This past July 1st saw NHL teams throw the most money around during free agency ever, with over a billion dollars being spent. With the salary cap rumoured to jump once more in 2025-26 to just under $93 million, the NHL might be in for yet another record breaking off-season.
While the QMJHL alumni whose deal’s are set to expire by next July is generally on the older side, there’s many big names who may see themselves on a new team, potentially for the first time ever.
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Last year: 94 points (42+52) over 82 games
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Age (as of contract expiry): 37
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Current Deal: $8.7 million AAV, 12 years ($104.4 million total)
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QMJHL: 2003-2005
Look, I’m not going to bury the lede here. Would Sidney Crosby actually be available to all on July 1st? Probably not. He’s been open about his intention to remain in Pittsburgh, stating last year that he plans on talking with the Penguins on July 1st of this year about extending his deal. That said, we’ve all seen this scenario play out before. Take this year’s example, Steven Stamkos. A man who many assumed would retire a lifelong Lightning player, is now a member of the Nashville Predators. With the Penguins once again relying on their old core, not bringing in any additional top six scoring or top four defensemen, it wouldn’t be surprising for a guy like Crosby to aspire for more if the Penguins have yet another lackluster season.
Related: Rimouski Setting Themselves Up For Historic Year
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Last year: 61 points (25+36) over 82 games
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Age (as of contract expiry): 29
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Current Deal: $6 million AAV, 7 years ($42 million total)
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QMJHL: 2013-2015
It’s always felt that there was another gear that has been yet to be unlocked in Nikolaj Ehlers’ game. For a short bit in the 2020-21 season, Ehlers hit that gear by scoring at a point-per-game pace. Although injuries and being the team’s second line left winger under Kyle Connor have limited him to producing at a second line rate. While there’s no certainties in the game of hockey, it sure feels certain that Ehlers will find himself on a different team, sooner rather than later. The team is actively shopping him and if dealt, it could also mean an extension with his new club. That said, Ehlers could be a promising rental option for teams lacking on the left hand side, allowing them to squeeze the most out of him in a contract year and helping Ehlers get the most possible in free agency off the back of a year with an elevated role and potentially production.
Related: Only Six Former QMJHL Players in The Athletic’s Top 100 Prospect List
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Last year: 64 points (21+43) over 82 games
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Age (as of contract expiry): 37
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Current Deal: $6.5 million AAV, 3 years ($19.5 million total)
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QMJHL: 2005-2008
When Claude Giroux was signed by the Ottawa Senators, the team’s fanbase rejoiced. Although, there was a creeping sentiment that his final year in his deal might be a tougher pill to swallow. So far, that sentiment seems non-existent as Giroux has been a capable driver of both offense and defense for the up-and-coming squad. Giroux’s production may have dipped from his first year in Ottawa, that saw him hit a career high in goals with 35, and 79 points, but he was easily the team’s most responsible forward in their own zone. It’s very possible Ottawa could bring him back, but we’ve also seen Giroux leave the Flyers to chase a cup with the Panthers in 2022, something that has eluded him his entire career. If the Sens don’t put their best foot forward this upcoming season, it’s very possible that Giroux may end up with a team that can give him one last go at Lord Stanley.
Related: Shortening of Draft and Greater Scholarships Among League Changes
© Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
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Last year: 64 points (21+43) over 82 games
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Age (as of contract expiry): 37
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Current Deal: $6.5 million AAV, 3 years ($19.5 million total)
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QMJHL: 248 points (102+146) over 245 games
Brad Marchand: you love him, you hate him, you love to hate him. Despite his long history of pestilence and track record of below the belt plays, Marchand has re-defined the kind of player who he is in his thirties. Having taken on a larger leadership role within the organization after the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci, Marchand has been forced to lead by example. In doing so, he’s had to clean up the recklessness from his game, and it seems to be working. Marchand played a full 82-game season for the first time in 10 seasons, and was a hardworking Bruins team’s second highest point scorer. It’s tough to imagine a guy like Marchand leaving the Bruins, but it’s happened before, leaving the QMJHL championship Moncton Wildcats after the departure of many top players for Val-d’Or in attempt to repeat that same success elsewhere.
Related: Eleven QMJHLers Added to Canada’s Hlinka-Gretzky Camp
Other notable QMJHL products that are pending UFAs:
Related: Five QMJHLers Named to Team Canada’s Preliminary World Junior Rosters
Related: 2023-24 QMJHL Statistical Leaders
