Free agent market: Today’s catches

July 1st is always a highly anticipated date for hockey fans. Possibly more than the draft since free agents who change addresses on this day will have an immediate impact on their new team. This first day did not disappoint.

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The big catch

Jake Guentzel

Tampa Bay | 63 M$ (9 M$ x 7 ans)

Julien Brisebois had already prepared his game by announcing the divorce with Steven Stamkos and acquiring Jake Guentzel from the Hurricanes. The Lightning general manager made sure to reach a long-term agreement with the man who will become the dynamo of his attack. The 29-year-old American agreed to terms on a seven-year contract that will pay him $9 million per season. In 67 games last winter, Guentzel collected 77 points. A similar production to Stamkos (81 points in 79 games) for four years less.

Adieu Sean

Sean Monahan

Columbus | 27,5 M$ (5,5 M$ x 5 ans)

Those who were hoping to see Sean Monahan take advantage of the free agent market to return to the Canadiens will have to mourn. The 29-year-old Ontarian will play with the Columbus Blue Jackets for the next five seasons. For each of those seasons, he will receive $5.5 million.

Regrets to be expected

Joel Edmundson

Los Angeles | 15,4 M$ (3,85 M$ x 4 ans)

Struggling with various injuries, including one to his back, Edmundson has barely played 56.1% of his teams’ games over the last three seasons. That didn’t stop the Kings from signing him to a $3.85 million contract for each of the next four seasons. The 31-year-old defenseman will likely see that contract bought out along the way.

The Grand Slam

Les Predators

Three players for $118.5 million

Barry Trotz went to great lengths to put his team at the forefront of the parade. In the space of 20 minutes, he spent $118.5 million on top-tier catches. Steven Stamkos ($32 million over 4 years), Jonathan Marchessault ($27.5 million over 5 years) and Brady Skjei ($49 million over 7 years) would become important cogs for the Predators. Later, he extended goaltender Jusse Saros’ contract by 8 years.

The jackpot

Sam Reinhart

Floride | 69 M$ (8,63 M$ x 8 ans)

Clearly pleased with his role in winning their first Stanley Cup, the Panthers handed Sam Reinhart a briefcase full of cash. The 28-year-old forward has exploded since arriving in Florida in 2021. He had a 94-point season, including 57 goals, last winter.

A wish granted

Elias Lindholm

Boston | 54,25 M$ (7,75 M$ x 7 ans)

He had stated his intentions of wanting to move to Boston, the Bruins rolled out the carpet for him. The 29-year-old Swede collected 44 points in 75 games this season. He has only had two campaigns of more than 64 points: in 2018-2019 (78) and in 2021-2022 (82).

Salary reduction

Anthony Beauvillier

Pittsburgh | 1,25 M$ (1,25 M$ x 1 an)

He underperformed in the three years following the signing of his contract, which paid him $4.15 million annually. It’s no surprise that he played for four teams during that period. The 27-year-old from Sorel had to take a pay cut to try to get back on track.

The love of a lifetime

Jaccob Slavin

Caroline | 51,69 M$ (6,46 M$ x 8 ans)

A 4th round pick by the Hurricanes in 2012, the American has played all of his 665 games in Carolina. He is likely to end his career with this organization since he signed an eight-year extension. With the year remaining on his current deal, he will become a free agent on July 1, 2033, at the age of 39.