July 1 has arrived, and the NHL’s free-agent frenzy is on.
Where are the top targets landing? The Athletic will mark players in green on its Big Board as signings are confirmed, and follow along in our live blog, as well.
Sam Reinhart
Reinhart has been a consistent offensive performer over the past decade but took it to another level this season on the back of a 24.5 percent shooting percentage — the highest total of his NHL career.
Even if that hints at some regression, he’s a strong bet to continue producing at the rate of a first liner.
Reinhart is a power-play threat who once profiled as more of a playmaker but fired 2.85 shots per game on goal during his breakout campaign.
Reinhart has been a consistent offensive performer over the past decade but took it to another level this season on the back of a 24.5 percent shooting percentage — the highest total of his NHL career.
Even if that hints at some regression, he’s a strong bet to continue producing at the rate of a first liner.
Reinhart is a power-play threat who once profiled as more of a playmaker but fired 2.85 shots per game on goal during his breakout campaign.
Jake Guentzel
Guentzel made a strong impression after a midseason trade from Pittsburgh to Carolina, compiling 12 goals and 34 points in 28 games following the move.
In fact, Guentzel played so well that the Hurricanes made an eight-year, $64 million offer for a contract extension ahead of July 1.
An undersized winger who performs much bigger than his stature, especially when the stakes are highest, Guentzel has an impressive 38 goals in 69 career Stanley Cup playoff games.
Guentzel made a strong impression after a midseason trade from Pittsburgh to Carolina, compiling 12 goals and 34 points in 28 games following the move.
In fact, Guentzel played so well that the Hurricanes made an eight-year, $64 million offer for a contract extension ahead of July 1.
An undersized winger who performs much bigger than his stature, especially when the stakes are highest, Guentzel has an impressive 38 goals in 69 career Stanley Cup playoff games.
Steven Stamkos
The heart and soul of the Lightning since being drafted No. 1 in 2008, Stamkos is starting fresh.
It was the team’s call to delay any talks on an extension with the Stamkos camp last summer. Tampa Bay then decided against using any of the extra cap space gained through a couple trades at the draft to up its offer to him.
Stamkos has a sterling reputation in NHL circles and remains a dangerous shooter — potting 40 goals for the seventh time in his career this season. He was also a standout performer during the team’s first-round playoff loss to Florida.
The heart and soul of the Lightning since being drafted No. 1 in 2008, Stamkos is starting fresh.
It was the team’s call to delay any talks on an extension with the Stamkos camp last summer. Tampa Bay then decided against using any of the extra cap space gained through a couple trades at the draft to up its offer to him.
Stamkos has a sterling reputation in NHL circles and remains a dangerous shooter — potting 40 goals for the seventh time in his career this season. He was also a standout performer during the team’s first-round playoff loss to Florida.
Elias Lindholm
A strong playoffs salvaged what had been a difficult stretch for Lindholm in Vancouver following his trade from Calgary over All-Star weekend.
The right-shot center initially bounced around the lineup and saw a steep drop in production before settling in and scoring some of the biggest goals during the Canucks' postseason run.
Still, he’s a versatile player who plays a premium position and is just two seasons removed from a career-best 42 goals and 82 points.
A strong playoffs salvaged what had been a difficult stretch for Lindholm in Vancouver following his trade from Calgary over All-Star weekend.
The right-shot center initially bounced around the lineup and saw a steep drop in production before settling in and scoring some of the biggest goals during the Canucks' postseason run.
Still, he’s a versatile player who plays a premium position and is just two seasons removed from a career-best 42 goals and 82 points.
Brady Skjei
A high-end skater and puck carrier, Skjei is coming off a season where he produced 0.59 points per game — among the highest of any UFA defenseman.
The Hurricanes deployed him in all situations and played him more than 21 minutes per game each of the past three years.
A high-end skater and puck carrier, Skjei is coming off a season where he produced 0.59 points per game — among the highest of any UFA defenseman.
The Hurricanes deployed him in all situations and played him more than 21 minutes per game each of the past three years.
Brandon Montour
A right-shot defenseman who exploded for 73 points in 2022-23, Montour’s production declined this past season. But he remained a key cog on a top team that did not have enough cap space to retain him after it gave Gustav Forsling an eight-year $46 million extension in March.
Montour excels on the offensive side of the puck with a hard point shot and smooth skating stride.
A right-shot defenseman who exploded for 73 points in 2022-23, Montour’s production declined this past season. But he remained a key cog on a top team that did not have enough cap space to retain him after it gave Gustav Forsling an eight-year $46 million extension in March.
Montour excels on the offensive side of the puck with a hard point shot and smooth skating stride.
Jonathan Marchessault
A Day 1 member of the Golden Knights, Marchessault is Vegas’ franchise leader in goals, assists and points. He also took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during their Stanley Cup season in 2023.
Marchessault is a late-blooming forward who has been a consistent point producer for eight NHL seasons. Undersized but feisty, he had a career-best 42 goals this season.
A Day 1 member of the Golden Knights, Marchessault is Vegas’ franchise leader in goals, assists and points. He also took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during their Stanley Cup season in 2023.
Marchessault is a late-blooming forward who has been a consistent point producer for eight NHL seasons. Undersized but feisty, he had a career-best 42 goals this season.
