NHL FREE AGENCY- A LOOK AT THE TOP 7 PLAYERS AVAILABLE

NHL / Hockey

Written by Joel Lefevre

It’s nearly two weeks behind what we are used to, but free agency in the NHL will still have plenty of buzz and interest.

The market officially opens on Wednesday, so here is a look at my top 7 players available and where they could land.

Source (Background Photo & Logos): Getty Images

1. Johnny Gaudreau

The 28-year-old forward is due for a massive pay increase, and on Tuesday, it became official that he was going to test the free-agent waters.

Johnny hockey put up his best season statistically in 2021-22 with 115 points, finishing fourth in the Hart Trophy voting, so expect his previous salary of $6.75 million to go up significantly.

Expected Destination- New Jersey Devils

Gaudreau is a Jersey boy, and the Devils have cash to burn with a lot of cap space.

Add to that the pieces being put in place for this young team, and you would think a move to New Jersey is mutually beneficial for each side.

He has the experience and proven offensive upside, which will be a massive asset to the young prospects who’ve come into that franchise.

2. Nazem Kadri

Hoisting the Stanley Cup was a big point of vindication for Kadri with the Colorado Avalanche, and that alone should boost his stock in free agency.

It doesn’t hurt that he is also coming off a career-best 87-point season, and he could generate some interest from a number of clubs.

Expected destination- Seattle Kraken

Kadri has a cup, so given that he is on the wrong side of 30, he might want to collect as much money as possible, and Seattle are more likely to give him top-dollar.

He will not be playing on a team nearly as good on paper as Colorado, but he will be one of the go-to players, which will not be the case in most other markets.

3. Claude Giroux

The former Philly captain was dealt to Florida last season, but the Panthers have virtually no cap space to keep him in Miami.

His leadership and skills are still good enough to help a team succeed in this league, and without a Stanley Cup ring, you would think there’s a team out there that will want to sign him.

He is also a seven-time all-star with grit and experience that will add depth to any club at Centre.

Expected Destination- Edmonton Oilers

Edmonton are a contending team and adding Giroux could solve a dilemma that Jay Woodcroft has had since taking over about whether or not he should have Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on the same line.

With Giroux in the mix, the Oilers get a veteran who’s been to the Cup finals but will be hungry to get a ring, and he can easily step in as a second-line centre, allowing the two best players on this team, McDavid and Draisaitl to play together.

4. Andrew Copp

At 28, Copp is versatile, while also capable of moving up and down the lineup and can also play at centre or on the wing.

He had 21 goals and 53 points last season, in addition to notching 18 points in 16 games for the Rangers in their run to the Conference Finals.

Expected Destination- New York Rangers

Copp thrived under Gerard Gallant and looked great in all facets of the game, so I believe the New York front office want him there for the long term, so I anticipate Copp and the team will reach an understanding.

5. Darcy Kuemper

The Avs acquisition of Alexander Georgiev means Kuemper is likely on his way out, and there are teams out there who could use his services.

Kuemper had 37 wins this season in a title-winning campaign in Colorado, with a 2.48 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage.

Expected Destination- Washington Capitals

Peter Laviolette has had a hard time bringing in someone to shut the door when needed, severely hampering their seasons of late.

Kuemper’s veteran presence and experience could still be helpful to a franchise like Washington, looking to be relevant once again.

6. John Klingberg

The Dallas Stars' strong and steady blueliner will have his share of teams who could use him on the back end.

He carries with him a $4.25 million cap hit, and his dependability defensively, along with his offensive upside, could make his stock jump significantly.

There is also the fact that he has a right-handed shot with 60-point potential, so expect Jim Nil to be fielding plenty of calls for him.

Expected Destination- Carolina Hurricanes

The Canes have been contending for the cup virtually every season since Rod Brind’Amour became head coach, and Klingberg could be a big asset to this team.

Klingberg is a proven playoff performer who can log big minutes and contribute in every department.

7. Ondrej Palat

The Czech forward had 11 goals and has 12 career game-winning goals in the playoffs, so that alone will make Ondrej Palat a sought-after free agent.

He is a sleek skater, has a great IQ and is a solid contributor to any team out there.

Expected Destination- Tampa Bay Lightning

Even though they didn’t win the cup this year, Tampa are still an elite team who recognize the worth of Palat, and I expect them to find a way to get him back in Florida next season.