Ranking the Top NHL Unrestricted Free Agents by Tier

Mitch Marner, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

Marner`s comments during Toronto`s postseason media availability did little to dispel the idea that the winger, who has spent his entire nine-year career with his hometown team that drafted him fourth overall in 2015, might be leaving Toronto. A change could be beneficial: Marner has been a perennial target for criticism regarding the team`s playoff struggles, and he is set for a substantial payday in unrestricted free agency. The opportunity to leave has never been more appealing.

Over the last five seasons, only six players have recorded more points than Marner (450 in 357 games): Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Artemi Panarin, and David Pastrnak. Marner has the fewest goals (138) among this group but is significantly stronger defensively than most, tying Aleksander Barkov (a multiple Selke Trophy winner) with 14 shorthanded points in that period.

Marner`s points-per-game rate is 1.26 in the regular season over the past five years, dropping to 0.93 in the playoffs. Despite accumulating 42 points in 48 playoff games, Marner has often been described as `passive,` among other criticisms, in the postseason. Former NHL player Jordan Schmaltz notably commented that Marner avoids physical playoff plays as if he has `a parachute` on his back.

All this indicates that acquiring Marner is complex. His skill is undeniable. His performance when games matter most has faced annual scrutiny. What team wants this on their roster, and what is his true value?

Reports once suggested the Leafs considered an eight-year deal worth $13.5 million annually for Marner, which would have made him the team`s highest-paid player per year, surpassing Auston Matthews ($13.25 million). For comparison, Mikko Rantanen, who would have been a top free agent if he hadn`t signed with the Dallas Stars, earns $12 million annually over eight years in a state with no income tax.

The Carolina Hurricanes reportedly attempted to trade Rantanen for Marner but were turned down by the player, who possessed a full no-movement clause and whose son was due in May – making that decision entirely understandable. Carolina has the cap space and need to potentially pursue Marner again.

Teams on the rise, including the Anaheim Ducks, Chicago Blackhawks, and Utah Mammoth, have been mentioned as potential destinations. If Marner still desires an Original Six connection, playing in Chicago and setting up Connor Bedard would be an attractive option.

Teams known for making big offseason moves, such as the Florida Panthers and Vegas Golden Knights, have been speculated, as have the Los Angeles Kings and New York Islanders who might seek a major acquisition. There`s even discussion of a reunion with former Leafs general manager Kyle Dubas at the Pittsburgh Penguins – after all, if Marner`s playoff critique is valid, he could benefit greatly from Sidney Crosby`s mentorship for a couple of seasons.

All of this assumes he leaves Toronto. While it appears likely, the fundamental rule of NHL free agency still applies: His belongings are there.

Sam Bennett, C, Florida Panthers

Bennett is essentially the opposite of Marner: His primary value lies in his relentless postseason performance, where `costs` typically involve the physical discomfort of opponents. Bennett is a reliable regular-season player, scoring 25 goals and 26 assists this season for the Panthers, alongside 90 penalty minutes.

He is expected to command a significant salary this summer. Perhaps he`ll be signed by a team aiming to add the final piece to their championship puzzle, or perhaps by a team seeking a veteran winner to help them take the next step.

The common belief is that someone will outbid the Panthers for Bennett, but two points are worth remembering: He enjoys playing for Florida, and GM Bill Zito understands how vital Bennett has been to their playoff success, especially as part of a dynamic duo with star Matthew Tkachuk. The two sides have had contract discussions during the season.

Brock Boeser, RW, Vancouver Canucks

There`s likely more external interest in signing Boeser than from within the Canucks organization, which has given mixed signals about keeping him. He is coming off a 40-goal season and has alleviated concerns about his ability to stay healthy for a full schedule.

Speculation has been strong that the Minnesota native could join the Wild, but potential suitors like the Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils should not be ruled out.

Nikolaj Ehlers, LW/RW, Winnipeg Jets

Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff has effectively countered the notion that `no one wants to sign in Winnipeg,` successfully re-signing Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, and Neal Pionk in recent years. Ehlers presents his latest challenge.

