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Greg Wyshynski
NHL groups head into this offseason with an understanding of the place the wage cap is climbing over the following three seasons. It is projected to rise to $95.5 million subsequent season; $104 million in 2026-27; after which as much as $113.5 million in 2027-28.
That would result in extra groups comfortably retaining their very own gamers on expiring contracts. Or it might result in these gamers obtain inflated presents in free company, as a rising cap means rising chaos.
This is a take a look at the unrestricted free agent discipline, organized into totally different tiers. There are additionally some important restricted free brokers, too — like forwards Matthew Knies (Maple Leafs), JJ Peterka (Sabres) and Marco Rossi (Wild); and defensemen Evan Bouchard (Oilers), Noah Dobson (Islanders) and K’Andre Miller (Rangers). It is anybody’s guess if last season’s offer sheet fun was an anomaly or the brand new regular.
The contract phrases and common annual contract values are courtesy of PuckPedia. Within the case of gamers whose salaries had been retained in transactions, we’re itemizing the total common annual worth of their contracts.
Which gamers are you hoping your workforce indicators this offseason?
The free agent who will earn probably the most consideration this offseason.
Age: 28 | 2024-25 cap hit: $10,903,000
Marner’s noncommittal answers at Toronto’s postseason media availability did little to discourage the notion that the winger — who has performed his complete nine-year profession together with his childhood workforce that drafted him fourth overall in 2015 — is completed in Toronto. It is perhaps time for a change: Blaming Marner for the franchise’s playoff failures has develop into an annual ceremony, and he’ll simply break the financial institution in unrestricted free company. The lure to go away has by no means been stronger.
Over the previous 5 seasons, six gamers have extra factors than Marner (450 in 357 video games): Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Artemi Panarin and David Pastrnak. Marner has the fewest objectives scored (138) of that group, however he is considerably higher defensively than most of that lot: His 14 shorthanded factors in that span tie him with Aleksander Barkov, who’s at present amassing Selke Trophies like they’re Pokémon.
Marner’s points-per-game charge over the previous 5 common seasons is 1.26. It dips to 0.93 within the playoffs throughout that span. Though he has 42 factors in 48 video games, Marner has been called “passive” and far worse within the playoffs. Former NHL participant Jordan Schmaltz stated Marner bails out of physical plays within the postseason like he has “a parachute” on his again.
All of that is to say that Marner is a sophisticated acquisition. The ability is unquestionable. The desire, when the video games matter most, has been questioned yearly. Who needs that on their roster, and what’s it price?
It was reported at one level that the Leafs had been contemplating a deal for eight years and $13.5 million per season, which might have made him the workforce’s highest-paid participant yearly over Auston Matthews ($13.25 million). Mikko Rantanen, who would have been the belle of the free agent ball had he not signed with the Dallas Stars, is making $12 million yearly over eight years in a state with no revenue tax, for context.
The Carolina Hurricanes tried to accumulate Marner for Rantanen however had been rebuffed by the participant, who had a full no-movement clause — and a son who could be born in Might, making that call utterly comprehensible. They have the cap area, and the necessity, to be fascinated with Marner once more.
Groups on the rise such because the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks and Utah Mammoth have been talked about for Marner — if he nonetheless needs a few of that Unique Six taste, taking part in within the Windy Metropolis whereas threading passes to Connor Bedard would not harm.
Groups that like to make their offseason splashes such because the Florida Panthers and the Vegas Golden Knights have been speculated, as have the Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders who might look to do one thing huge. There has even been speak about a reunion with former Leafs common supervisor Kyle Dubas on the Pittsburgh Penguins — heck, if the rap on Marner is that he cannot work out playoff hockey, you would do loads worse than having Sidney Crosby as your tutor for a few seasons.
All of that is assuming he leaves Toronto. Whereas it definitely appears to be like like that’ll occur, let’s all keep in mind the golden rule of NHL free company: His stuff is there.
Tier 2: The impression gamers
These are established gamers who can play key, rapid roles for a workforce.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $4.425 million
Bennett is actually the anti-Marner: Nearly all of his worth is derived from his win-at-all-costs postseason play, with the “prices” usually being the bodily wellbeing of opponents. Bennett is a reliable regular-season performer, as he had 25 objectives and 26 assists this season for the Panthers to go together with 90 penalty minutes.
