As the final fortnight of the NHL regular season ticks away, the anticipation builds for the impending playoff battles and the intriguing free agent market this summer. For some free agents-in-waiting, these two weeks are their last auditions before entering the fray of free agency. Others, like Toronto Maple Leafs' star Mitch Marner, are poised to let their playoff performance dictate future partnerships and potential earnings come July 1.
Mitch Marner stands tall as the No. 1 pending unrestricted free agent this offseason, a move that surprises no one. With AFP Analytics projecting him to rake in a mighty $100.6 million over an eight-year deal, that’s a $12.6 million average annual value landing squarely in the superstar range. But given the soaring salary cap and the market’s thirst for game-changers, don't be shocked if Marner flirts with a $14 million AAV should he reach free agency.
Yet, the phrase "should he reach free agency" looms large. The Leafs’ revealed attempts to negotiate a waiver for his ‘no-trade’ clause could muddies the waters. If Toronto faces another early playoff exit, will they get anywhere negotiating, or will Marner’s market queries remain unanswered?
This uncertainty surrounding Marner injects a hefty dose of intrigue into what could be one of the most captivating free agent classes we've seen in ages. With highly sought-after players like Mikko Rantanen, Igor Shesterkin, and Linus Ullmark already secured with long-term contracts, the market’s heat stems from the likes of Marner, John Tavares, and Brock Boeser. These battles on ice could define who commands what come summertime.
Now, here’s a look at our first Top 50 free agents board as we navigate this thrilling time:
Top 50 Pending UFAs
- Mitch Marner, RW, 27 - Toronto:
- Current Cap Hit: $10.9M - Games: 73
- Goals: 23 - Points: 91
- AFP Projection: 8 years x $12.6M
- Brock Boeser, RW, 28 - Vancouver:
- Current Cap Hit: $6.7M - Games: 68
- Goals: 24 - Points: 46
- AFP Projection: 7 years x $9.1M
- John Tavares, C, 34 - Toronto:
- Current Cap Hit: $11M - Games: 68
- Goals: 36 - Points: 70
- AFP Projection: 3 years x $8M
- Matt Duchene, C, 34 - Dallas:
- Current Cap Hit: $3M - Games: 74
- Goals: 29 - Points: 75
- AFP Projection: 3 years x $6.4M
- Neal Pionk, RD, 29 - Winnipeg:
- Current Cap Hit: $5.9M - Games: 66
- Goals: 9 - Points: 37
- AFP Projection: 6 years x $7M
- Sam Bennett, C, 28 - Florida:
- Current Cap Hit: $4.4M - Games: 73
- Goals: 25 - Points: 50
- AFP Projection: 6 years x $6.3M
- Nikolaj Ehlers, LW, 29 - Winnipeg:
- Current Cap Hit: $6M - Games: 66
- Goals: 24 - Points: 63
- AFP Projection: 6 years x $7.5M
- Brad Marchand, RW, 36 - Florida:
- Current Cap Hit: $6.1M - Games: 65
- Goals: 21 - Points: 48
- AFP Projection: 3 years x $7.8M
- Ivan Provorov, LD, 28 - Columbus:
- Current Cap Hit: $6.8M - Games: 73
- Goals: 7 - Points: 30
- AFP Projection: 5 years x $6.4M
- Aaron Ekblad, RD, 29 - Florida:
- Current Cap Hit: $7.5M
- Games: 56
- Goals: 3
- Points: 33
- AFP Projection: 7 years x $6.9M
- Brock Nelson, C, 33 - Colorado:
- Current Cap Hit: $6M
- Games: 74
- Goals: 23
- Points: 51
- AFP Projection: 3 years x $6.7M
- Patrick Kane, RW, 36 - Detroit:
- Current Cap Hit: $4M
- Games: 64
- Goals: 19
- Points: 52
- AFP Projection: 1 year x $3.4M
- Claude Giroux, C, 37 - Ottawa:
- Current Cap Hit: $6.5M
- Games: 74
- Goals: 15
- Points: 47
- AFP Projection: 2 years x $6.7M
- Jamie Benn, LW, 35 - Dallas:
- Current Cap Hit: $9.5M
- Games: 74
- Goals: 16
- Points: 45
- AFP Projection: 2 years x $5.5M
- Mikael Granlund, C, 33 - Dallas:
- Current Cap Hit: $5M
- Games: 75
- Goals: 20
- Points: 62
- AFP Projection: 2 years x $4.6M
With a riveting offseason on the horizon, all eyes will be on the playoffs to see which of these pending free agents elevate their value—and who might just surprise us come July 1.