“We`ll make our strongest effort to convince him to be a unique `Jet-for-life` type of player,” Cheveldayoff stated.

A consistent point producer, Ehlers boosted his free agency prospects with his best points per 60 minutes average (3.5) in five years. He is a potent offensive force, but his availability has been an issue; Ehlers has played over 70 games just once in the last four seasons and has also missed playoff time.

Aaron Ekblad, D, Florida Panthers

The general assumption after the Panthers acquired Seth Jones from the Blackhawks was that they would let their former No. 1 defenseman, Aaron Ekblad, leave as a free agent. However, GM Bill Zito has insisted that the team might still be able to retain the long-time Panther, even with Jones adding $7 million to their defense payroll and other contract priorities (like a potential new deal for Bennett).

With other options like Jakob Chychrun re-signing before free agency (eight years, $72 million with Washington), Ekblad is easily the most prominent defenseman available, and one with a Stanley Cup ring. He recorded 33 points and averaged 23:31 of ice time in 56 games this season, which was shortened by a 20-game suspension for violating the NHL/NHLPA performance-enhancing substances program.

Brad Marchand, LW, Florida Panthers

There`s been no greater testament to the star winger`s value than his performance with the Panthers after being acquired from the Bruins. He has injected veteran intensity into their bottom six, occasionally moving up to play with Aleksander Barkov. He has also produced, with 13 points in 16 playoff games.

As coach Paul Maurice noted, the Panthers needed a player as outspoken and media-savvy as Marchand to alleviate pressure on some of the team`s quieter talents.

If he doesn`t stay in Sunrise, there will be numerous teams interested in adding his winning pedigree, though salary and term will be the key negotiation points. A fascinating potential storyline would be Marchand signing with the Maple Leafs, the team he has tormented for years – especially since he recently admitted to cheering for the Leafs as a child in Halifax.

Brock Nelson, C, Colorado Avalanche

Nelson was one of several players the Avalanche acquired at the trade deadline in moves that ultimately couldn`t get them past Dallas in the first round. Nelson scored six goals and seven assists in 19 regular-season games for the Avs but was held scoreless in four of their seven playoff games against Dallas.

Was the fit satisfactory enough for him to seek an extension in Colorado, or will Nelson look for other destinations to utilize his diverse skills and potentially secure a longer contract term?

John Tavares, C, Toronto Maple Leafs

While Mitch Marner was noncommittal about his future in Toronto, Tavares was emphatic about his desire to stay after their playoff elimination, short of singing a show tune about it.

“I`ve stated my wish to stay and wanting to make it work,” the veteran center said.

Will the Leafs bring him back at a suitable price, or will Tavares be another roster casualty aimed at changing the team dynamic after their playoff disappointment? One intriguing possibility is Utah, which could benefit from both a high-profile free agent signing and a veteran presence down the middle.

Matt Duchene, C, Dallas Stars

Duchene has found a good fit in Dallas, and Dallas has found a good fit in Duchene. He was one of the best value signings last offseason, signing a one-year deal worth $3 million and proceeding to tally 82 points in 82 games, his best offensive output since 2021-22 with Nashville. His playoff production through 16 games was less impressive, with just one goal and five assists.

Given the scarcity of unrestricted free agent veteran scorers with his track record, there might be temptation to explore other options. However, it`s possible Duchene is following the late-career trend of other veterans: signing a series of one-year contracts to remain with a team he enjoys.

Vladislav Gavrikov, D, Los Angeles Kings

Gavrikov just finished a two-year contract he signed with then-general manager Rob Blake in 2023. A key factor here is that Blake is no longer the GM, with Ken Holland now leading Los Angeles.

Gavrikov had a solid defensive season with the Kings and contributed 30 points (five goals, 25 assists), the second-highest total of his six-season career. He performed well when paired with either Mikey Anderson or Jordan Spence.

All signs point to the Kings wanting to keep Gavrikov. But if his new contract demands are too high for Holland`s plans for the rest of the roster, other teams will be happy to add him to their defense.