He will be paid handsomely this summer season. Maybe by somebody seeking to have him be the final piece of their championship puzzle; or maybe as a Stanley Cup-winning trainer who can instruct a middling workforce how one can take the following step.
The belief is that somebody goes to cost the Panthers out of Bennett, however let’s keep in mind two issues right here: He loves taking part in for Florida, and GM Invoice Zito is aware of what a vital ingredient Bennett has been of their postseason success — and that Bennett contains a dynamic duo with star Matthew Tkachuk. The 2 sides have engaged in contract talks in the course of the season.
Age: 28 | 2024-25 cap hit: $6.65 million
There’s in all probability extra curiosity exterior of Vancouver in signing Boeser than inside the Canucks group, which has despatched combined indicators about retaining him. He’s one season faraway from a 40-goal marketing campaign and has eased issues about his means to stay within the lineup for a full season.
There’s been heavy hypothesis that the Burnsville, Minn., native might discover his method to the Wild, however do not depend out potential suitors such because the Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $6 million
Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has performed a formidable job dispelling the “nobody needs to register Winnipeg” accusation, having gotten Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck and Neal Pionk to re-up up to now few years. Ehlers is his finance check.
“We’ll put our greatest foot ahead with him to attempt to make our case to be a singular Jet-for-life-type participant,” Cheveldayoff stated.
A constant level producer, Ehlers put his finest foot ahead towards a free agent payday together with his finest factors per 60 minutes common (3.5) in 5 years. He’s an offensive drive — when he’s within the lineup, as Ehlers has performed over 70 video games simply as soon as up to now 4 seasons, and he has missed time within the playoffs, as nicely.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $7.5 million
The widespread pondering when the Panthers acquired Seth Jones from the Blackhawks was that the workforce would let No. 1 defenseman Aaron Ekblad stroll as a free agent. However Zito has been adamant that the workforce might nonetheless retain the profession Panther, even with Jones including $7 million to their blue line and with Florida having different contractual enterprise to handle (like a possible new deal for Bennett).
With choices comparable to Jakob Chychrun having re-signed forward of free company (eight years, $72 million with Washington), Ekblad is definitely the most effective big-name D-man accessible — and one with a Stanley Cup ring, no much less. He had 33 factors with a median ice time of 23:31 in 56 video games this season, which was truncated by a 20-game suspension for violating the phrases of the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program.
Age: 37 | 2024-25 cap hit: $6.125 million
There’s been no higher commercial for the star winger’s worth than what he has performed with the Panthers after they acquired him from the Bruins. He has introduced a veteran tenacity to their backside six, whereas sometimes popping as much as play with Aleksander Barkov. He has produced, too, with 13 factors in 16 playoff video games.
As coach Paul Maurice famous, the Panthers wanted a participant as vocal and media-friendly as Marchand to take the stress off among the extra serene abilities on the workforce.
If he does not stay in Dawn, there shall be no scarcity of groups fascinated with including his profitable pedigree — though wage and time period would be the trick in signing him. Let’s face it: There would not be a subsequent chapter extra fascinating than Marchand signing with the Maple Leafs, the workforce he has tormented for years — however he has just lately admitted to cheering for the Leafs as a child rising up in Halifax.
Age: 33 | 2024-25 cap hit: $6 million
Nelson was one in every of a number of gamers the Avalanche added of their trade deadline shopping spree that could not get them previous Dallas within the opening spherical. Nelson had six objectives and 7 assists in 19 video games for the Avs within the common season however went scoreless in 4 of their seven playoff video games towards Dallas.
Was the match adequate for each that he seeks to increase in Colorado, or are there different locations for Nelson to carry his number of expertise and get some additional contract time period within the course of?
Age: 34 | 2024-25 cap hit: $11 million
Whereas Mitch Marner was noncommittal about his future in Toronto, Tavares did all the things however belt out a model of “And I Am Telling You I am Not Going” from “Dreamgirls” after their playoff elimination.
