Day one of NHL free agency moved fast, and the board is still crowded.
A wave of big names already found new homes, but a surprising number of proven scorers are still waiting. Several forwards who put up more than 15 points last season remain unsigned as teams sort through what they have left to spend. And with day two underway, more movement is expected.
The biggest name still out there is Alex Ovechkin, the NHL’s all-time goals leader. He remains unsigned while he considers what comes next.
Darren Dreger said during an appearance on OverDrive that “all indications” are that Ovechkin’s NHL career has concluded. But Capitals GM Chris Patrick offered a different tone during an exclusive 1-on-1 on ESPN, saying, “I think we can do something that would work for Alex.
There are ways to get him the money he needs.”
Patrick Kane and Claude Giroux are also still on the market, and both carry plenty of mileage and playoff experience. Kane could be headed toward a new deal with the Buffalo Sabres. Giroux is weighing a return to the Philadelphia Flyers or another run with the Ottawa Senators, who have kept the possibility open and said there is a spot for him if he wants it.
That trio may draw the most attention, but the rest of the unsigned group gives teams plenty to think about. Jamie Benn, Vladimir Tarasenko, Evander Kane and David Perron all bring scoring and postseason experience. Anthony Mantha stands out as the most productive goal scorer among the remaining free agents.
There’s also useful secondary offense still available. Reilly Smith and Adam Henrique can help round out a top nine, while Michael Bunting, James van Riemsdyk and Jonathan Drouin add more scoring depth. Tanner Pearson, Tyson Jost, Eeli Tolvanen, Philipp Kurashev and Oskar Sundqvist are still on the board as complementary options.
With several contenders already handling their biggest needs through trades and major signings on Wednesday, this part of the market may shift toward value. Some teams will look for affordable depth.
Others may take a swing on a bounce-back season. For Ovechkin, Giroux and Kane in particular, it’s about where the final stretch of their careers will continue.
The list should shrink quickly in the coming days. Some players could land on teams trying to reach the salary cap floor.
Some may settle for one-year “prove it” deals. Some might even retire.
In Other News...
Former Senators Goalie Prospect Is Getting Another NHL Chance
The Lightning kept building out their organizational depth in goal, signing Mads Sogaard, Olivier Rodrigue and defenseman Michael Callahan to one-year, two-way contracts. For Senators fans, Sogaard is the name that jumps out, since the big goaltender was once part of Ottawas pipeline and had become one of the more recognizable young netminders in the system before moving on to his next opportunity.
Sogaards path has been uneven enough to make this a noteworthy fresh start, with his most recent work split between Ottawa and Belleville. Tampa Bay is giving him another chance to push back toward the NHL picture, and the one-year, two-way setup suggests the Lightning want competition and insurance at the position while they sort out how all the pieces fit. [Read more 🡒]
Another Former Senator Is Following Brady Tkachuk To Florida
Another former Senator is heading to South Florida, with Lars Eller agreeing to a one-year deal with the Panthers in free agency and setting up a reunion with Brady Tkachuk. Ellers stint in Ottawa was a short one, but he brought veteran depth and a steady presence before moving on, and now he joins a Florida group that has been busy adding familiar names from the Senators recent roster.
Donovan Sebrango also landed a one-year contract with the Panthers after reaching free agency, giving Florida another Ottawa connection after he was previously claimed off waivers from the Senators. The Panthers have also brought in former Senator Boko Imama, making the pipeline from Ottawa to Florida even more noticeable as the two teams continue to cross paths in the offseason. [Read more 🡒]