Claude Giroux, C, Ottawa Senators

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Giroux is expected to extend his time with the Senators before free agency opens. He recorded 50 points in 81 games this past season, his third with Ottawa, a team that reached the playoffs for the first time in eight seasons.

There`s little reason to think he won`t remain a Senator next season, but if he does become available, he still possesses enough offensive ability to help another team.

Yanni Gourde, C, Tampa Bay Lightning

He was a sought-after player at the trade deadline, valued as a quintessential checking center with Stanley Cup winning experience. Gourde ended up returning to the Lightning from the Seattle Kraken, where he had tallied 14 points in 21 games but was less impactful in five playoff games.

GM Julien BriseBois has stated the team acquired Gourde with the intention of keeping him beyond this season. However, as Steven Stamkos` situation illustrates, such outcomes often depend on the Lightning`s financial parameters, which may not align with Gourde`s expectations.

Mikael Granlund, C, Dallas Stars

One of several effective moves made by Stars GM Jim Nill this season, Granlund was acquired from last-place San Jose, where he had recorded 45 points in 52 games. Granlund then posted 21 points in 31 games for Dallas, followed by nine points in 16 playoff games while playing on the “Finnish Mafia” line with Mikko Rantanen and Roope Hintz.

It`s likely someone will offer Granlund an inflated contract, as his increase in goal scoring coincided with his pending free agency. However, he has consistently produced points wherever he has played (with the exception of Pittsburgh).

Kyle Palmieri, RW, New York Islanders

Palmieri represents one of the initial challenges for new Islanders general manager Mathieu Darche. It was clear that former GM Lou Lamoriello intended to extend the winger, opting not to trade him at the deadline. There`s merit to this; Palmieri registered 30 goals and 24 goals over the past two seasons, and offense is not an area of surplus on the Islanders` roster.

That said, it`s time for New York to overhaul the roster that Lamoriello built with diminishing returns, and Palmieri has been with the team since 2021.

Ivan Provorov, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

Provorov is a skilled skater who can contribute on both the power play and penalty kill, logging significant minutes (23:21 per game). He is a solid puck mover with elite puck-retrieval abilities. If the Blue Jackets re-sign him, he can serve as a veteran anchor for their second pairing, playing behind Zach Werenski.

They kept him at the trade deadline, and general manager Don Waddell has stated his intention to sign him this summer. If Provorov reaches the open market, Waddell won`t be the only GM pursuing him.

Anthony Beauvillier, F, Washington Capitals

This is not the first time Beauvillier has appeared in this tier, and his seasons with the Penguins and Capitals highlighted his potential value on a budget contract, particularly his six points in 10 playoff games during the Caps` brief postseason run.

He boasts strong underlying numbers, good offensive output, and remains only 27 until next month.

Connor Brown, RW, Edmonton Oilers

If not for that other Connor dominating attention in Edmonton, perhaps more recognition would have been given to the regular season Connor Brown had for the Oilers – 13 goals and 17 assists in 82 games, skating to a plus-9 in 14:01 of average ice time per game – all on a steal of a contract.

It took his playoff performance – five goals and three assists through 14 games – to truly gain notice.

He is a hardworking, pace-setting player.

Evgenii Dadonov, F, Dallas Stars

`Daddy` had an impressive contract year, recording 20 goals and 20 assists in 80 games. He had similar averages in the first year of his two-year deal with Dallas. He is unlikely to match his prime offensive numbers, but at the right average annual value, Dadonov can be an offensive contributor in the regular season.

Brian Dumoulin, D, New Jersey Devils

The former Anaheim Duck was a trade-deadline acquisition for New Jersey and was pressed into more action than anticipated due to injuries on the Devils` defensive corps in the playoffs. In their five-game series against Carolina, Dumoulin averaged 29:21 of ice time per game, skating over 36 minutes in two overtime games and playing effectively.

The two-time Cup winner with Pittsburgh can still perform well in the postseason.

