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The first day of the NHL’s 2025 free-agent frenzy is now in the books, and as is tradition on THN.com, we’re examining the winners and losers from the beginning of the free-agent period. 

On Tuesday, we broke down the five biggest winners, and today, we’re looking at the six teams who, for different reasons, have to be labelled as losers. 

In alphabetical order:

Boston Bruins

The Bruins did a lot of roster shuffling, acquiring role players including former Oilers right winger Viktor Arvidsson, former Blue Jackets left winger Sean Kuraly and former Kings left winger Tanner Jeannot. But there’s a reason those three veterans were available – namely, that their previous teams felt they were expendable. And picking up spare parts and reclamation projects was not the way the Bruins operated in their recent heyday.

Boston GM Don Sweeney had a decent amount of salary cap space heading into the free-agent frenzy, but after spending most of it in the past few days, he can’t expect prognosticators to project that the Bs will be a playoff team next season. At best, they look to be only slightly improved on paper, and in a highly competitive Atlantic Division, they haven’t done enough to be pegged as a Stanley Cup post-season team in 2025-26.

Buffalo Sabres

The Sabres made a handful of moves – most notably, the re-signing of RFA center Ryan McLeod, and the UFA signings of or trades for fringe players including goalie Alex Lyon, defensemen Zac Jones and Conor Timmins, and wingers Josh Doan and Justin Danforth. Meanwhile, the status of RFA star defenseman Bowen Byram is still in limbo, with many expecting he’ll be traded by Buffalo GM Kevyn Adams, but there has been no movement on the trade front as of Wednesday afternoon.

Consequently, these current Sabres roster changes are thoroughly underwhelming. Adams is gambling he’s made the team better by buttressing their bottom two lines of forwards and their bottom defense pairing, but we just don’t see anyone Buffalo has added as being true needle-movers. 

At a time when Buffalo is desperate to get back in the thick of the playoff race in the Atlantic, there’s not enough there to expect the Sabres will end their 14-year streak without post-season hockey.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Hawks have struggled for years to play at a level that is anywhere close to being a playoff contender, and Chicago GM Kyle Davidson changed coaches this summer in an effort to raise the competitive bar for his team. However, other than trading for fourth-liner Sam Lafferty, the Blackhawks have done nothing of consequence. Budding star Connor Bedard needed some high-end talent to elevate his game in 2025-26, but thus far, Davidson has given him nothing different to work with.

Chicago still has approximately $21.3 million in cap space, and it’s possible that Davidson is hanging onto as much of it as possible to spend on the very deep class of UFA stars on course to be available in the summer of 2026. 

But we’re judging this organization based on the here and now, and looking through that prism, you can’t come to any conclusion other than the fact that the Hawks will almost assuredly finish well out of a playoff spot next season. 

Detroit Red Wings

Like the Blackhawks, the Red Wings are an Original Six franchise who have seen better days. Detroit GM Steve Yzerman has been preaching patience with his lineup, but Wings fans are starting to grow tired of seeing him kick the competitive can down the road. And very few moves he’s made in the past few days qualify as legitimate roster improvements.

Yzerman did trade for former Anaheim Ducks star goalie John Gibson, so there’s an upgrade in net. But otherwise, Detroit has only retained aging star winger Patrick Kane, and signed veteran winger James van Riemsdyk and fringe defenseman Jacob Bernard-Docker. This is hardly the stuff of Grade-A acquisitions. 

Even if Yzerman’s gamble on internal improvement comes to pass, the Red Wings don’t have the elite talent to compete with other Atlantic teams. So you can’t say they’ve been anything other than losers through the first couple days of free agency.

Edmonton Oilers

Despite nearly winning a Cup this past season, the Oilers weren’t able to persuade key role players to re-sign with the team. Right winger Connor Brown left via free agency for the New Jersey Devils, while right winger Corey Perry departed for the Kings. Those are two losses that will be hard to address.

Edmonton was able to re-sign star defenseman Evan Bouchard to a four-year, $42-million contract extension, and center Trent Frederic also agreed to a long-term extension. But otherwise, their only additions are bottom-six winger Curtis Lazar and mid-tier winger Andrew Mangiapane, the latter of whom hasn’t scored more than 17 goals in any of the past three seasons. 

At best, the Oilers are approximately the same in terms of all-around talent, and that may not be good enough to keep Pacific Division and Western Conference teams at bay next year. That makes them a loser on our list.