“I’ve expressed my need to remain and eager to make it work,” the veteran center said.
Do the Leafs carry him again on the proper value level, or is Tavares one other roster sacrifice made within the title of fixing the combo after their playoff disappointment? One intriguing potential vacation spot: Utah, which might use each a big-name free agent signing and a veteran presence within the center.
Tier 3: The perfect bets
These gamers have proven they’re definitely worth the funding.
Age: 34 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $3 million
Duchene has discovered a slot in Dallas, and Dallas discovered a slot in Duchene. He was among the best worth signings final offseason, inking a one-year extension price $3 million earlier than tallying 82 factors in 82 video games, his finest offensive season since 2021-22 with Nashville. His playoff output by means of 16 video games was much less distinctive with only one purpose and 5 assists.
Given the dearth of unrestricted free agent veteran scorers together with his credentials, there might be temptation to examine how inexperienced the grass is elsewhere. But it surely’s doable Duchene is following that late-career path of different veterans: Taking a sequence of one-year offers to stay with a workforce he likes.
Age: 29 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $5.875 million
Gavrikov simply accomplished a two-year deal that he signed with common supervisor Rob Blake in 2023. The wrinkle right here: Blake is not the GM, with Ken Holland now on the helm in Los Angeles.
Gavrikov had a powerful defensive season with the Kings and chipped in 30 factors (5 objectives, 25 assists), which was the second-highest complete of his six-season profession. He was strong when paired with both Mikey Anderson or Jordan Spence.
All of this it say that the Kings ought to search to retain Gavrikov. But when his new deal is simply too wealthy for what Holland needs to do with the remainder of this roster, different groups will gladly add him to their blue line.
Age: 37 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $6.5 million
Barring one thing unexpected, Giroux ought to prolong his relationship with the Senators earlier than free company hits. He had 50 factors in 81 video games this previous season, his third with Ottawa, which made the playoffs for the primary time in eight seasons.
There isn’t any motive to consider he will not nonetheless be a Senator subsequent season, but when he shakes unfastened, he has sufficient offensive pop left to assist somebody.
Age: 33 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $5,166,666
He was coveted on the commerce deadline as a quintessential checking heart with Stanley Cup championship expertise. Gourde ended up going again to the Lightning from the Seattle Kraken, for whom he tallied 14 factors in 21 video games however was a nonfactor in 5 playoff video games.
GM Julien BriseBois has stated the workforce acquired Gourde with the thought of conserving him past this season. However as Steven Stamkos will attest, that normally means it’s going to occur primarily based on the Lightning’s economics, which could not sync with Gourde’s.
Age: 33 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $5 million
One in every of a number of nice strikes made by Stars GM Jim Nill this season, Granlund was rescued from final place San Jose, for which he posted 45 factors in 52 video games. Granlund had 21 factors in 31 video games for Dallas then 9 in 16 playoff video games whereas skating on the “Finnish Mafia” line with Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz.
Somebody might be going to overpay for Granlund, whose uptick in purpose scoring has coincided with pending free company. However he has produced factors wherever he has performed (Pittsburgh excluded).
Age: 34 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $5 million
Palmieri presents new Islanders common supervisor Mathieu Darche one in every of his first challenges. It is clear that former GM Lou Lamoriello needed to increase the winger, hanging on to him on the commerce deadline. There’s advantage to that: Palmieri registered 30 objectives and 24 objectives over the previous two seasons, and offense is not precisely in abundance on the Islanders’ roster.
That stated, it is excessive time for New York to show over the roster Lamoriello constructed to diminishing returns, and Palmieri has been there since 2021.
Age: 28 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $6.75 million
Provorov is an effective skater who can play on the ability play and the penalty kill whereas munching appreciable minutes (23:21 per sport). He is a really strong puck mover who has elite puck-retrieval expertise. If the Blue Jackets retain him, he might be the veteran anchor for his or her second pairing behind Zach Werenski.
They hung onto him on the commerce deadline, and common supervisor Don Waddell stated he needs to signal him this summer season. If Provorov hits the open market, he will not be the one GM with that purpose.
Tier 4: The perfect values
Underneath-the-radar gems, analytics darlings and difference-makers with low-cost contracts.
