With the 2025 NHL draft concluded, the focus shifts to free agency, which officially begins Tuesday at noon ET. Each team is strategizing to enhance their chances for the Stanley Cup playoffs next spring. Here’s a detailed look at how each team can optimize their offseason moves, considering their cap space and key players entering free agency.

Atlantic Division

Boston Bruins

• 2024-25 Result: Missed the playoffs
• Key Players: None hitting UFA or RFA
• Cap Space: $12,743,333
• Strategy: GM Don Sweeney is focused on re-signing key players like Mason Lohrei and Morgan Geekie, who had a breakout season. The Bruins need to bolster their offense, which ranked 28th last season.

Buffalo Sabres

• 2024-25 Result: Missed the playoffs
• Key Players: D Bowen Byram, G Devon Levi (RFA)
• Cap Space: $20,840,319
• Strategy: GM Kevyn Adams plans to extend Alex Tuch and explore free agents to add depth and consistency to the lineup.

Metropolitan Division

Carolina Hurricanes

• 2024-25 Result: Lost in the conference finals
• Key Players: D Brent Burns, D Dmitry Orlov, F Jack Roslovic (UFA)
• Cap Space: $26,715,958
• Strategy: GM Erik Tulsky aims to add scoring wingers and a second-line center to overcome playoff hurdles.

Columbus Blue Jackets

• 2024-25 Result: Missed the playoffs
• Key Players: F Christian Fischer, D Ivan Provorov (UFA)
• Cap Space: $28,533,752
• Strategy: GM Don Waddell seeks to strengthen the center and right-side defense, possibly through trades or free agency.

Central Division

Chicago Blackhawks

• 2024-25 Result: Missed the playoffs
• Key Players: D Louis Crevier, F Philipp Kurashev (RFA)
• Cap Space: $22,495,357
• Strategy: GM Kyle Davidson is focused on adding experienced scorers and defensemen to support the young core.

Colorado Avalanche

• 2024-25 Result: Lost in the first round
• Key Players: F Jonathan Drouin, D Ryan Lindgren (UFA)
• Cap Space: $8,950,000
• Strategy: The Avalanche need to reconfigure their bottom-six forwards and third defense pairing to return to championship form.

Pacific Division

Anaheim Ducks

• 2024-25 Result: Missed the playoffs
• Key Players: F Robby Fabbri, G Lukas Dostal (RFA)
• Cap Space: $35,988,812
• Strategy: GM Pat Verbeek plans to carefully spend on top-six forwards and possibly defensemen, considering future cap management.

Edmonton Oilers

• 2024-25 Result: Lost in the Cup Final
• Key Players: F Connor Brown, D Evan Bouchard (RFA)
• Cap Space: $11,050,834
• Strategy: The Oilers must re-sign Bouchard and revamp their supporting cast to improve their chances in the playoffs.

Each team has unique needs and strategies as they approach the free agency period. The decisions made in the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping their prospects for the 2025 NHL season.