National Hockey League (NHL) teams looking to improve through the free agent market will need to be extra aggressive this summer because they won’t be spoiled for choice.
In fact, few top players currently have no valid contract for next season. Here are five athletes that Bettman Circuit executives will sign when they achieve full autonomy.
Vladimir Tarasenko – forward
Among future free agents, the Russian forward is undoubtedly the one with the most compass in mind. He has six appearances with more than 30 goals under his belt and is still only 31 years old. His health problems appear to be over and he’s been able to impress with the New York Rangers despite their forward group being overburdened. Will he receive a salary in excess of $7.5 million, the annual amount he received under his previous contract? We doubt it, but he has a unique tool among hockey players who will be as free as the air.
Vladislav Gavrikov – defender
The Los Angeles Kings had to sacrifice a first-round pick to get Gavrikov and goalie Joonas Korpisalo, and despite their early exit, they certainly don’t regret the trade. They have both become important members of the squad and it is not out of the question that they will be back in the City of Angels in 2023/24. However, with the Kings stuck under the salary cap, they may have to let Gavrikov walk away. With a large physique and a 33-point season already, he should at least double his annual salary of $2.8 million.
Alex Killorn – Forward
This is a player who should catch the attention of Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens. Although born in Halifax, the 33-year veteran has lived most of his life in metropolitan Quebec. He is a two-time Stanley Cup winner and has 140 playoff game experience. He has career-high goals (27) and points (64) this season, proving his place in the top six. No free agent has scored more points in 2022–2023 than Killorn. Will he be willing to leave a few bucks on the table to stay out in the Florida sun, or will he emulate Ondrej Palat and pack his bags to sign a more lucrative deal?
Dmitry Orlov – defender
Like compatriot Gavrikov, Orlov could test the market if his team, the Boston Bruins, are unable to free up funds below the salary cap. After being acquired by the Washington Capitals, Orlov was nothing short of phenomenal with the Cubs. Closing out the regular season, he had 17 points in 23 games before racking up eight assists in seven playoff games. Orlov is an all-around defender who would play in top pair in most formations on tour. A team won’t hesitate to offer him the jackpot, especially as he’s still in the prime of life at 31.
Tyler Bertuzzi – Forward
Toronto Maple Leafs’ Bertuzzi and Michael Bunting are two good options for a team looking to bring in a dour and talented forward. Todd Bertuzzi’s nephew has made headlines in recent years for being the only player in the county not vaccinated against COVID-19, but he also scored 30 goals and 62 points in the 2021-2022 season. Despite the Bruins’ short playoff streak, his five goals and ten points in seven games certainly haven’t hurt his value. He has only initialed short-term contracts since his debut at the circuit. Bertuzzi will be looking for a long-term and lucrative deal and several teams could get the bait.
They too will be in demand
Goalies: Tristan Jarry (Pittsburgh Penguins), Frederik Andersen (Carolina Hurricanes), Joonas Korpisalo (Los Angeles Kings);
Defensemen: Matt Dumba (Minnesota Wild), Damon Severson (New Jersey Devils), Brian Dumoulin (Pittsburgh Penguins);
Forwards: JT Compher (Colorado Avalanche), Patrick Kane (New York Rangers), Ryan O’Reilly (Toronto Maple Leafs), Ivan Barbashev (Vegas Golden Knights).