Age: 27 | 2024-25 cap hit: $1.25 million
This is not the primary time Beauvillier has been on this tier, however his season with the Penguins and the Capitals underscored how precious he might be on a funds contract, particularly his six factors in 10 playoff video games with the Caps of their temporary playoff run.
Robust underlying numbers, good output and nonetheless solely 27 till subsequent month.
Age: 31 | 2024-25 cap hit: $1 million
If it wasn’t for that different Connor stealing all the eye in Edmonton, maybe extra individuals would have appreciated the common season Connor Brown had for the Oilers — 13 objectives and 17 assists in 82 video games, skating to a plus-9 in 14:01 of common ice time per sport — on a steal of a contract.
It took his playoff outburst — 5 objectives and three assists by means of 14 video games — to essentially seize some consideration:
A tough-working, pace-setting participant.
Age: 36 | 2024-25 cap hit: $2.25 million
“Daddy” had a formidable stroll yr with 20 objectives and 20 assists in 80 video games. He noticed comparable averages within the first yr of his two-year cope with Dallas. He’s by no means getting again to the offensive numbers he posted in his prime, however on the proper common annual worth, Dadonov might be an offensive power within the common season.
Age: 33 | 2024-25 cap hit: $3.15 million
The previous Anaheim Duck was a trade-deadline pickup for New Jersey who was pressed into extra service than anticipated as a result of accidents to the Devils’ defensive corps within the playoffs. Of their five-game sequence towards Carolina, Dumoulin averaged 29:21 per sport in ice time, skating over 36 minutes in two additional time video games and taking part in nicely within the course of.
The 2-time Cup winner with Pittsburgh nonetheless can carry it within the postseason.
Age: 26 | 2024-25 cap hit: $2.5 million
Sure, that is Dante Fabbro of the Why on earth did the Nashville Predators put Dante Fabbro on waivers final season? fame. The Preds’ loss and the Jackets’ acquire, as Fabbro had 26 factors in 62 video games, skating to a plus-23 with Columbus as Zach Werenski‘s accomplice.
The underlying numbers reaffirm he was nice on each ends of the ice. Clearly, numerous that’s taking part in with a Norris Trophy finalist, however Fabbro earned his time with Werenski.
Age: 31 | 2024-25 cap hit: $2.75 million
The previous Boston Bruins defenseman had a quietly sturdy season for the Penguins with one purpose however 39 assists — 24 of them at even power. Protection was by no means his calling card, however offensively, he was strong in conventional stats and analytics.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $1.075 million
Wait, a former Buffalo Sabres ahead being acquired by the Golden Knights and discovering his sport once more? Never seen that before …
Anyway, Olofsson had 15 objectives and 14 assists on a bargain-basement “present me” contract. He has demonstrated up to now that, when wholesome, he has a ton of offensive upside.
Age: 34/2024-25 cap hit $5 million
There is a motive the Golden Knights ran it again with Smith on the commerce deadline. He’s a perfectively serviceable depth ahead who’s going to provide decently on offense and may contribute on each particular groups.
He’s effective if solid in the precise function — that’s, not a top-line winger — because the Rangers found.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $1.6 million
Suter is teetering getting ready to a possible overpay, after setting profession highs in objectives (25) and factors (46) in a contract yr with the Canucks. However his purpose manufacturing has been regular in restricted roles all through his profession, and he does sufficient away from the puck — in response to the analytics — that even a dip in final season’s numbers will not make a multiplier on his cap hit regrettable.
Tier 5: The boom-or-busts
Gamers who’ve the flexibility to justify the funding or whose contracts might finally develop into an eyesore on PuckPedia.
Age: 35 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $9.5 million
Benn signed his eight-year contract in July 2016, nevertheless it by some means feels for much longer in the past than that. Maybe due to his 16-year tenure with Dallas; when Benn was a rookie, Mike Modano was nonetheless on the Stars. But in addition as a result of this contract was a subject of debate from the second it was signed.
Whereas Benn’s most efficient offensive days are behind him, he has nonetheless managed 49 factors in 80 video games this season in a restricted function; he has been below 16 minutes in common ice time for the previous three seasons.
