Fresh faces: Five players that will make the biggest impact on their new NHL team

The NHL offseason is in full swing, and after the draft and opening day of free agency, things have calmed down and teams have begun to take shape.

With plenty of players on the move, including some high-end names, each team hopes their offseason acquisition will end up the most meaningful. Let's take a look at the five players that will make the biggest impact on their new NHL team.

Mitch Marner, forward, Vegas Golden Knights

The clear crown jewel of the free agency class, Marner was sent to Vegas from Toronto in a sign-and-trade that amounted to an eight-year, $96 million deal ($12 million AAV). In Marner, Vegas now has an elite winger who can both score (102 points in 2024-25, fifth overall) and defender (Selke finalist in 2023).

For a team that finished both top five in goals per game and goals against, the addition of Marner can only make it more elite. The Golden Knights will look to pair Marner with top center Jack Eichel, who is coming off a career year of 94 points (eighth overall) and should be the favorite to win the Pacific division and a top contender for the Stanley Cup.

K'Andre Miller, defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes

Miller, a lanky defenseman at 6'5", 210 lbs and pending restricted free agent with the New York Rangers, had been in the trade rumors for most of the offseason. Finally, on Jul 1, the former first round pick was sent to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for Scott Morrow, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick.

After losing in five games to the Cup champion Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final, the Hurricanes were certainly looking to upgrade their roster. In Miller, they get a young, top four defenseman, who, after the departure of veteran Brent Burns, can play with elite defender Jaccob Slavin or slide down to the second pair and create a high-level top four.

John Gibson, goaltender, Detroit Red Wings

The long time Anaheim Duck goaltender has been in the trade rumor mill for years and was finally moved during the NHL Draft to the Detroit Red Wings. The Pittsburgh native should help stabilize the net in Detroit after a revolving door of goaltenders under general manager Steve Yzerman.

Gibson finished 13th in the league in goals saved above average and should help improve the Red Wings' 12th worst goals against average and 22nd ranked expected save percentage on unblocked shots (per MoneyPuck).

Nikolaj Ehlers, forward, Carolina Hurricanes

After Marner signed with Vegas, Ehlers immediately became the best forward on the market. Luckily for Carolina, after mulling over his options, Ehlers signed a six-year, $51 million deal ($8.5 million AAV).

After landing K'Andre Miller to solidify their defense, the Hurricanes now also improve their forward core with the addition of a scoring winger. Ehlers, who finished third on the Jets with 0.91 points per game, should play on Carolina's top line with Sebastian Aho, allowing winger Andrei Svechnikov to drop down to the second line for some better forward depth.

Vladislav Gavrikov, defense, New York Rangers

The Rangers secured Gavrikov, the top defender on the market, with a seven-year, $49 million deal ($7 million AAV), allowing them to move K'Andre Miller, who plays a more risky game.