As the 2025 NHL free agency period rapidly approaches, teams are gearing up to strategically bolster their rosters. While the salary cap has seen a significant increase this year, some teams still need to be creative with their spending. This year's free agency isn't necessarily the time for teams to go on a spending spree. Instead, teams should look for value in short-term contracts that won't break the bank. Identifying players who can provide significant contributions without commanding exorbitant salaries is crucial for sustained success. Here are eight potential value buys to keep an eye on:
Jack Roslovic (C/RW)
Jack Roslovic has moved around a couple of teams in the last few seasons, but teams know what they are getting with him. This past season, he tallied 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes. Over the last three seasons, he has averaged 16 goals and 43 points per 82 games. While he can be inconsistent with his goal-scoring, he is a solid middle-six forward. Although he isn't physical and isn't great in transition, he is a solid skater who can create shots and chances from high-danger areas. He ranked in the 79th percentile this season in top skating speed, according to NHL EDGE. Contract projections estimate that Roslovic will sign a three-year deal with a cap hit of just under $4.1 million.
Anthony Mantha (RW/LW)
Anthony Mantha's 2024-25 season was cut short because of a torn ACL, but he has a history of production in a middle-six role. In 2023-24, he had 23 goals and 44 points. Throughout his career, he has averaged 24 goals and 49 points per 82 games. When healthy, Mantha is a plus finisher with an excellent shot, ranking in the 94th percentile in top shot speed in the 2023-24 season. He is also a solid skater, with his top skating speed ranking in the 77th percentile in 2023-24.
Anthony Beauvillier (LW/RW)
Beauvillier proved to be a reliable veteran, eventually landing on Washington's first line by the end of the season and finishing third on the team in playoff scoring. During the regular season, he ranked 20th in the NHL in expected goals per 60 and was 12th-best in the league in generating high-danger chances in 5-on-5 play.
Jonathan Drouin (LW/RW)
Drouin may seem like a big name for a value list. However, value doesn't mean signing a league-minimum deal; it simply means that the player could turn a profit relative to their perceived worth. He had 37 points in 43 games in an injury-shortened season. Among forwards with 500 or more minutes at 5-on-5, Drouin remained one of the league's better playmakers, sitting in the 90th percentile in primary assist rate.
Eric Robinson (LW)
Robinson feels like a player you win with. He was among the league leaders in generating high-danger chances per 60 at 5-on-5 this year. He also ranked in the top 40 for individual scoring chances and primary assists. He scored 18 goals while playing just 12:16 per game this season, dishing out 123 hits with his 6-foot-2, 211-pound frame.
Nick Perbix (D)
Perbix excelled with almost any partner other than Emil Lilleberg in 2024-25, albeit in a sheltered role. With him on the ice, the Bolts had the edge in goals, scoring chances, and expected goals. He was around a top-50 defenseman in most metrics, ranging from goal-scoring rate to individual expected goals.
James Reimer (G)
Reimer is 37, and there has been talk of him retiring. However, he was the best pending UFA goalie this past season. Reimer finished 13th in the NHL in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes, playing on the lowly Sabres. He's not going to sign as a starter at this point in his career, but he is still good enough to be a quality backup who could push a struggling starter for playing time.
Mason Appleton (RW)
Appleton has been a solid third-line presence. He's a checking winger with good two-way play but a limited offensive skillset. Over his seven-year career, he is averaging 12 goals and 28 points per 82 games.