Patrick Kane
After scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace with Detroit following a significant hip-resurfacing procedure, Kane is hoping to raise the bar again in 2024-25 following his first truly healthy summer of training in years.
The good news is the 35-year-old feels rejuvenated 12 months after undergoing that surgery. He’s also extremely motivated to continue his career.
Kane is arguably the best U.S.-born player of all time and remains a high-end playmaker with elite hockey sense.
After scoring at nearly a point-per-game pace with Detroit following a significant hip-resurfacing procedure, Kane is hoping to raise the bar again in 2024-25 following his first truly healthy summer of training in years.
The good news is the 35-year-old feels rejuvenated 12 months after undergoing that surgery. He’s also extremely motivated to continue his career.
Kane is arguably the best U.S.-born player of all time and remains a high-end playmaker with elite hockey sense.
Matt Duchene
The 15-year NHL veteran had a nice bounce-back campaign in Dallas after having his contract bought out by Nashville last summer. Playing on a one-year prove-it deal, he produced 65 points in the regular season and scored the double-overtime-winning goal that propelled the Stars to the Western Conference final.
Duchene remains a speedy skater who is reliable in the faceoff dot. He still profiles as a second-line center even though his most productive seasons are likely behind him.
The 15-year NHL veteran had a nice bounce-back campaign in Dallas after having his contract bought out by Nashville last summer. Playing on a one-year prove-it deal, he produced 65 points in the regular season and scored the double-overtime-winning goal that propelled the Stars to the Western Conference final.
Duchene remains a speedy skater who is reliable in the faceoff dot. He still profiles as a second-line center even though his most productive seasons are likely behind him.
Teuvo Teravainen
A talented playmaker who managed a career-best 25 goals in his platform season, Teravainen is a quality top-six forward option. Not only does he have strong offensive instincts, but he also has consistently produced excellent puck possession numbers throughout his NHL career. Good things tend to happen when he’s on the ice.
A talented playmaker who managed a career-best 25 goals in his platform season, Teravainen is a quality top-six forward option. Not only does he have strong offensive instincts, but he also has consistently produced excellent puck possession numbers throughout his NHL career. Good things tend to happen when he’s on the ice.
Brett Pesce
The right-shot defenseman is ready for a fresh start after spending his entire nine-year NHL career in Carolina.
Pesce is an all-around player who has shown the ability to be an effective part of a successful penalty kill.
He dealt with a couple injury setbacks this season and was limited to just two playoff games, but none of those are expected to linger moving forward.
The right-shot defenseman is ready for a fresh start after spending his entire nine-year NHL career in Carolina.
Pesce is an all-around player who has shown the ability to be an effective part of a successful penalty kill.
He dealt with a couple injury setbacks this season and was limited to just two playoff games, but none of those are expected to linger moving forward.
Chandler Stephenson
Stephenson has grown leaps and bounds since being acquired by Vegas from Washington five years ago for a fifth-round pick.
His speed and finishing ability have turned him into a center who can produce offensively from virtually anywhere he’s slotted in the lineup.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion, this is Stephenson’s chance to cash in like he never has before with a lucrative contract.
Stephenson has grown leaps and bounds since being acquired by Vegas from Washington five years ago for a fifth-round pick.
His speed and finishing ability have turned him into a center who can produce offensively from virtually anywhere he’s slotted in the lineup.
A two-time Stanley Cup champion, this is Stephenson’s chance to cash in like he never has before with a lucrative contract.
Jeff Skinner
Bought out of the final three years of his contract by Buffalo, Skinner had the luxury of picking his next home without the pressure of chasing top dollar.
He possesses a fantastic shot and managed 24 goals in what was a tough final season with the Sabres. He produced totals of 35 and 33 the two seasons before that.
What's more, the 32-year-old still hasn't appeared in a Stanley Cup playoff game during his career and now finds himself with a chance do so at a cap number commensurate with his current level of play.
Bought out of the final three years of his contract by Buffalo, Skinner had the luxury of picking his next home without the pressure of chasing top dollar.
He possesses a fantastic shot and managed 24 goals in what was a tough final season with the Sabres. He produced totals of 35 and 33 the two seasons before that.
What's more, the 32-year-old still hasn't appeared in a Stanley Cup playoff game during his career and now finds himself with a chance do so at a cap number commensurate with his current level of play.
Tyler Toffoli
All he does is score.
The well-liked winger has been on a cross-continent NHL tour with six different stops over the past six years, but his ability to continually put the puck in the net should bring to his new team. Toffoli has 77 goals across the past two regular seasons.
All he does is score.
The well-liked winger has been on a cross-continent NHL tour with six different stops over the past six years, but his ability to continually put the puck in the net should bring to his new team. Toffoli has 77 goals across the past two regular seasons.
Jake DeBrusk
It's finally time to say goodbye to Boston.
DeBrusk has found himself in trade rumors for years, in part because of his inconsistent scoring rates. A strong skater with a nose for the net, he’s a difference-maker when on his game. But those stretches have been counter-balanced by quiet periods.
DeBrusk is on the younger side of this free-agent class at age 27.
It's finally time to say goodbye to Boston.