Los Angeles Kings

Kings GM Ken Holland had a boatload of cap space heading into free agency and used a whole lot of it, signing Perry away from Edmonton, then inking former Senators backup goalie Anton Forsberg as well as veteran Montreal right winger Joel Armia and former Devils D-man Brian Dumoulin. 

But the most dubious signing, from our point of view, was the four-year, $18-million contract Holland gave to journeyman defenseman Cody Ceci, who is now on his seventh NHL team in eight seasons. Were there really competing teams out there who were offering Ceci anything close to what he wound up getting? Sorry, but we just don’t see it.

Basically, the Kings haven’t done nearly enough to see them as being as improved as their Pacific rivals around them. Holland has quickly left his imprint on the roster, and with approximately $5.99 million in cap space, he may not be done making additions to his group. But as it stands, Los Angeles has become more mediocre than anything else, and this is why we have them as a loser thus far in free agency.

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Ahead of free agency, Pittsburgh Penguins' GM and POHO Kyle Dubas said he wanted to improve the team's left-side defense.

And he appears to be putting some names into the mix for next season.

On Wednesday, the Penguins signed former Washington Capitals defenseman Alexander Alexeyev to a one-year, one-way contract worth $775,000. This comes after the Capitals did not qualify Alexeyev, as he was an RFA.

The #LetsGoPens signed 25 y/o LD Alexeyev to 1 year $775K 1-way deal.

Was a UFA after not being qualified by WSH

Rep'd by Craig Oster @TheHockeyAgencyhttps://t.co/0jpCfSI3k5

— PuckPedia (@PuckPedia) July 2, 2025

A former first-round pick by Washington in 2018 (31st overall), Alexeyev, 25, is a big, physical presence on the blue line. He uses his 6-foot-4, 229-pound frame to shut down opponents and clear the net-front, and that bigger, "hard-to-play-against" style has been a point of emphasis for GM and POHO Kyle Dubas in terms of adding to the roster, especially on the back end.

In 80 career regular season games with the Capitals, Alexeyev has registered a goal and eight points. He also appeared in 10 playoff games for Washington in 2025. 

Alexeyev - along with the newly signed Parker Wotherspoon, prospect Owen Pickering, and veteran blueliners Ryan Shea and Ryan Graves - figures to be in the mix for a larger role in the top-four for the Penguins this season.

NHL News: Penguins Sign Big Former Oilers DefensemanThe Pittsburgh Penguins are adding more size to their defensive depth. 

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Feature image credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Just one day into on-ice activities at development camp, the hype around top Philadelphia Flyers prospect Porter Martone is already growing.

The 18-year-old, who turns 19 on Oct. 26, is steadfast in his belief of his ability to make the NHL right away. This week is just an opportunity, in Martone's eyes, to set himself up for an early Flyers debut.

It's not unreasonable, either; Jett Luchanko, who had only turned 18 years old on Aug. 21 last summer, made the Flyers out of training camp and played in four NHL games before returning to his OHL club, the Guelph Storm.

But Martone's goal is to make it and stick. Any other outcome will be ironed out later.

"For me, my mindset is, play in the NHL next year. If the management staff here thinks otherwise, that's when there will be a talk with my agent and me," Martone said of his future, and potentially going the college route, at development camp Wednesday. "Right now, my goal is to make the NHL and have a big summer. Really gain some strength in the lower body and come into camp and try to earn my spot.

"For me, I want to go and play a full regular season in the NHL next year."

Openly advocating for himself and having that confidence at a young age is key, especially given that Flyers GM Danny Briere floated Martone by name as a potential injury replacement for Tyson Foerster, who could be at risk of missing the start of the 2025-26 season due to an injury and subsequent infection.

NHL Free Agency: Flyers Quickly Knock Out 3 Big NeedsThe Philadelphia Flyers are on a crusade to start NHL free agency, quickly signing multiple players, including Christian Dvorak, to address some big team needs.

"Obviously, when you come into camp, you have to earn your job. You're not going to just get it given to you," Martone added. "If I get the opportunity to come in, I want to give it my all and try to earn my spot on the opening night roster. If I do, that's a dream come true to play with the Flyers organization. That doesn't come without the work that needs to be put in."

And should Martone make the Flyers outright, he'll be one of the youngest debutants in franchise history. Captain Sean Couturier, for example, debuted only two months before he turned 19, so he'd be a nice sounding board for Martone in that event.

Until then, though, Flyers fans can take solace in the fact that Martone's mind is already in the right place, and his talent and work ethic will take him where he needs to go.

