NHL Free Agents: Here are the 18 most interesting players

You plan to move on the 1^er July? Thinking of celebrating Canada Day? Do it with peace of mind. Don’t change your plans, even if for the first time since 2019 the NHL free agent market opens on its traditional date.

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There won’t be a big splash. Certainly, we will want to have an eye on the three big names available that are Dmitry Orlov, Patrick Kane and Vladimir Tarasenko. But for the rest, it will be useless to stay glued to your television or your smartphone all day.

This summer’s market is above all one that will interest teams looking for depth. Other than the aforementioned trio, no top-line player, number one defenseman, or star goaltender will break the bank.

There will definitely be a little overkill. A general manager will offer an excessive contract to a skater who is not worth it. This is the norm and the custom. But the increase in the salary cap, which will ultimately only be increased by one million ($83.5 million) after being estimated at $4 million, calls for caution.

Featured:

Patrick Kane

• Right winger | 34 years old | 57 pts (21 g, 36 p) in 73 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $10.5M

He underwent surgery on a hip at the beginning of June, an operation that could allow him to regain some amplitude in his skating. Handicapped by this malaise during the last season and a half, he still kept a certain offensive touch. He will possibly miss a few weeks at the start of the season.

Vladimir Tarasenko

• Right winger | 31 years old | 50 pts (18 g, 32 p) in 69 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $7.5M

The air of Manhattan clearly didn’t suit him. Despite a presence on the first line and on the first numerical superiority unit, the Russian was far from approaching the 30-goal seasons he has accustomed us to. He risks getting a downside contract.

Dmitry Orlov

• Left-handed defender | 31 years old | 36 pts (29 g, 7 p) in 66 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $5.1M

Acquired in a three-team trade as the trade deadline approached, Orlov provided valuable service to the Bruins. Used for more than 20 minutes, he approached an average of one point per game in Boston. Best defender available, he could take advantage of a weak market to land an interesting contract.

Durability and reliability:

Ryan O’Reilly

• Left-handed center | 32 years old | 30 pts (16 g, 14 p) in 53 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $7.5M

The most persistent rumors point him to St. Louis, where he played the last five seasons, before providing solid service to the Leafs as a third-line center. Without him, Toronto might once again bend over backwards in the first round. However, his best years are behind him.

Jordan Staal

• Left-handed center | 34 years old | 34 pts (17 g, 17 p) in 81 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $6M

One of the last players in history to sign a 10-year contract, he has just completed his 11^e season in Raleigh. The center, a specialist in defensive missions, apparently wants to stay with the Hurricanes in the hope of finishing a job he considers unfinished.

*Update: He signed a 4-year, $11.6M deal with the Hurricanes

J.T. Compher

• Left winger| 28 years old | 52 pts (17 g, 35 p) in 82 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $3.5M

Intense when it comes time to apply pressure and effective in shorthandedness, Compher took advantage of the many injuries at the Avalanche to show that he was also capable of contributing offensively. He had a career-high 52 points.

Finds:

Tyler Bertuzzi

• Left winger | 28 years old | 30 pts (8 g, 22 p) in 50 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $4.75M

With the Bruins, he showed he had the profile of a playoff player. He can bring an offensive touch, while not being afraid of the physical game. Abilities that could allow him to touch the biggest contract of his career.

Michael Bunting

• Left winger | 27 years old | 49 pts (23 g, 26 p) in 82 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $950,000

He had to wait until the age of 25 before establishing himself on a regular basis in the NHL. For him, the time has come to go to the bank. And with the Maple Leafs in danger of being squeezed below the ceiling, the Torontonian’s career may continue somewhere other than close to home. It remains to be seen if he will be able to do himself justice without the big guns of the Leafs at his side.

Ryan Graves

• Left-handed defender | 28 years old | 26 pts (8 g, 18 p) in 78 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $3.17M

A big guy, 6’5″, capable of moving around easily. A specialist on the penalty kill, he is reliable defensively. He topped Devils defensemen with a +34 record.

Tristan Jarry

• 28 years old | 24-13-7 | 2.90 | .909 | 2 DB
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $3.5M

Kyle Dubas wants to keep Jarry in Pittsburgh, but not at any price. The problem for the Penguins is that the market for goalies is thin and several teams are looking for reinforcements at this position. The Penguins won’t be the only option for Jarry.

Adin Hill

• 27 years old | 16-7-1 | 2.50 | .915 | 0 DB
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $2.18M

He made his name helping the Golden Knights win the Stanley Cup. For him, it’s now or never to ensure the future of his descendants. Let’s hope for him that it’s not just a bengal fire.

Surprise boxes:

Frederik Andersen

• 33 years old | 21-11-1 |2.44 | .917 | 3 DB
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $4.5M

He’s had some great streaks, but he’s often injured. Over the past three seasons, he has spent many weeks in the infirmary. And at 33, he is not getting any younger. A team will certainly be ready to welcome him, but they will play it safe by offering him a short-term contract.

Joonas Korpisalo

• 29 years old | 18-14-4 | 2.87 | .915 | 1 DB
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $1.3M

He had some good times following his acquisition by the Kings, posting a .921 save percentage and a 2.13 GAA. Is that enough to convince Rob Blake to offer him a contract? His inconsistency during his eight seasons in Columbus will possibly damage his reputation.

Max Domi

• Left-handed center | 28 years old | 56 pts (20 g, 36 p) in 80 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $3M

He has played for four teams in two seasons since the Canadiens traded him to Columbus for Josh Anderson. He was never able to replicate the successes he had in his first season in Montreal. Nevertheless, he will surely be looking for some stability.

John Klingberg

• Right-handed defender | 30 years | 33 pts (10 g, 23 p) in 67 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $7M

The Ducks surprised many by offering him a $7 million contract in July 2022. The Swede will have to be a little less greedy. He has an above average offensive touch, but not at the level of the best in the circuit. And his defensive game leaves something to be desired. That said, the effects of the one-upmanship could benefit him.

As shown:

Matt Dumba

• Right-handed defender | 28 years old | 14 pts (4 g, 10 p) in 79 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $6M

He wants to stay in Minnesota. However, the Wild may be tight under the cap. With Jared Spurgeon ($7.58M) and Jonas Brodin ($6M), the Wild will already have nearly $14M committed on the blue line. If he wants to stay there, he will certainly have to accept a pay cut.

Scott Mayfield

• Right-handed defender | 30 years | 24 pts (6 g, 18 p) in 82 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $1.45M

He is the perfect example of a defensive back. He learned his trade with the Islanders, masters of this style of play. He led his team in blocked shots (168) and in shorthanded playing time with an average of 2 min 42 s. He should get a raise.

Radko Gudas

• Right-handed defender | 33 years old | 17 pts (2 g, 15 p) in 72 games
• Salary footprint 2022-2023: $2.5M

The depth defender par excellence. He’ll be a little more muted in the season, but worth his weight in gold when robust playoff hockey kicks into gear. It has certainly shown its value thanks to the spring it has experienced.