DeBrusk has found himself in trade rumors for years, in part because of his inconsistent scoring rates. A strong skater with a nose for the net, he’s a difference-maker when on his game. But those stretches have been counter-balanced by quiet periods.
DeBrusk is on the younger side of this free-agent class at age 27.
Matt Roy
Roy is a steady right-shot defenseman who kills penalties and produces strong defensive results He plays with intensity and can accommodate different playing partners. He thrives when given a big workload. He gets around the rink effectively.
While these aren’t necessarily attributes that tend to attract a lot of attention, one NHL executive said of Roy: “I think he’s as good as it comes defensively.”
Roy is a steady right-shot defenseman who kills penalties and produces strong defensive results He plays with intensity and can accommodate different playing partners. He thrives when given a big workload. He gets around the rink effectively.
While these aren’t necessarily attributes that tend to attract a lot of attention, one NHL executive said of Roy: “I think he’s as good as it comes defensively.”
Vladimir Tarasenko
He used a no-trade clause to effectively force a deadline deal to Florida and will likely be picky about where he winds up next in free agency. Still, Tarasenko has a fair bit to offer in the right situation.
He doesn’t generate scoring chances at the rate he once did but still possesses the kind of shot needed to put the puck in the net. Built like a tank, he can win puck battles along the wall and fight through the kind of traffic we’re accustomed to seeing in playoff hockey.
Tarasenko finished this season with even better offensive numbers than he managed last season and lifted the Stanley Cup for a second time in June.
He used a no-trade clause to effectively force a deadline deal to Florida and will likely be picky about where he winds up next in free agency. Still, Tarasenko has a fair bit to offer in the right situation.
He doesn’t generate scoring chances at the rate he once did but still possesses the kind of shot needed to put the puck in the net. Built like a tank, he can win puck battles along the wall and fight through the kind of traffic we’re accustomed to seeing in playoff hockey.
Tarasenko finished this season with even better offensive numbers than he managed last season and lifted the Stanley Cup for a second time in June.
Sean Monahan
The fact that he got through an entire season healthy, appearing in 88 games between Montreal and Winnipeg, is no small feat given the injury history.
Monahan is good for 20-plus goals as long as he can stay in the lineup — eclipsing that number eight times during his NHL career.
The fact that he got through an entire season healthy, appearing in 88 games between Montreal and Winnipeg, is no small feat given the injury history.
Monahan is good for 20-plus goals as long as he can stay in the lineup — eclipsing that number eight times during his NHL career.
Shayne Gostisbehere
No UFA defensemen produced more than Gostisbehere's 0.69 points per game this season. He is one-dimensional, but there’s a lot of value associated with his elite ability to move the puck and get around the rink. He’s an ideal power-play quarterback as well. Detroit is making a pitch to keep him from hitting the open market.
No UFA defensemen produced more than Gostisbehere's 0.69 points per game this season. He is one-dimensional, but there’s a lot of value associated with his elite ability to move the puck and get around the rink. He’s an ideal power-play quarterback as well. Detroit is making a pitch to keep him from hitting the open market.
Laurent Brossoit
In a free-agent goaltending class that featured no sure things, Broissoit was arguably at the head of the pack following a season in which he posted a .927 save percentage in 23 games for the Jets.
His goals saved above expected have also been strong for a couple years running.
In a free-agent goaltending class that featured no sure things, Broissoit was arguably at the head of the pack following a season in which he posted a .927 save percentage in 23 games for the Jets.
His goals saved above expected have also been strong for a couple years running.
Anthony Stolarz
Stolarz has shown steady improvement throughout his NHL career and looks like a strong option for a team in need of 30 starts. He is one of the league’s bigger goaltenders at 6-foot-5 and produced elite numbers for the Panthers this season while playing behind Sergei Bobrovsky.
Stolarz has shown steady improvement throughout his NHL career and looks like a strong option for a team in need of 30 starts. He is one of the league’s bigger goaltenders at 6-foot-5 and produced elite numbers for the Panthers this season while playing behind Sergei Bobrovsky.
Sean Walker
A right-shot defenseman who was highly pursued at the trade deadline, Walker cobbled together a solid campaign split between Philadelphia and Colorado.
Known throughout his NHL career as a player who likes to join the attack, he found a nice balance and helped his teams consistently carry the play offensively while on the ice at five-on-five. He also established new career highs for goals and points.
A right-shot defenseman who was highly pursued at the trade deadline, Walker cobbled together a solid campaign split between Philadelphia and Colorado.
Known throughout his NHL career as a player who likes to join the attack, he found a nice balance and helped his teams consistently carry the play offensively while on the ice at five-on-five. He also established new career highs for goals and points.
Chris Tanev
Considered a team-first warrior who profiles as an effective shutdown defender, Tanev made a strong impact in Dallas after arriving via a trade from Calgary.
A right shot with penalty-killing chops, Tanev has been known for playing the game the right way over his 12 NHL seasons. That means finishing checks, blocking shots or keeping opponents to the outside — whatever it takes to give his team the best chance at success.
He’s awfully appealing for a team with designs on chasing a championship, as evidenced by the fact the Maple Leafs jumped the queue on Saturday by acquiring his rights from the Stars.
Considered a team-first warrior who profiles as an effective shutdown defender, Tanev made a strong impact in Dallas after arriving via a trade from Calgary.
