Who's card values can go up as a result of joining a new team for the 2024-25 season.
Fireworks were expected in the early hours of free agency on July 1. The expectations were exceeded. We were treated to the grand finale of a fireworks show for about three hours once free agency opened.
General managers were like kids in a candy shop with an extra $4.5 million to spend on free agents. Many players exceeded their expected market values per @AFPAnalytics.
Chandler Stephenson was estimated to land a five-year deal worth $5.6 million AAV, Stephenson signed a seven-year contract with the Seattle Kraken worth $6.25 million AAV. Steven Stamkos was estimated to land a three-year deal worth $6.13 million AAV, Stamkos signed a four-year contract with the Nashville Predators worth $8 million AAV.
Predators General Manager Barry Trotz Made a Huge Splash
Trotz wasted no time grabbing the three jewels of free agency in Jonathan Marchessault, Brady Skjei, and Stamkos. The Trotz era is officially underway in Nashville and will be fun to watch.
Collectors will have mixed emotions seeing cards featuring Marchessault, Skjei, and Stamkos in Predators blue and yellow.
As far as their individual markets are concerned. Skjei has the most upside if the Predators can win a Stanley Cup. Stamkos is a two-time Stanley Cup and Rocket Richard Trophy winner. Marchessault is a Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe Trophy winner.
Marchessault's and Stamkos's markets will see a small bump if they win a Stanley Cup with the Predators, but not as much as Skjei's would.
Veterans whom have yet to win a Stanley Cup have the most to gain when changing markets. Jake DeBrusk is a perfect example. DeBrusk spent seven seasons with the Boston Bruins before signing a seven-year deal with the Vancouver Canucks worth $38.5 million.
Younger Players Joining New Teams Via Trades
Beyond the whirlwind of free agency, several trades were made once the free agency period opened. There are many new faces in many new places. How will the values of their cards be impacted?
This could be where the biggest return on your investment can come. Alexander Holtz and Akira Schmid were traded to the Vegas Golden Knights recently. If history is any indicator, the Golden Knights will have a competitive team that could win the Stanley Cup next season.
Ryan McLeod and Zach Benson swapped teams. Benson is now a member of the Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers and McLeod is now a member of the Buffalo Sabres who have missed the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs for 13 consecutive seasons.
Benson's stock is on the rise and it will take a special set of circumstances for McLeod's stock to rise.
Happy hunting and collecting!