The 2025 No. 6 pick is very similar to Matvei Michkov in that regard, and perhaps it's not a coincidence that they approach the game itself similarly, too.

The New York Islanders announced on Wednesday afternoon that they have signed forward Emil Heineman to a two-year extension. Per TVA's Renaud Lavoie, the deal carries a $1.1 million cap hit.

The 23-year-old was part of the package from Montreal in exchange for defenseman Noah Dobson, who has since signed an eight-year extension worth $9.5 million.  

Here's our story from the day of the trade, June 27, on one of the newest Islanders wingers:

Heineman scored 10 goals with 8 assists for 18 points with the Canadiens last season in a bottom-six role. The 2024-25 season was the first full season for the Swede, who was drafted in the second round by the Panthers in 2020.

He has bounced around multiple NHL teams, having been part of both the Sam Bennett trade to Florida and the Tyler Toffoli trade to Calgary.

Characterized by a high motor and versatility, Heineman maintains a strong two-way presence and can play both sides on the wing.

In sheltered minutes with Montreal, Heineman was a defensive piece for head coach Martin St. Louis and provided strong forechecking.

With Islanders’ head coach Patrick Roy, Heineman should click similarly and shore up New York’s forward depth.

The winger is a restricted free agent whose deal expired at the end of the 2024-25 season.

Stay updated with the most interesting Islanders stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News to never miss a story.

David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Kai Russell contributed to this story. 

PHOTO: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Here are the winners and losers of The Free Agent Frenzy

Winners:

1. Florida Panthers: Many didn’t think Bill Zito would be able to keep his big three pending UFAs - Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand - but he did. All on miraculously cheap contracts. Zito also re-signed Tomas Nosek, and now has all 12 forwards who skated in Game 6 of The Cup Final under contract… Three-peat? Why not? 

2. Las Vegas Golden Knights: From one core four to another. A sign-and-trade sent Mitch Marner to Vegas on an 8 year, $96 million contract. The Golden Knights top-6 may be the best in the league. Is this where Marner finds his playoff success? I say yes. 

3. New York Rangers: To sum up, GM Chris Drury turned K’Andre Miller into Vladislav Gavrikov, Scott Morrow, a conditional 2026 1st round pick and a 2026 2nd round pick. Oh, and Miller ($7.5M AAV) is making more, in Carolina, than Gavrikov ($7M AAV) is with New York. Great work by Drury. 

Losers: 

1. Edmonton Oilers: GM Stan Bowman made no additions with FIVE subtractions on July 1st. The man lost a good portion of his team’s depth. Not to mention, his goaltending situation has not been resolved. AND beginning next season, Leon Draisaitl and Evan Bouchard will be making a combined $24.5 million. Captain McDavid is heading into the final season of his contract… Does he stay or go? I predict he stays, but on a short term deal. 

2. Boston Bruins: With enough money to make a splash, GM Don Sweeney handed out some questionable contracts. Tanner Jeannot, 5x$3.5M AAV, being the biggest head scratcher. The Bruins didn’t take any strides toward playoff contention. 

3. Los Angeles Kings: The Kings are worse today than they were yesterday. Trading Jordan Spence, and losing Vladislov Gavrikov, for nothing, is not exactly ideal for their defense. Additionally, a majority of their money was spent on aging players - Corey Perry, Cody Ceci, and Brian Dumoulin - who won’t be the make or break of the team's success. 

The majority of the Free Agency big fish may be gone, but a player like Nikolaj Ehlers is still available. Who’ll get him?

Martone makes Simmonds smile, has mindset of making Flyers' lineup in October originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

VOORHEES, N.J. — Wayne Simmonds watched Porter Martone around four to five times last season scouting the OHL for the Flyers.

He came away impressed.

Did he think the 6-foot-3, 98-point forward would drop to No. 6 in the 2025 NHL draft?

“I didn’t, personally,” Simmonds said with a laugh. “For us, we got lucky. We’ll take that one, we’ll definitely take that one.”

No doubt, the Flyers were happy to see Martone wearing a white and black practice jersey, with an orange No. 94, as development camp kicked off Wednesday. Just five days ago, they were scooping him up at sixth overall.

The 18-year-old was the first winger taken last Friday night and some public scouting services had him pegged as the third-best player in the draft.

“He’s a great player, big body, owns the net front and the boards,” Simmonds said. “Tremendous competitor.”

A beloved former Flyer, Simmonds is now in a consultant role with the club’s hockey operations department. He’s helping coach the prospects this week at development camp, getting a chance to see Martone again after watching him on the scouting trail. But apparently Simmonds had met him well before this year.