A right shot with penalty-killing chops, Tanev has been known for playing the game the right way over his 12 NHL seasons. That means finishing checks, blocking shots or keeping opponents to the outside — whatever it takes to give his team the best chance at success.
He’s awfully appealing for a team with designs on chasing a championship, as evidenced by the fact the Maple Leafs jumped the queue on Saturday by acquiring his rights from the Stars.
Anthony Mantha
Mantha rediscovered some important aspects of his game this season even though he wound up being a healthy scratch for the Golden Knights during their first-round playoff loss to Dallas.
A one-shot scorer who needs a lot of help getting the puck in shooting areas, he managed 23 goals between stints in Washington and Vegas — his best individual total since 2018-19.
Mantha’s 6-foot-5 frame and ability to put the puck in the net make him an enticing addition.
Mantha rediscovered some important aspects of his game this season even though he wound up being a healthy scratch for the Golden Knights during their first-round playoff loss to Dallas.
A one-shot scorer who needs a lot of help getting the puck in shooting areas, he managed 23 goals between stints in Washington and Vegas — his best individual total since 2018-19.
Mantha’s 6-foot-5 frame and ability to put the puck in the net make him an enticing addition.
Anthony Duclair
Duclair caught fire after a deadline trade from San Jose to Tampa Bay, putting up 17 points in 22 games. That was the most encouraging stretch he’d put together since being slowed by a torn Achilles tendon that was surgically repaired the year before in Florida.
Duclair is two years removed from a 31-goal season and can play either wing. He’s still got pretty good hands, too.
Duclair caught fire after a deadline trade from San Jose to Tampa Bay, putting up 17 points in 22 games. That was the most encouraging stretch he’d put together since being slowed by a torn Achilles tendon that was surgically repaired the year before in Florida.
Duclair is two years removed from a 31-goal season and can play either wing. He’s still got pretty good hands, too.
Tyler Bertuzzi
A concerningly slow start to the season was all but forgotten by the end as Bertuzzi managed to eclipse 20 goals before it was over.
When the agitating winger is at his best, he doesn’t shy away from contact or whatever punishment there is to be found around an opponent’s net. He grew more comfortable in Toronto as last season wore on but, and the Leafs had interest in bringing him back
A concerningly slow start to the season was all but forgotten by the end as Bertuzzi managed to eclipse 20 goals before it was over.
When the agitating winger is at his best, he doesn’t shy away from contact or whatever punishment there is to be found around an opponent’s net. He grew more comfortable in Toronto as last season wore on but, and the Leafs had interest in bringing him back
Jonathan Drouin
Drouin turned back the clock during a season in which he reunited with former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado, registering the highest point total of his NHL career. He’s got great vision and playmaking skills and appears to have put some of his injury issues behind him.
Drouin has been through a lot during his NHL career but still has age on his side.
Drouin turned back the clock during a season in which he reunited with former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado, registering the highest point total of his NHL career. He’s got great vision and playmaking skills and appears to have put some of his injury issues behind him.
Drouin has been through a lot during his NHL career but still has age on his side.
Adam Henrique
Strong in the faceoff dot and a consistent scorer throughout his NHL career, the veteran center remains a remarkably useful player. As a bonus, he’s coming off a long playoff run in Edmonton — an experience he hadn’t had since the early days of his NHL career in New Jersey.
Henrique is known for having excellent hockey sense and can chip in on the power play, kill penalties or play the wing, if needed.
Strong in the faceoff dot and a consistent scorer throughout his NHL career, the veteran center remains a remarkably useful player. As a bonus, he’s coming off a long playoff run in Edmonton — an experience he hadn’t had since the early days of his NHL career in New Jersey.
Henrique is known for having excellent hockey sense and can chip in on the power play, kill penalties or play the wing, if needed.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson
A fresh start in Florida did wonders for the former Swedish Olympian, who still gets around the ice well and looked like a new man after last summer’s buyout in Vancouver.
Incredibly, Ekman-Larsson put up the kind of offensive numbers he hadn’t seen since his heyday in Arizona.
The left-shot defenseman can still be an effective minute-eater when deployed properly and now carries some Stanley Cup shine as an added bonus.
A fresh start in Florida did wonders for the former Swedish Olympian, who still gets around the ice well and looked like a new man after last summer’s buyout in Vancouver.
Incredibly, Ekman-Larsson put up the kind of offensive numbers he hadn’t seen since his heyday in Arizona.
The left-shot defenseman can still be an effective minute-eater when deployed properly and now carries some Stanley Cup shine as an added bonus.
Erik Gustafsson
The seasoned puck-mover and power-play quarterback had a big offensive pop on Broadway.
Gustafsson requires specific usage and a partner who can help insulate him on the defensive side of the game, but his positive attributes make it worthwhile.
The seasoned puck-mover and power-play quarterback had a big offensive pop on Broadway.
Gustafsson requires specific usage and a partner who can help insulate him on the defensive side of the game, but his positive attributes make it worthwhile.
Jack Roslovic
A nice contributor during the Rangers' playoff run after coming over from Columbus at the trade deadline, Roslovic is showing some of his best form when it matters most.
He’s been an inconsistent offensive performer throughout his NHL career. But he possesses the skating and passing tools needed to put up bigger numbers. He could stand to shoot a little more frequently.
