It’s been a long summer for several of the NHL’s top unrestricted free agents (UFAs). After an initial flurry of activity saw Johnny Gaudreau signed by the Columbus Blue Jackets, wheeling and dealing in the world’s premier ice hockey competition has cooled.
Although there are several reasons for the slowdown, the league’s flat salary cap is by far the most important.
In ordinary times, the total amount teams are allowed to spend on player salaries increases year by year, allowing teams to recruit better talent and players to earn more money.
However, the NHL’s salary cap has been frozen since the pandemic struck, leaving clubs with less room to manoeuvre than they expected. As a result, several of the sport’s top UFAs remain on the board and are readily available to any organisation capable of meeting their salary demands.
With that said, here are three players to watch in NHL free agency before preseason begins in the autumn.
Nazem Kadri, Centre, Age: 31
Nobody expected Nazem Kadri to be without a team at this point in NHL free agency. He played a crucial role in delivering the Stanley Cup to Denver last season, producing world-class performances in the regular season and playoffs for the Colorado Avalanche.
Despite recording an 87-point haul before puck drop in the first round, the 31-year-old was especially impressive in the postseason, accumulating 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 17 playoff appearances. Kadri was expected to earn a significant pay rise on his last contract, which carried an average annual value (AAV) of $4.5 million, as a result.
However, the cap-strapped nature of the modern NHL has left Kadri on the outside looking in. While there is no doubt he will be signed before the season begins in October, the list of teams capable of meeting his salary demands has shrunk since the start of free agency.
As it stands, the New York Islanders are Kadri’s likeliest destination, as reported by ESPN’s Kristen Shilton:
“Almost any team doling out a Kadri-sized contract now would have to make corresponding cap-related shuffles. The Islanders could certainly use Kadri’s contributions after averaging less than three goals per game in 2021-22, and Kadri has a history with GM Lou Lamoriello from their time in Toronto. In fact, it was Lamoriello who signed Kadri to his deal that just expired, a six-year agreement worth $27 million.”
Tick. Tock.
P.K. Subban, Defenceman, Age: 33
It’s a brave new world for P.K. Subban, whose hefty $9 million per season expired earlier this summer. Although the 33-year-old’s powers have waned over recent years, he still has the potential to be a solid depth option for a contender.
The right-shooting blueliner recorded 22 points (five goals, 17 assists) in 77 appearances for the New Jersey Devils last term, raising his career total to 467 points (115 goals, 352 assists) in 834 games.
P.K. Subban, New Jersey Devils is on the move in NHL free agency (Image: All-Pro Reels)
Subban, who won the Norris Trophy as the NHL’s best defender in 2012-13, has a gold medal at the 2014 Winter Olympics to his name but has never lifted the Stanley Cup. If the Canadian wants to reach the summit, signing with the Florida Panthers could be a wise move. They have lost experience on the backend this summer and are under pressure to ‘win now’ after acquiring Matthew Tkachuk from the Calgary Flames.
However, if Subban is willing to pen a discounted deal, he could have his pick of teams in NHL free agency. The ball (puck) is in his court (rink).
Phil Kessel, Right Wing, Age: 34
Despite being in the back nine of his career, Phil ‘the thrill’ Kessel still has plenty to offer. Last season, he registered 52 points (eight goals, 44 assists) in 82 appearances for the tanking Arizona Coyotes and is closing in on Keith Yandle’s record for consecutive games played.
While the 34-year-old won’t obtain another $8 million per season contract, his playmaking abilities would boost the middle-six of any contending squad.
During a recent episode of the 32 Thoughts podcast, Sportsnet’s Jeff Marek wondered if Kessel might eventually secure a roster spot with the Edmonton Oilers.
“He’d score there, there’s no denying that,” he said, pointing out Kessel was on a poor team in Arizona.
It would take some salary cap finagling from Edmonton, but Kessel to the Oilers in NHL free agency should not be ruled out altogether.
NHL Free Agency: Where Will the NHL’s Remaining UFAs Land?
Kadri, Subban, and Kessel are not the only interesting UFAs still on the board.
Sonny Milano, who combined with Trevor Zegras to score the goal of the season in 2021-22, is an intriguing option and unlikely to demand a bulky contract in NHL free agency.
What an assist from Trevor Zegras to Sonny Milano 🔥 pic.twitter.com/m5OjTWnNll
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) December 8, 2021
Paul Stastny is in no rush to sign a new deal according to NHL insider Chris Johnston. The 36-year-old’s priority is to sign for a team capable of winning silverware, with the Colorado Avalanche and Calgary Flames on his list of potential suitors.
Despite achieving a career year in 20212-22, Evan Rodrigues is still out there. He recorded 43 points (19 goals, 24 assists) in 82 appearances for the Pittsburgh Penguins last term but was left unqualified in Pennsylvania. The 29-year-old is firmly in the NHL’s bargain bucket as a result.
NHL Free Agency: Where will Nazem Kadri sign this summer? Join the conversation by tweeting @BritIceHockey.
