NHL free agency 2025 sees Mitchell Marner and Noah Dobson headline the 10 most expensive contracts

The 2025 NHL free agency period was defined by aggressive spending and bold roster moves. Among the biggest earners were Mitchell Marner, Noah Dobson, Sam Bennett, Ivan Provorov, Nikolaj Ehlers, Brock Boeser, Alexander Romanov, Aaron Ekblad, Matthew Knies, and Evan Bouchard. These ten players secured the most expensive contracts this offseason as teams took full advantage of the rising salary cap.

Noah Dobson and Sam Bennett headline defensive and leadership investments

While Marner grabbed headlines, defensemen also cashed in. Noah Dobson was traded to the Montreal Canadiens and immediately signed an eight-year, $76 million deal. His contract, front-loaded with bonuses, solidifies Montreal’s blue line for years. Still only 25, Dobson now becomes a centerpiece in a franchise seeking stability and postseason relevance.
Florida’s Sam Bennett also signed one of the summer’s richest contracts. His eight-year, $64 million deal keeps the Conn Smythe winner in Panthers colors through age 37. Bennett chose loyalty and consistency over marginally higher offers elsewhere. With $56 million in bonuses and a full no-movement clause for five seasons, Florida is rewarding its most clutch playoff performer.
These moves reinforced that both defensive structure and veteran leadership command a high price in today’s NHL.

Columbus Blue Jackets and New York Islanders gamble on blue line futures

Not all high-dollar contracts were without risk. Ivan Provorov’s seven-year, $59.5 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets raised eyebrows, given his declining numbers. However, Columbus is banking on reliability and defensive minutes as they attempt to rebuild their identity.

Alexander Romanov received an eight-year, $50 million commitment from the New York Islanders. Known more for his physicality than scoring, Romanov’s contract is a bet on potential and positional necessity. After parting ways with Dobson, the Islanders appear focused on maintaining a rugged defensive core.

Both deals reflect how scarcity in top-pairing defensemen has inflated values across the market.

Evan Bouchard and Matthew Knies represent future-focused investments

Two younger players also broke into the top 10 with major paydays. Edmonton retained Evan Bouchard on a four-year, $42 million deal, giving the 25-year-old offensive defenseman a $10.5 million AAV. With back-to-back strong playoff runs, Bouchard’s short-term contract avoids long-term risk while compensating him handsomely in his prime.

Toronto signed Matthew Knies to a six-year, $46.5 million extension. At 23, Knies is now a foundational forward for the Leafs following Marner’s departure. His deal reflects Toronto’s pivot toward youth, with hopes of long-term cap efficiency as the young winger develops into a top-line contributor.

The trend is clear; teams are paying now to protect their futures.
Also Read: NHL trade rumor: Maple Leafs consider trading David Kampf, Calle Jarnkrok, and one defenseman amid offseason reshuffle

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