A nice contributor during the Rangers' playoff run after coming over from Columbus at the trade deadline, Roslovic is showing some of his best form when it matters most.
He’s been an inconsistent offensive performer throughout his NHL career. But he possesses the skating and passing tools needed to put up bigger numbers. He could stand to shoot a little more frequently.
Alexander Wennberg
An all-situations center who can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck, Wennberg is ideally slotted on a team’s third line.
He hasn’t been a major point producer in recent years but can be counted on in the faceoff dot and on the penalty kill. He should also benefit from his long run with the Rangers this spring, which included an overtime winner in the Eastern Conference final.
An all-situations center who can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck, Wennberg is ideally slotted on a team’s third line.
He hasn’t been a major point producer in recent years but can be counted on in the faceoff dot and on the penalty kill. He should also benefit from his long run with the Rangers this spring, which included an overtime winner in the Eastern Conference final.
Alexandre Carrier
What he lacks in size, he makes up for in smarts.
The right-shot defenseman may not be equipped to muscle opponents off the puck with his 5-foot-11 frame, but he’s a positionally sound player who gets around the ice well.
Carrier is also a reliable shot-blocker known for having a competitive streak.
What he lacks in size, he makes up for in smarts.
The right-shot defenseman may not be equipped to muscle opponents off the puck with his 5-foot-11 frame, but he’s a positionally sound player who gets around the ice well.
Carrier is also a reliable shot-blocker known for having a competitive streak.
TJ Brodie
The Blackhawks will be banking on a bounce back. Brodie is coming off a season that was challenging both personally and professionally, with his time in Toronto ending while he watched from the press box in the playoffs after starting the season on the top pairing.
A conscientious defender who produced above-average possession metrics for years, the biggest question is whether a fresh start can get him back on track.The Blackhawks will be banking on a bounce back. Brodie is coming off a season that was challenging both personally and professionally, with his time in Toronto ending while he watched from the press box in the playoffs after starting the season on the top pairing.
A conscientious defender who produced above-average possession metrics for years, the biggest question is whether a fresh start can get him back on track.
Nikita Zadorov
A physically imposing defender and big personality, Zadorov cashed in after a strong playoff performance in Vancouver. He excels in the black-and-blue areas of the game, clearing the crease and throwing thundering bodychecks while using his long reach to disrupt plays.
A physically imposing defender and big personality, Zadorov cashed in after a strong playoff performance in Vancouver. He excels in the black-and-blue areas of the game, clearing the crease and throwing thundering bodychecks while using his long reach to disrupt plays.
Warren Foegele
Foegele is a big, competitive winger who produced at the best rate of his NHL career this season. There is added value to be found in his versatility since he can be slotted anywhere in the lineup and used on both special teams units.
Foegele is a big, competitive winger who produced at the best rate of his NHL career this season. There is added value to be found in his versatility since he can be slotted anywhere in the lineup and used on both special teams units.
Danton Heinen
After turning a professional tryout into a contract with the Bruins this season, Heinen was a massive surprise on a team that was thirsting for secondary scoring. He contributed at a third-line rate.
Heinen is a strong skater with good hands for a bottom-six player and is willing to engage in puck battles.
After turning a professional tryout into a contract with the Bruins this season, Heinen was a massive surprise on a team that was thirsting for secondary scoring. He contributed at a third-line rate.
Heinen is a strong skater with good hands for a bottom-six player and is willing to engage in puck battles.
David Perron
Perron has remained productive well into his 30s and should be appealing for any team in search of experience and little scoring touch. He is a dual threat as a magnificent passer and also a player who can beat goaltenders with his shot.
The fact that he has over 100 games of career experience in the playoffs, plus a Stanley Cup ring with St. Louis from 2019, is a nice bonus, too.
Perron has remained productive well into his 30s and should be appealing for any team in search of experience and little scoring touch. He is a dual threat as a magnificent passer and also a player who can beat goaltenders with his shot.
The fact that he has over 100 games of career experience in the playoffs, plus a Stanley Cup ring with St. Louis from 2019, is a nice bonus, too.
Daniel Sprong
After back-to-back seasons above 40 points, Sprong finally seems to be making good on the promise his career began with. He has a great shot and good playmaking instincts, and he is probably in line for a little more security than he’s found in recent years.
He’s also on the younger side of the free-agent scale, which is appealing.
After back-to-back seasons above 40 points, Sprong finally seems to be making good on the promise his career began with. He has a great shot and good playmaking instincts, and he is probably in line for a little more security than he’s found in recent years.
He’s also on the younger side of the free-agent scale, which is appealing.
Matt Dumba
The offensive aspects of his game may not be what they once were, but Dumba remains a decent skater who has the ability to deliver a punishing open-ice hit. He’s also a right-shot defenseman who played nearly 20 minutes per game this season.
The offensive aspects of his game may not be what they once were, but Dumba remains a decent skater who has the ability to deliver a punishing open-ice hit. He’s also a right-shot defenseman who played nearly 20 minutes per game this season.
Matt Grzelcyk
The kid who grew up just over the bridge from TD Garden and became a Bruin needed to look elsewhere for his new payday.
