Rise of the Free Agents: Spotlight on 25 NHL Players as the Doors Open on Saturday’s Free Agency

25 Players to Watch as NHL Free Agency Opens

NHL teams are gearing up for the free agency signing period, which opens on Saturday. This is a crucial time for teams to address their immediate needs and bolster their roster for the upcoming season. With several big names already off the market, here are 25 players to watch as the frenzy begins.

1. Dmitry Orlov (Defenseman, Boston Bruins)

Orlov provides steady top-four play and has shown an offensive side since his trade from the Washington Capitals to the Bruins. He was productive in the playoffs as well, contributing 17 points in 23 games.

2. Tyler Bertuzzi (Forward, Boston Bruins)

Bertuzzi is a gritty player with three 20-goal seasons under his belt. Despite being injured on two occasions while with the Detroit Red Wings, he showed promise after his trade to Boston and made an impressive playoff debut.

3. Alex Killorn (Forward, Tampa Bay Lightning)

Killorn is coming off a stellar season, leading all free agents with 64 points. He brings valuable championship experience to the table with two Stanley Cup rings and two other trips to the Final.

4. Ryan O’Reilly (Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs)

O’Reilly is another player with championship experience, having won the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and receiving the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He is also a former winner of the Selke Trophy.

5. Vladimir Tarasenko (Forward, New York Rangers)

Tarasenko, a former Cup winner, bounced back from two injury-filled seasons to score 34 goals in the 2021-22 season. While his production dropped to 18 goals last season, teams will be intrigued by his previous scoring prowess.

6. Patrick Kane (Forward, New York Rangers)

Kane will be sidelined for four to six months due to hip-resurfacing surgery. However, if he returns to his vintage form, he remains a valuable asset on any team. With three Stanley Cup championships under his belt, his experience and skill make him a good risk to take.

7. Jason Zucker (Forward, Pittsburgh Penguins)

Zucker had a resurgence after two down seasons, scoring 27 goals. He has a proven track record with five 20-goal seasons and one 30-goal season, making him an attractive option for teams.

8. J.T. Compher (Forward, Colorado Avalanche)

Compher had a career-best 52 points while filling in the No. 2 center role for the Avalanche. However, he struggled to make an impact in the playoffs, and teams will need to evaluate his consistency.

9. Michael Bunting (Forward, Toronto Maple Leafs)

Bunting has shown promise as a top-six forward, averaging 23 goals and 56 points in his two seasons with the Maple Leafs. However, he was suspended for three games in the playoffs, raising some concerns about his discipline.

10. Frederik Andersen (Goalie, Carolina Hurricanes)

Andersen is a proven goaltender with five 30-win seasons and two William Jennings Trophy wins. However, injuries have been an issue for him, and teams will need to weigh the risks associated with his health.

11. Max Pacioretty (Forward, Carolina Hurricanes)

Pacioretty’s season was marred by injuries, including a torn Achilles tendon. When healthy, he is a consistent 30-goal scorer, making him an enticing option for teams willing to take on the risk.

12. Max Domi (Forward, Dallas Stars)

Domi had a strong season with the Chicago Blackhawks and had a good playoff run with the Stars, contributing 13 points in 19 games. His gritty style of play and scoring ability make him an intriguing free agent.

13. Shayne Gostisbehere (Defenseman, Carolina Hurricanes)

Gostisbehere is an offensive-minded defenseman, leading all free agent defensemen with 13 goals and ranking second in points with 41. His ability to contribute offensively from the blue line is a valuable asset.

14. Evan Rodrigues (Forward, Colorado Avalanche)

Rodrigues provides secondary scoring and can move up a line if needed. His versatility was evident when he filled in for an injured Malkin with the Pittsburgh Penguins two seasons ago.

15. Tristan Jarry (Goaltender, Pittsburgh Penguins)

Jarry is a two-time All-Star with a solid career save percentage of .914. However, his injury history may give some teams pause, and they will need to carefully assess his long-term reliability.

16. Garnet Hathaway (Forward, Boston Bruins)

Hathaway’s feistiness and physical play are highly valued in the NHL. He consistently racks up hits and has reached double digits in goals, making him an attractive depth player.

17. Luke Schenn (Defenseman, Toronto Maple Leafs)

Schenn led the league in hits with 318 and tied his career high in points with 22. His physicality and defensive prowess make him an asset on any blue line.

18. Radko Gudas (Defenseman, Florida Panthers)

Gudas is another player known for his physical game, ranking right behind Schenn with 312 hits. He excels in his defensive responsibilities and provides a solid presence on the blue line.

19. Jonathan Toews (Forward, Chicago Blackhawks)

Toews, the longtime captain of the Blackhawks, brings leadership, two-way play, and three championships to any team. However, his health remains a major factor in determining his playing future.

20. Tomas Tatar (Forward, New Jersey Devils)

Tatar reached the 20-goal mark last season but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Teams will need to evaluate whether he can regain his scoring touch on a consistent basis.

21. Matt Duchene (Forward, Nashville Predators)

Duchene’s contract was bought out by the Predators, despite having 43 goals two seasons ago and 22 goals last season. His inconsistency may raise concerns for potential suitors.

22. Blake Wheeler (Forward, Winnipeg Jets)

Wheeler also had his contract bought out by the Jets. He recorded 55 points in the last season and 60 points two seasons ago. His offensive production makes him an intriguing option for teams looking to add scoring depth.

23. John Klingberg (Defenseman, Minnesota Wild)

Klingberg provided solid offensive contributions last season, scoring 10 goals. However, his -53 plus/minus rating over the past two seasons raises questions about his defensive play.

24. Matt Dumba (Defenseman, Minnesota Wild)

Dumba may not have put up the same offensive numbers as in previous seasons, but his right-handed shot and defensive skills make him a valuable asset for teams in need of a reliable defenseman.

25. Joonas Korpisalo (Goaltender, Los Angeles Kings)

Korpisalo showcased his ability after being traded to the Kings, recording a 2.13 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage. With a better defense in front of him, he has proven to be a solid goaltender.

Note: Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci of the Boston Bruins were not included in this list as they are expected to either return to Boston or retire.

Conclusion

The NHL free agency period presents an opportunity for teams to reshape their rosters and address their immediate needs. With several notable players available, teams will need to carefully evaluate the risks and rewards of signing each player. Championship experience, scoring ability, defensive skills, and goaltending reliability are all factors that teams will consider as they look to improve their chances of playoff success.

It remains to be seen which teams will prioritize which players, but the coming days will undoubtedly bring excitement and anticipation as teams make moves to strengthen their lineups. Canadian hockey fans will be keeping a close eye on their favorite teams and eagerly awaiting the announcement of new signings.