GM Nill stated Benn shall be a Dallas Star for all times, however the two determined to have this season play out earlier than speaking extension. Benn’s worth is in his management, physicality and intangibles. However Dallas or whichever workforce indicators him must tread evenly in AAV and time period right here.
Age: 40 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $8 million
The beard, the ranch, the mysterious bag crammed with mysterious gadgets. There are few NHL gamers who’ve impressed the kind of lore that Brent Burns has. He additionally used to encourage numerous offense, however that manufacturing has fallen off steeply over the previous two seasons — from 61 factors to 43 factors to 29 factors in 82 video games this season, the bottom common of factors per 60 minutes of his profession.
Is that this run the tip of the road for Burns? He hasn’t stated. However there’s at all times going to be a marketplace for a puck-moving defenseman within the NHL who can log 20 minutes per sport.
Age: 29 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $2 million
Donato had an all-timer walk-year bump this previous season, setting new profession highs in objectives (31) and assists (31) in 80 video games with the Blackhawks. He was speaking to Chicago a couple of new deal across the commerce deadline, and the Hawks opted to not transfer him. That is a sign they see him as a part of their group transferring ahead. Having chemistry with Connor Bedard in all probability does not harm.
The questions now: How does one quantify that in a contract? And might Donato repeat the feat in a noncontract yr?
Age: 30 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $2.5 million
Drouin recaptured his offensive sport with Colorado, which acquired him with the encouragement of his junior hockey teammate Nathan MacKinnon. It was a heartwarming story. Much less so was the truth that, as soon as once more, the harm bug munched on him this previous season.
He had 37 factors in 43 video games, exhibiting that when he is within the lineup he might be efficient. Operative phrase: when he is within the lineup.
Age: 36 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $4 million
We nearly put “Showtime” within the “finest bets” class given how he outperformed his incentive-laden, one-year contract with Detroit final season by tallying 21 objectives and 38 factors in 72 video games. He performed nicely with longtime linemate Alex DeBrincat and responded nicely when Detroit employed Todd McLellan to take over as coach.
The difficulty with Kane is on the opposite facet of the puck, the place he was analytically the weakest defensive ahead on the Purple Wings.
Age: 29 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $5.5 million
Kuzmenko match actually properly with the Kings after they acquired him from the Flyers. He appeared to be the participant Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe had been ready for to affix their line. Assuming new GM Ken Holland sees it the identical manner, it should be intriguing to learn how that’s valued in regard to AAV and time period.
If Holland does not, then Kuzmenko shall be onto a fifth workforce in three seasons, tantalized by his offensive pop and power-play prowess.
Age: 27 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $4.5 million
The Rangers traded the 27-year-old to the Avalanche on the commerce deadline. He is a strong defensive defenseman who might complement a puck-moving accomplice, like he did in New York with Adam Fox.
However at this level in Lindgren’s NHL profession, it is virtually predestined that he’s going to both play by means of accidents or miss a while due to them.
Age: 33 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $7.75 million
Orlov stunned many the final time he was a free agent by signing a short-term, high-AAV contract with the Hurricanes. He had a slight uptick in offensive manufacturing this season however remained simply above alternative degree as a defender. Orlov has been particularly tough in his personal finish within the playoffs.
Whereas the Canes might let him stroll, there’s possible worth in conserving Orlov round as a accomplice and mentor to rookie Alexander Nikishin, who appears to be like like one thing particular.
Age: 33 | 2024-2025 cap hit: $3 million
What was anticipated to be among the best worth signings within the NHL final offseason by no means actually labored out that manner for Skinner and Edmonton. He had 16 objectives and 13 assists in 72 video games, skating simply 12:60 on common. He did seem in a single playoff sport towards the Kings, his first postseason motion of his 15-year profession.
Skinner is 2 seasons faraway from a 35-goal marketing campaign with Buffalo.
Age: 37 | 2022-23 cap hit: $10.5 million
We all know what sort of participant Toews was for the Blackhawks: a Selke Trophy-winning captain who received three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe, one who was nonetheless placing up numbers (31 factors in 53 video games) deep into the Chicago rebuild.