Grzelcyk skates well enough to get the puck out of trouble and can make a strong first pass, but he faces some challenges as a 5-foot-10 defender. He’s arguably best suited as a third-pairing option.
The kid who grew up just over the bridge from TD Garden and became a Bruin needed to look elsewhere for his new payday.
Grzelcyk skates well enough to get the puck out of trouble and can make a strong first pass, but he faces some challenges as a 5-foot-10 defender. He’s arguably best suited as a third-pairing option.
Viktor Arvidsson
Limited to just 23 games last season because of injuries, the veteran forward is an intriguing buy-low option in this marketplace.
Arvidsson is a hard-nosed player who can put the puck in the net and brings a heavy work rate.While he may be undersized, he plays with a big heart.
Limited to just 23 games last season because of injuries, the veteran forward is an intriguing buy-low option in this marketplace.
Arvidsson is a hard-nosed player who can put the puck in the net and brings a heavy work rate.While he may be undersized, he plays with a big heart.
Michael Amadio
The depth forward has established himself over the past three seasons after being acquired by Vegas on waivers from Toronto. He is a two-way player with some finishing ability.
Amadio gained valuable experience during the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup last year.
The depth forward has established himself over the past three seasons after being acquired by Vegas on waivers from Toronto. He is a two-way player with some finishing ability.
Amadio gained valuable experience during the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup last year.
Stefan Noesen
Noesen has been known as a sharp shooter at previous levels, but it is only in his past two seasons in Carolina that he’s been able to consistently show it as an NHLer.
The veteran winger has a nose for the net and can be viewed as a power-play option for any team seeking his services.
Noesen has been known as a sharp shooter at previous levels, but it is only in his past two seasons in Carolina that he’s been able to consistently show it as an NHLer.
The veteran winger has a nose for the net and can be viewed as a power-play option for any team seeking his services.
Yakov Trenin
A scrappy forward who can both fight and score, Trenin found moderate success while playing for the Predators and Avalanche this season. He’s reasonably responsible when playing without the puck and has some room to grow into a bottom-six role.
A scrappy forward who can both fight and score, Trenin found moderate success while playing for the Predators and Avalanche this season. He’s reasonably responsible when playing without the puck and has some room to grow into a bottom-six role.
Anthony Beauvillier
Beauvillier has endured a bumpy ride, from Long Island to Vancouver to Chicago to Nashville all within the past two years. That is partly due to the rate of production that has gone sharply in the wrong directions through those moves. Still, he is a skilled winger with decent puckhandling skills. He’s a pretty good skater, too.
Beauvillier has endured a bumpy ride, from Long Island to Vancouver to Chicago to Nashville all within the past two years. That is partly due to the rate of production that has gone sharply in the wrong directions through those moves. Still, he is a skilled winger with decent puckhandling skills. He’s a pretty good skater, too.
Ilya Samsonov
His game slumped to a point where he passed through waivers in January, but Samsonov fought back to play well at times after taking time for a mental reset. That’s him in a nutshell: a battler who tends to ride extreme highs and lows.
Samsonov is still young enough for a team to believe it can help him find a little more stability. Plus, it’s not a particularly deep goaltending market.
His game slumped to a point where he passed through waivers in January, but Samsonov fought back to play well at times after taking time for a mental reset. That’s him in a nutshell: a battler who tends to ride extreme highs and lows.
Samsonov is still young enough for a team to believe it can help him find a little more stability. Plus, it’s not a particularly deep goaltending market.
Connor Brown
Coming off a serious knee injury in 2022-23, Brown took some time to get back up to speed before playing his best hockey of the year during the Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Final. He wanted to stay in Edmonton, saying after the season “my heart is here.”
Coming off a serious knee injury in 2022-23, Brown took some time to get back up to speed before playing his best hockey of the year during the Oilers' run to the Stanley Cup Final. He wanted to stay in Edmonton, saying after the season “my heart is here.”
Mattias Janmark
The man known as “The Janitor” is a glue guy in Edmonton.
He was openly disappointed with a four-goal, 12-point campaign in the regular season but stepped up during the Oilers' playoff run and scored some big goals in the Cup Final.
The man known as “The Janitor” is a glue guy in Edmonton.
He was openly disappointed with a four-goal, 12-point campaign in the regular season but stepped up during the Oilers' playoff run and scored some big goals in the Cup Final.
Dmitry Kulikov
A prototypical defensive defenseman fresh off a Stanley Cup win in Florida. Kulikov has extensive experience and is a decent skater who plays a physical game and still has some gas left in the tank.
A prototypical defensive defenseman fresh off a Stanley Cup win in Florida. Kulikov has extensive experience and is a decent skater who plays a physical game and still has some gas left in the tank.
John Klingberg
After undergoing bilateral hip surgery in January, Klingberg is optimistic about getting back to a reasonable version of his former self. He’s going to need to sign a prove-it contract after underwhelming stops in Anaheim, Minnesota and Toronto.
Still, at his best, Klingberg was a strong skater and puck distributor and could be worth the gamble with a return to health.
After undergoing bilateral hip surgery in January, Klingberg is optimistic about getting back to a reasonable version of his former self. He’s going to need to sign a prove-it contract after underwhelming stops in Anaheim, Minnesota and Toronto.
Still, at his best, Klingberg was a strong skater and puck distributor and could be worth the gamble with a return to health.
