. Guentzel should be able to secure a deal around $9.5–10 million per season with maximum term.

Sam Reinhart (Florida)

Season Stats: 94 points (57 goals, 37 assists), +29 rating in 82 games

Reinhart had an exceptional season, winning the Stanley Cup, scoring a career-high 57 goals, and leading Florida in points. He and Aleksander Barkov have formed one of the league’s most effective pairings in five-on-five play, and Florida is eager to retain him. To do so, however, the Panthers may need to offload Aaron Ekblad’s $7.5 million contract. With Florida’s season running long, management has limited time to make decisions. Bill Zito, the team’s general manager, has about a week between the Finals and free agency to get everything in order.