The Daily: What UFAs Left for Red Wings?; Benn Signs; NHL Rumors

When it comes to Mitch Marner, this little Maple Leaf is going to market. And when it comes Florida UFAs, those little Panthers are staying home.

At least that’s what their teams are suggesting.

But the Panthers, with only $19 million in available cap space, could have trouble making that happen. They will need at least $16 million (maybe more) to return UFAs Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad. What’s the least amount Brad Marchand will take at age 37?

LeBrun on if Panthers can sign UFA trio?

WATCH: https://t.co/p4OARuI4Fh pic.twitter.com/56AV0cTW2P

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) June 26, 2025

There will be UFAs out there for Detroit GM to take a run at.  Don’t forget Brock Boeser and Nikolaj Ehlers, or even John Tavares. The Red Wings would be completely different if they had Tavares for the last few seasons of his career.

They also could look at defensemen Vladislav Gavrikov or maybe Ivan Provorov

Tavares is likely to stay in Toronto, but it is clear that not everyone can go back to their original teams. There’s no guarantee the Red Wings will land a name player, but they will at least try.

Latest of UFA D Nate Schmidt.

Same situation as OEL last year. Gets bought out, looked to up his stock in pursuit of a championship, gets his ring, and will likely get paid.

Happy for Schmidty no matter what happens. #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/aq2VMie0fQ

— Locked On Back-To-Back Stanley Cup Champions (@LO_FLAPanthers) June 26, 2025

Red Wings In Case You Missed it

Czech draft prospect Radim Mrtka, a 6-foot-6 defenseman, patterns his game after Moritz Seider’s playing style.

Red Wings start re-signing their RFAs with a new deal for defenseman Antti Tuomisto who has logged two seasons in Grand Rapids.

Paywall story: Red Wings couldn’t provide what the Sabres wanted in the J.J. Peterka negotiations. If want to subscribe to DHN+ stories, click here:

Red Wings Extra

Cross Jamie Benn, 35, off Detroit’s Plan B list. He re-signed with the Dallas Stars for $1 million for one season. The veteran winger still offers a prickly presence, and he scored 16 goals last season. He could have been an inexpensive third line fit for a Detroit team that needs to score more and wants to play grittier.

Hockey Now Network

Boston: The Bruins are keeping their options open when it comes to the No. 7 draft pick. Boston Bruins. 

Colorado: Place the Avalanche on the list of teams interested in acquiring Bo Byram from the Buffalo Sabres. Yes, the Avalanche were the team that traded Byram to Buffalo. Colorado Avalanche.

Florida: The Panthers acquired a second-round pick from the Washington Capitals for prospect Justin Sourdif. Based on Florida’s history, GM Bill Zito will likely trade that pick for veteran next spring that will help in their effort to land a third consecutive Stanley Cup championship. Florida Panthers. 

Montreal: Rumors link Montreal to trade interest in Jordan Kyrou and Noah Dobson. Montreal Canadiens. 

Philadelphia: Beat writer William James offers his thoughts on what the Flyers should do at the NHL draft. Philadelphia Flyers. 

Pittsburgh: The city of Pittsburgh is bidding to be the host city for the 2028 World Cup of Hockey. Pittsburgh Penguins.

San Jose: Sharks decide to buy out veteran defenseman Marc-Edouard Vlasic. San Jose Sharks. 

Vegas: Hannah Kirkell helps us make sense of the nutty Vegas trade rumors. Vegas Golden Knights.