NHL Teams Rebuild Rosters Amid Extensive 2025 Free Agency

As the 2025 NHL free agency period approaches, several teams are making significant moves to strengthen their rosters. The Toronto Maple Leafs have secured John Tavares and Matthew Knies with discounted extensions and are actively pursuing Mitch Marner, potentially via a sign-and-trade with the Vegas Golden Knights, while also considering Brad Marchand as a top-line replacement. The Columbus Blue Jackets, coming off a near-playoff season, have made key acquisitions including Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood and are targeting defensive and forward upgrades such as Nico Sturm and Pius Suter to bolster team defense and depth scoring. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canucks face a notable loss in center depth with potential free agent departures and are eyeing Mikael Granlund as a prime target to fill their top-six center void. Additionally, the Maple Leafs are exploring reunions with former players like Justin Brazeau and Connor Brown to enhance their bottom-six forward group. Across the league, teams are balancing re-signings, strategic acquisitions, and free agent pursuits to improve competitiveness in the upcoming season.