It was after a practice when Simmonds was playing for the Flyers. Martone even has a picture of the two together from that day. Back in the same facility, Martone reminded Simmonds about the moment.

“That was the first thing he said to me and I’m like, ‘Oh my God,'” Simmonds said. “In my mind, I’m like, ‘I’m that old?’ It was honestly really cool, it was really cool to hear.”

Great stuff. Picture courtesy of Porter Martone and Flyers. https://t.co/8cOTdN5nFvpic.twitter.com/PKBkJQtYfn

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) July 2, 2025

Martone, who is from Peterborough, Ontario, and once went to a Flyers game for his birthday, can still recall meeting Simmonds.

“We had, like, 50 kids just banging on the glass the whole practice,” Martone said. “Him and a couple of others took time out of their day to come say hi to us, take a couple of photos. I think that’s a big thing as an NHL player, being able to give back to the community, give back to little kids who look up to those footsteps. Now that I’m here, I want to make sure I do that to kids, try to make everyone’s day a positive, a little bit better.”

He could see more kids at Flyers Training Center come the fall if he makes the big club. That’s not outside the realm of possibility. Martone has a pro-style game and played with NHLers at the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, suiting up twice for Team Canada.

“For me, my mindset is playing in the NHL next year,” Martone said when asked about his plans for 2025-26. “If the management staff here thinks otherwise, that’s when you kind of have a talk [between] my agent and me. But right now, my goal is to make the NHL, have a big summer, really gain some strength in the lower body and then come into camp and try to earn my spot. For me, I want to play a full regular season in the NHL next year.”

Good stuff here from Porter Martone to set up Conor Frenette’s goal. pic.twitter.com/qKMwwFBCvD

— Jordan Hall (@JHallNBCS) July 2, 2025

With uncertainty surrounding Tyson Foerster’s status because of an arm injury, general manager Danny Briere didn’t hesitate to mention Martone’s name as a candidate to fill any void on the wing.

“When you come into camp, you’re going to have to earn your job,” Martone said. “You’re not just going to get it given to you. If I get the opportunity to come in, I’m going to give it my all and try to earn my spot in the opening-night roster. If I do, that’s a dream come true to play with the Flyers’ organization.

“But that doesn’t come without the work that needs to be put in, I still have got to do some stuff throughout the summer to get me ready for training camp in September and get me ready to play in the NHL next season.”

Riley Armstrong sees some of Foerster in Martone.

“He reminds me a lot of Tyson when I was coaching him with the Phantoms,” the Flyers’ director of player development said. “He has that little bit of swag to him, like he knows that he’s a good player. And I think that’s a good thing, you want a player that has that, that confidence within himself.”

And if Martone needs to pinch himself being around Simmonds, that’s not a bad thing, either.

“It’s pretty cool when you get to see people you idolized when you were kid,” Martone said, “and now you’re working with them.”

The New Jersey Devils announced they have acquired forward Thomas Bordeleau from the San Jose Sharks in exchange for forward Shane Bowers. 

Bordeleau recorded 14 goals and 38 points in 59 games with the San Jose Barracuda and appeared in one game with the Sharks last season. 

The 23-year-old has 47 goals and 107 points in 161 career AHL and 18 points in 44 career NHL games. 

The 38th overall selection by the Sharks in the 2020 draft, Bordeleau had strong professional debuts in both the AHL and NHL but appears to have been passed on the depth chart by other Sharks prospects. He is a very intelligent player and this is a good high upside trade for New Jersey.

A native of Houston, TX., Bordeleau won the Tim Taylor Award as NCAA's top rookie with the Michigan Wolverines in 2021, was a Top 3 player on Team USA at the 2022 World Junior Championship, and represented the Pacific Division at the 2023 AHL All-Star Game. 

Keeping that Michigan to Jersey pipeline strong.

Everyone say hi to Thomas! pic.twitter.com/lGVqt5nKTU

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) July 2, 2025

Bowers had three goals and 17 points in 65 games with the Utica Comets and went pointless in four games with the Devils last season. 

The 25-year-old has 44 goals and 97 points in 282 career AHL games and is pointless in 13 career NHL games. 

A first round selection of the Ottawa Senators in  2017, Bowers was a member of Team Canada at the 2019 World Juniors and was named to the NCAA Hockey East All-Rookie Team with Boston University in 2018. 

Check out The Hockey News' San Jose Sharks and New Jersey Devils team sites for more updates. 

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Photo Credit: © David Gonzales-Imagn Images