Ilya Lyubushkin
A physical defenseman best-suited for a third-pairing role, what you see is what you get from Lyubushkin. He’ll kill penalties, finish checks and try to keep the play in front of him. It's meat-and-potatoes hockey.
Fortunately, it’s a style that teams looking for a long run through the spring tend to appreciate and covet.
A physical defenseman best-suited for a third-pairing role, what you see is what you get from Lyubushkin. He’ll kill penalties, finish checks and try to keep the play in front of him. It's meat-and-potatoes hockey.
Fortunately, it’s a style that teams looking for a long run through the spring tend to appreciate and covet.
Oliver Kylington
Kylington returned to the NHL after missing a year and half for personal issues and started to find some flow with the Flames.
The Swede is a top-end skater and puck carrier who doesn’t shy away from joining the rush.
Kylington returned to the NHL after missing a year and half for personal issues and started to find some flow with the Flames.
The Swede is a top-end skater and puck carrier who doesn’t shy away from joining the rush.
Alec Martinez
The three-time Stanley Cup champion gets around the rink pretty well and is known for delivering a steady game.
Martinez is a 14-year veteran with 131 games of playoff experience.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion gets around the rink pretty well and is known for delivering a steady game.
Martinez is a 14-year veteran with 131 games of playoff experience.
Colin Miller
Miller has a big shot and can distribute the puck as well. What the right-shot defenseman lacks in a physical game, he makes up for with his ability to chip in on the penalty kill and power play.
Miller has a big shot and can distribute the puck as well. What the right-shot defenseman lacks in a physical game, he makes up for with his ability to chip in on the penalty kill and power play.
Cam Talbot
Talbot had the most wins (27) and third-best save percentage (.913) among pending UFA goalies last season. The veteran is an ideal 1B option at this point in his career.
Talbot had the most wins (27) and third-best save percentage (.913) among pending UFA goalies last season. The veteran is an ideal 1B option at this point in his career.
Scott Wedgewood
Wedgewood is a journeyman who covers a lot of the net. He won 16 games as a backup for the Stars last season and is a steady No. 2 option.
Wedgewood is a journeyman who covers a lot of the net. He won 16 games as a backup for the Stars last season and is a steady No. 2 option.
Sam Carrick
A veteran depth center, Carrick is defensively responsible and handles himself well in the faceoff dot. He’s also got penalty-killing chops and a strong work ethic, plus the experience of a run to the Stanley Cup Final.
A veteran depth center, Carrick is defensively responsible and handles himself well in the faceoff dot. He’s also got penalty-killing chops and a strong work ethic, plus the experience of a run to the Stanley Cup Final.
Jordan Martinook
A heart-and-soul player who is known for a high-energy game and winning the kind of battles a top team needs, Martinook shouldn’t be counted on for his offensive abilities but is coming off a 14-goal season in Carolina that was among the best of his NHL career.
A heart-and-soul player who is known for a high-energy game and winning the kind of battles a top team needs, Martinook shouldn’t be counted on for his offensive abilities but is coming off a 14-goal season in Carolina that was among the best of his NHL career.
Kasperi Kapanen
While his offensive output has flat-lined in recent seasons, Kapanen remains a top-end skater with an appealing set of tools.
He’s a bit of a reclamation project at this point, but he’s got a 20-goal season on his resume and still has age on his side.
While his offensive output has flat-lined in recent seasons, Kapanen remains a top-end skater with an appealing set of tools.
He’s a bit of a reclamation project at this point, but he’s got a 20-goal season on his resume and still has age on his side.
Brenden Dillon
A big defenseman, Dillon can handle second-pairing assignments with the right partner and help out on the penalty kill. He has extensive playoff experience and has been a part of a lot of top-notch teams over the years.
A big defenseman, Dillon can handle second-pairing assignments with the right partner and help out on the penalty kill. He has extensive playoff experience and has been a part of a lot of top-notch teams over the years.
Ryan Suter
Bought out by Dallas after a previous buyout in Minnesota, there was still plenty of interest in the veteran defenseman.
Even in his late 30s, Suter gets around the ice well and can fill a third-pairing role with the right usage.Bought out by Dallas after a previous buyout in Minnesota, there was still plenty of interest in the veteran defenseman.
Even in his late 30s, Suter gets around the ice well and can fill a third-pairing role with the right usage.
Justin Schultz
Schultz is a right-shot offense-first defenseman who has strong puck skills.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner is coming off a 26-point season and is probably best suited for a third-pairing role at this stage of his career.Schultz is a right-shot offense-first defenseman who has strong puck skills.
The two-time Stanley Cup winner is coming off a 26-point season and is probably best suited for a third-pairing role at this stage of his career.
Ian Cole
A physical defenseman who can clear the area around his goaltender and has extensive playoff experience, Cole had some tough moments during the Canucks' playoff run, but he remains a trusted veteran who can make a safe play in the proper usage.
A physical defenseman who can clear the area around his goaltender and has extensive playoff experience, Cole had some tough moments during the Canucks' playoff run, but he remains a trusted veteran who can make a safe play in the proper usage.
Jason Zucker
A strong skater who put up 41 goals across the last two seasons, Zucker is an offensive catalyst. He’s battled consistency issues at points during his career.
