General managers across the NHL wasted no time. Within the first few hours, most of the major free agents had signed new deals. In less than five hours, more than $1 billion had been spent in the Bettman circuit.
Some teams have made big moves, like the Nashville Predators with the signings of Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault, or the Edmonton Oilers who added Jeff Skinner and Viktor Arvidsson, in addition to bringing back Adam Henrique, Corey Perry and Connor Brown to the team fold.
On the other hand, the teams that missed the parade have very little to sink their teeth into as a “Plan B” on this July 2, while the quality players who are available are becoming rare.
Among forwards, the best player available on the market is Vladimir Tarasenko. A Stanley Cup winner with the Florida Panthers, Tarasenko just signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Ottawa Senators. Author of 55 points, including 23 goals, in 76 games last week, the 33-year-old Russian still has good services to offer a contending team, but we must once again expect him to sign a short-term contract.
Daniel Sprong could also catch the eye of a team looking for some offensive punch. At 27, Sprong has a quality shot, as evidenced by his 21 goals in 2022-23 with the Kraken and his 18 goals with the Red Wings last season. For Sprong, it’s his defensive play that may be turning off other teams, as he’ll likely be on his sixth different team during his NHL career.
Veterans James van Riemsdyk and Tyler Johnson, as well as Jack Roslovic, Victor Olofsson and Kevin Labanc are also still looking for new contracts.
On defense, teams looking for reinforcements could well turn to Nate Schmidt. The defenseman who commanded an annual salary of $5.95 million will certainly get a salary reduction, but he remains a reliable option at 32. In 63 games with the Winnipeg Jets last year, the left-shot rearguard registered two goals and 12 assists, in addition to having a differential of +10.
Ryan Suter, 39, will certainly find a new address, but the veteran has every right to wait to find the situation that suits him. Despite his contract buyout by the Stars, several teams have quickly shown interest in signing him.
Fifteen years his junior, Erik Brannstrom did not receive a qualifying offer from the Ottawa Senators, which represents a disappointment for the first-round pick (15th overall) of the Las Vegas Golden Knights in 2017. Last year, the rearguard amassed 20 points, while posting a +5 differential in Ottawa.
Veteran Tyson Barrie is also looking for a new destination, as he can still help a team by restarting the attack or on the power play, as is Tony DeAngelo, who has an unenviable reputation.
Of course, quality options are already scarce on the market and the teams that missed the boat when the market opened are finding themselves high and dry and will have to be very resourceful if they want to improve their fortunes for next season.