However we do not know what sort of participant he’s now, having final appeared in a sport again in April 2023 earlier than stepping away from the NHL for well being issues and private progress.
Toews has expressed an curiosity in coming again to play once more. That has led to hypothesis a couple of comeback with everybody from his hometown Winnipeg Jets to the championship-starved Maple Leafs to the Oilers, for whom his outdated GM Stan Bowman now works.
Tier 6: The goalies
The few, the proud, the accessible goaltenders
Age: 34 | 2024-25 cap hit: $3.85 million
Allen outplayed Jacob Markstrom within the common season, with a better save share (.908), extra objectives saved above anticipated (8.75) and simply as many shutouts (4). The Devils like their goaltending, and GM Tom Fitzgerald has mentioned negotiating to carry Allen again. However given the opposite choices on the free agent goaltending market, somebody may go increased than the Devils are prepared to go.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $3.4 million
The previous starter for the Colorado Avalanche, Georgiev was despatched to the Sharks within the Mackenzie Blackwood commerce. Issues weren’t all the higher for him there, as Georgiev had minus-13.7 objectives saved above anticipated in 31 video games for San Jose.
GM Mike Grier already advised the goaltender he will not be again with the Sharks subsequent season.
Age: 32 | 2024-25 cap hit: $900,000
One in every of 5 goalies the Wings used this season, Lyon performed 30 video games for Detroit with an .896 save share and a 14-9-1 file. He was slightly below common in objectives saved above anticipated at minus-1.63.
Age: 28 | 2024-25 cap hit: $1.8 million
Signed in an economical deal as a backup to Adin Hill, Samsonov had a second straight season with a sub-.900 save share, together with a minus-7.85 objectives saved above anticipated.
Age: 29 | 2024-25 cap hit: $3.4 million
A former starter with the Devils, Vanecek cut up time between the Sharks and Panthers this season, and he wasn’t significantly nice for both of them.
Age: 27 | 2024-25 cap hit: $2.2 million
Dustin Wolf‘s incredible rookie season was supported by 30 video games of completely common goaltending from Vladar, who stays a dependable tandem goalie if not far more.
Tier 7: The spackle
The opposite free brokers accessible that do not neatly fall into these tiers.
Mason Appleton, C, Winnipeg Jets
Cam Atkinson, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning
Joel Armia, LW/RW, Montreal Canadiens
Nathan Bastian, RW, New Jersey Devils
Nick Bjugstad, C, Utah Mammoth
Justin Brazeau, RW, Minnesota Wild
Cody Ceci, D, Dallas Stars
Tony DeAngelo, D, New York Islanders
Calvin de Haan, D, New York Rangers
Christian Dvorak, C, Montreal Canadiens
Lars Eller, C, Washington Capitals
Robby Fabbri, F, Anaheim Ducks
Radek Faksa, C, St. Louis Blues
Anton Forsberg, G, Ottawa Senators
Trent Frederic, C, Edmonton Oilers
Adam Gaudette, RW, Ottawa Senators
Tanner Jeannot, F, Los Angeles Kings
Kasperi Kapanen, RW, Edmonton Oilers
John Klingberg, D, Edmonton Oilers
Luke Kunin, F, Columbus Blue Jackets
Sean Kuraly, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
Oliver Kylington, D, Anaheim Ducks
Andrew Mangiapane, F, Washington Capitals
Anthony Mantha, RW, Calgary Flames
Brock McGinn, LW, Anaheim Ducks
Gustav Nyquist, RW, Minnesota Wild
Max Pacioretty, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Nick Perbix, D, Tampa Bay Lightning
Corey Perry, RW, Edmonton Oilers
Jeff Petry, D, Detroit Red Wings
Taylor Raddysh, D, Washington Capitals
Jack Roslovic, F, Carolina Hurricanes
Jan Rutta, D, San Jose Sharks
Brandon Saad, LW, Vegas Golden Knights
Nate Schmidt, D, Florida Panthers
Brendan Smith, D, Dallas Stars
Nico Sturm, C, Florida Panthers
Brandon Tanev, LW, Winnipeg Jets
James van Riemsdyk, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets