Who are the most notable NHL free agents this offseason?
Free agent frenzy is less than 24 hours away. There certainly are a lot of big names hitting the open market but who are the most notable?
Patrick Kane:
Patrick Kane’s resume speaks for itself. He is a three time Stanley Cup winner, multiple-time All-Star and future Hall of Famer.
Kane had a total of 21 goals 36 assists and 57 points this past season as a member of both the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers.
At 34-years-old, Kane is not what he used to be but still is an effective forward that still shows flashes of his old self at times.
This could be Kane’s last chance at a big contract but his time to win a Stanley Cup is also dwindling down so expect him to consider both these issues when making his decision.
Matt Duchene:
Matt Duchene was bought out by the Nashville Predators today allowing him to enter free agency.
The 32-year-old forward is coming off a season where he had 22 goals, 34 assists and 56 points. Duchene clearly still has some game left as during the 2021-22 campaign, he had a career year tallying 43 goals, 43 assists and 86 points.
Duchene is still a great goalscorer who will generate a lot of interest from the open market. He still should be able to seek out a multi-year contract from a team looking to add more offensive depth.
Dmitry Orlov:
Dmitry Orlav was traded to the Boston Bruins by the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline this past season.
The 31-year-old defenseman had seven goals, 29 assists and 36 points in 66 games for Washington and Boston.
While the Bruins are hoping to sign Orlov, their cap situation will probably prevent them from doing so.
Expect Orlov to hit the open market and with the need for top-four defensemen around the league, he should be able to sign a multi-year contract from another team.
Michael Bunting:
Michael Bunting is a forward with a lot of potential.
The 27-year-old was a finalist for the Calder Trophy back in 2022 where he had 23 goals, 40 assists and 63 points in 79 games for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
However this past season he regressed only tallying 49 points in 82 games. His character was also put into question as his emotions sometimes got the best of him on the ice.
While Bunting is coming off a lack-luster year, it seems he just needs a fresh start and should be able to find that fairly easily.
Ryan O’Reilly:
Ryan O’Reilly was traded by the St. Louis Blues to the Maple Leafs on Febuary 18.
The 32-year-old forward had 16 goals 14 assists and 30 points over the course of 53 games for the Maple Leafs and Blues.
O’Reilly is a Stanley Cup champion and former captain so of course he will be in high demand once free agency opens.
He is not in the prime of his career by any means but is still a serviceable player that will most likely receive a hefty contract due to his past.