NHL Free Agency: Biggest Regrets and the Ghost Roster

As the 2024‑25 NHL free‑agency window closes, several franchises piled on hefty, short‑term deals in a bid to build a so‑called ghost roster. The contracts, many of which lack long‑term upside, have strained salary caps and raised questions about roster stability.

Analysts argue that the under‑performance of these signings will force clubs to rethink their free‑agency strategies.