2025-06-20 15:26:00
NHL Offseason: Toews Returns, Stars Extend Duchene, and Free Agency Looms
The NHL offseason is heating up with key signings and the buzz of free agency on the horizon. Jonathan Toews’ return, Matt Duchene’s extension, and Brock Nelson’s new deal highlight the early moves.
- Jonathan Toews will sign with the Winnipeg Jets.
- Matt Duchene has signed a four-year contract extension with the Dallas Stars.
- Brock Nelson has signed a three-year contract extension with the Avalanche.
The Stanley Cup Final has concluded, and now the hockey world turns its attention to the NHL offseason. The focus shifts to the NHL Draft and free agency. This year’s free agency period opens on July 1 at noon ET. Several teams are already making moves to secure their players and prepare for the upcoming season.
What’s happening in the NHL offseason?
Toews Heads Home to Winnipeg
After a two-year hiatus, veteran forward Jonathan Toews is set to make his highly anticipated return to the NHL. The Winnipeg Jets announced that Toews will join the team once free agency opens.
Toews has a rich history in the league, having amassed 883 points (372 goals and 511 assists) in 1,067 regular-season games. He boasts an impressive record as a Chicago Blackhawks player, ranking among the franchise’s top players in various categories. His return to Winnipeg, his hometown, is a heartwarming story for the talented center.
Duchene Stays Put in Dallas
The Dallas Stars, after a third consecutive Western Conference Final appearance, are proactively addressing their offseason needs. They’ve locked down forward Matt Duchene with a four-year, $18 million contract extension ($4.5 million AAV).
Duchene has been a key contributor for the Stars over the last two seasons, after joining the team in the 2023 offseason.
Panthers have transformed ‘culture’ from cliché into catalyst behind back-to-back Stanley Cup runs
Avalanche Extend Nelson
The Avalanche have secured the services of forward Brock Nelson with a three-year contract extension, carrying an average annual value of $7.5 million. Nelson was acquired at the 2025 trade deadline from the New York Islanders and quickly became a valuable asset for Colorado.
Nelson will likely continue to play on the Avalanche’s second line, skating with Gabriel Landeskog and Valeri Nichushkin. Nelson will turn 34 around the start of the 2025-26 season.
Free Agency Preview
As free agency approaches, several prominent players are expected to be in high demand. The Toronto Maple Leafs’ star forward Mitch Marner is likely to be the top player on the open market. Additionally, players like Sam Bennett of the Florida Panthers, Brock Boeser from the Vancouver Canucks, and Aaron Ekblad of the Panthers will be sought after by teams looking to bolster their rosters.
