Just weeks after the Florida Panthers clinched their second consecutive Stanley Cup, the NHL is facing a surprising offseason dilemma — a shortage of available players despite an eye-popping $275 million in unused cap space across the league.

While champions like the Panthers and contenders like the Vegas Golden Knights have made strategic moves, top agent Allan Walsh warns that many teams are stuck in a holding pattern.

“There is approximately $275 million of available cap space remaining within the system for next year,” Walsh posted on X. “The most common comment from NHL teams right now – ‘We have the cap dollars but no players to spend them on.’”Many anticipated a wild free agent market, but key players were locked in before July 1.

Stars like Brad Marchand, Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Mitch Marner never even made it to the open market. The Panthers retained their core, the Golden Knights added firepower, and the Leafs offloaded Marner, all while other teams were left scrambling.

The result? A league full of front offices with cash in hand — and an empty shelf to shop from. “Watch for the trade market to heat up next week,” Walsh added, suggesting GMs may be forced to explore trades instead of free agency to bolster their rosters.

Still, not all hope is lost. Players like Jack Roslovic, Max Pacioretty, Victor Olofsson, and Jeff Skinner remain available for teams in need of wingers. As for centers, Joe Veleno has attracted interest from teams like the Canadiens, Panthers, and Golden Knights.Goaltenders are another critical need, and names like Ilya Samsonov are floating around — though some clubs, like the Oilers, may be off the table after signing Matt Tomkins to a two-year deal.Also Read: Anaheim Ducks may face backlash over Mason McTavish contract drama as NHL insider hints at offer sheet riskWhile free agency may have fizzled faster than expected, desperation is a powerful motivator. With so much money on the line and rosters still incomplete, the NHL trade market could soon explode — because standing still isn’t an option when $275 million is up for grabs.