Dante Fabbro, D, Columbus Blue Jackets

Yes, this is Dante Fabbro, known partly for the question: Why on earth did the Nashville Predators put Dante Fabbro on waivers last season? The Predators` loss was the Blue Jackets` gain, as Fabbro recorded 26 points in 62 games, posting a plus-23 rating with Columbus as Zach Werenski`s partner.

His underlying numbers confirm his strong performance on both ends of the ice. While playing with a Norris Trophy finalist certainly helps, Fabbro earned his place alongside Werenski.

Matt Grzelcyk, D, Pittsburgh Penguins

The former Boston Bruins defenseman had a quietly effective season for the Penguins, scoring one goal but adding 39 assists – 24 of which were at even strength. While defense has never been his strongest suit, offensively he was solid in both traditional and analytical measures.

Victor Olofsson, F, Vegas Golden Knights

Wait, a former Buffalo Sabres forward acquired by the Golden Knights and rediscovering his game? We`ve definitely seen that before…

In any case, Olofsson scored 15 goals and added 14 assists on a very affordable `show me` contract. He has shown in the past that when healthy, he possesses considerable offensive upside.

Reilly Smith, F, Vegas Golden Knights

There`s a reason the Golden Knights stuck with Smith at the trade deadline. He is a perfectly serviceable depth forward who provides decent offensive production and can contribute on both special teams.

He performs well when placed in the right role – meaning, not a top-line winger – as the Rangers experienced.

Pius Suter, F, Vancouver Canucks

Suter is close to potentially commanding an overpay after setting career highs in goals (25) and points (46) in a contract year with the Canucks. However, his goal production has been consistent in limited roles throughout his career, and he does enough away from the puck (according to analytics) that even a slight dip from last season`s numbers wouldn`t make a significant contract increase regrettable.

Jamie Benn, LW, Dallas Stars

Benn signed his eight-year contract in July 2016, but it somehow feels like much longer ago. This might be due to his 16-year tenure with Dallas (Mike Modano was still on the Stars when Benn was a rookie), but also because this contract was debated from the moment it was signed.

While Benn`s most productive offensive days are behind him, he still managed 49 points in 80 games this season in a reduced role, averaging under 16 minutes of ice time for the past three seasons.

GM Nill stated that Benn will be a Dallas Star for life, but the two decided to let this season conclude before discussing an extension. Benn`s value lies in his leadership, physicality, and intangible qualities. However, Dallas or any team signing him needs to be cautious regarding the average annual value and term.

Brent Burns, D, Carolina Hurricanes

The beard, the ranch, the enigmatic bag of items – few NHL players have generated the lore surrounding Brent Burns. He was also once a significant offensive producer, but that production has declined sharply over the last two seasons, from 61 points to 43 points to 29 points in 82 games this season, his lowest average points per 60 minutes of his career.

Is this the end of the line for Burns? He hasn`t said. However, there will always be a market for a puck-moving defenseman in the NHL capable of logging 20 minutes per game.

Ryan Donato, F, Chicago Blackhawks

Donato had an exceptional contract-year surge this past season, setting new career highs with 31 goals and 31 assists in 80 games for the Blackhawks. He was discussing a new deal with Chicago around the trade deadline, and the Hawks chose not to move him, suggesting they see him as part of their future group. Having chemistry with Connor Bedard likely helps.

The questions now are: How is that value quantified in a contract? And can Donato replicate that performance in a non-contract year?

Jonathan Drouin, F, Colorado Avalanche

Drouin revitalized his offensive game with Colorado, who acquired him with the encouragement of his junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon. It was a feel-good story. Less positive was the fact that, once again, injuries plagued him this past season.

He recorded 37 points in 43 games, demonstrating that when he is in the lineup, he can be effective. The operative phrase is “when he is in the lineup.”

Patrick Kane, RW, Detroit Red Wings

We almost placed `Showtime` in the `reliable investments` category given how he exceeded expectations on his incentive-heavy, one-year contract with Detroit last season, scoring 21 goals and 38 points in 72 games. He played well alongside long-time linemate Alex DeBrincat and responded positively when Detroit hired Todd McLellan as coach.