Zucker can help a power play and boost a middle-six group at even strength.A strong skater who put up 41 goals across the last two seasons, Zucker is an offensive catalyst. He’s battled consistency issues at points during his career.
Zucker can help a power play and boost a middle-six group at even strength.
Brandon Duhaime
A hard-hitting depth forward who can chip in the odd goal, Duhaime possesses the kind of tools that appeal to teams planning for a long playoff run.
A strong skater with size at 6-foot-2, he brings energy at the bottom end of the lineup and is an experienced penalty killer.A hard-hitting depth forward who can chip in the odd goal, Duhaime possesses the kind of tools that appeal to teams planning for a long playoff run.
A strong skater with size at 6-foot-2, he brings energy at the bottom end of the lineup and is an experienced penalty killer.
Tyler Johnson
A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay, there are intangibles that come with Johnson’s 116 games of playoff experience.
Johnson has made up for a lack of size with his speed and smarts throughout his NHL career. He’s best deployed as a bottom-sixer at this stage of his career.A two-time Stanley Cup champion with Tampa Bay, there are intangibles that come with Johnson’s 116 games of playoff experience.
Johnson has made up for a lack of size with his speed and smarts throughout his NHL career. He’s best deployed as a bottom-sixer at this stage of his career.
Dominik Kubalik
A historically streaky scorer who saw his offensive totals dip this past season in Ottawa, Kubalik finished the year strong by winning gold with Czechia at the IIHF World Championship. He could be a low-cost addition with upside potential for a team looking for some power-play help.
A historically streaky scorer who saw his offensive totals dip this past season in Ottawa, Kubalik finished the year strong by winning gold with Czechia at the IIHF World Championship. He could be a low-cost addition with upside potential for a team looking for some power-play help.
James van Riemsdyk
Not only did JVR pass 1,000 career games this past season in Boston, he had a sneaky 38-point campaign and is still motivated to keep playing. He still has good hands around the net and can help a power play while bringing some intangibles to the locker room.
Not only did JVR pass 1,000 career games this past season in Boston, he had a sneaky 38-point campaign and is still motivated to keep playing. He still has good hands around the net and can help a power play while bringing some intangibles to the locker room.
Joel Edmundson
A big shutdown defenseman with Stanley Cup pedigree, Edmundson is ideally slotted on a third pairing. He has made a living out of clearing opponents from the front of his net and making them pay a physical price while doing so. His game is simple, straightforward and valued when the games tighten up in the playoffs.
A big shutdown defenseman with Stanley Cup pedigree, Edmundson is ideally slotted on a third pairing. He has made a living out of clearing opponents from the front of his net and making them pay a physical price while doing so. His game is simple, straightforward and valued when the games tighten up in the playoffs.
Vincent Desharnais
A 6-foot-6 right-shot defenseman who punishes opponents physically, he profiles as a defensive defenseman.
Desharnais was in and out of the Oilers lineup throughout their playoff run but will have options in free agency.A 6-foot-6 right-shot defenseman who punishes opponents physically, he profiles as a defensive defenseman.
Desharnais was in and out of the Oilers lineup throughout their playoff run but will have options in free agency.
Victor Olofsson
His production declined dramatically last season with only seven goals, but he’s proven he can put the puck in the net in the past.
Olofsson is only two years removed from a 28-goal season in Buffalo. He’s a power-play threat with a cannon for a shot.His production declined dramatically last season with only seven goals, but he’s proven he can put the puck in the net in the past.
Olofsson is only two years removed from a 28-goal season in Buffalo. He’s a power-play threat with a cannon for a shot.
Nick Cousins
An agitator who played a depth role for the Panthers in their run to the Stanley Cup Final, Cousins has shown a knack for coming up big in the big moments.
He’s known as a player who stirs the pot and gets under an opponent’s skin.An agitator who played a depth role for the Panthers in their run to the Stanley Cup Final, Cousins has shown a knack for coming up big in the big moments.
He’s known as a player who stirs the pot and gets under an opponent’s skin.
Tyson Barrie
A strong skater with excellent offensive instincts, Barrie is best deployed in a sheltered five-on-five role while getting power-play minutes. Those qualities make him an attractive addition for those in need of a boost to their specialty teams.
A strong skater with excellent offensive instincts, Barrie is best deployed in a sheltered five-on-five role while getting power-play minutes. Those qualities make him an attractive addition for those in need of a boost to their specialty teams.
Corey Perry
A former Hart Trophy winner who is now a fourth-line winger, Perry says he won’t retire until they cut the skates off him. He’s been to the Stanley Cup Final with five different organizations and is known as a team-first dressing-room presence that helps get a team to the next level.
Perry doesn’t shy away from the physical game or the battles that happen in the blue paint.A former Hart Trophy winner who is now a fourth-line winger, Perry says he won’t retire until they cut the skates off him. He’s been to the Stanley Cup Final with five different organizations and is known as a team-first dressing-room presence that helps get a team to the next level.
Perry doesn’t shy away from the physical game or the battles that happen in the blue paint.
(Illustration: Dan Goldfarb / The Athletic, with photos of Jake Guentzel, Elias Lindholm and Sam Reinhart from Josh Lavallee, Jeff Vinnick and Jonathan Kozub / Getty Images)