The concern with Kane is on the defensive side, where analytics indicated he was the weakest defensive forward on the Red Wings.

Andrei Kuzmenko, F, Los Angeles Kings

Kuzmenko fit in very well with the Kings after being acquired from the Flyers. He appeared to be the player Anze Kopitar and Adrian Kempe had been needing for their line. Assuming new GM Ken Holland sees it the same way, it will be interesting to see how that connection is valued in terms of average annual value and contract term.

If Holland doesn`t prioritize retaining him, Kuzmenko could be headed to his fifth team in three seasons, sought after for his offensive spark and power-play ability.

Ryan Lindgren, D, Colorado Avalanche

The Rangers traded the 27-year-old defenseman to the Avalanche at the trade deadline. He is a reliable defensive defenseman who can complement a puck-moving partner, similar to his pairing with Adam Fox in New York.

However, at this stage of Lindgren`s NHL career, it seems almost inevitable that he will either play through injuries or miss time because of them.

Dmitry Orlov, D, Carolina Hurricanes

Orlov surprised many during his last free agency by signing a short-term contract with a high average annual value with the Hurricanes. He saw a slight increase in offensive production this season but remained just above replacement level defensively. Orlov has been particularly shaky in his own end during the playoffs.

While the Hurricanes could let him leave, there is likely value in keeping Orlov to partner with and mentor rookie Alexander Nikishin, who shows significant promise.

Jeff Skinner, LW, Edmonton Oilers

What was anticipated to be one of the best value signings in the NHL last offseason didn`t quite materialize that way for Skinner and Edmonton. He scored 16 goals and added 13 assists in 72 games, averaging just 12:60 of ice time. He did appear in one playoff game against the Kings, marking his first postseason action in his 15-year career.

Skinner is two seasons removed from a 35-goal campaign with Buffalo.

Jonathan Toews, C

We know the kind of player Toews was for the Blackhawks: a Selke Trophy-winning captain who won three Stanley Cups and a Conn Smythe, and who was still producing points (31 points in 53 games) deep into Chicago`s rebuild.

However, his current status is uncertain, having last played in April 2023 before stepping away from the NHL for health reasons and personal development.

Toews has expressed interest in returning to play. This has led to speculation about a comeback with various teams, from his hometown Winnipeg Jets to the championship-hungry Maple Leafs, and the Oilers, where his former GM Stan Bowman now works.

Jake Allen, New Jersey Devils

Allen outperformed Jacob Markstrom in the regular season, with a higher save percentage (.908), more goals saved above expected (8.75), and the same number of shutouts (four). The Devils are generally satisfied with their goaltending situation, and GM Tom Fitzgerald has discussed negotiating to bring Allen back. However, given the other options in the free agent goaltending market, another team might offer more than the Devils are willing to pay.

Alexander Georgiev, San Jose Sharks

The former starting goaltender for the Colorado Avalanche, Georgiev was sent to the Sharks in the Mackenzie Blackwood trade. His performance didn`t significantly improve there, as Georgiev registered minus-13.7 goals saved above expected in 31 games for San Jose.

GM Mike Grier has already informed the goaltender that he will not return to the Sharks next season.

Alex Lyon, Detroit Red Wings

One of five goalies used by the Red Wings this season, Lyon played 30 games for Detroit with an .896 save percentage and a 14-9-1 record. He was slightly below average in goals saved above expected at minus-1.63.

Ilya Samsonov, Vegas Golden Knights

Signed to a cost-effective deal as a backup to Adin Hill, Samsonov had a second consecutive season with a save percentage below .900, along with minus-7.85 goals saved above expected.

Vitek Vanecek, Florida Panthers

A former starter with the Devils, Vanecek split time between the Sharks and Panthers this season, and he wasn`t particularly effective for either team.

Dan Vladar, Calgary Flames

Dustin Wolf`s impressive rookie season was complemented by 30 games of average goaltending from Vladar, who remains a dependable tandem goalie, though perhaps not much more.