The NHL is a cap league and unfortunately a lot of teams are pressed up against the cap or an internal cap. So free agency has been rather quiet as of late. Let’s review which forwards are stilll available in the middle of August.
The Best
When free agency opened one of the best players available was Nazem Kadri, 31, that hasn’t changed. Kadri was part of the Stanley cup winning Colorado Avalanche last season. He was third on team scoring with 87 points (28G and 59A) he trailed only Nathan MacKinnon and team point leader Mikko Rantanen. Kadri has been linked in a rumoured handshake deal with the Islanders for awhile. I pointed this out way back in mid-July in Klinberg Signed By Anaheim but that hasn’t materialized, as of yet. Kadri might end up signing a one-season contract with Colorado, again so he can get another shot at free agency.
The Rest
Evan Rodrigues, 28, had a career-year, playing with the Pittsburg Penguins and along the side of Sidney Crosby he was able to score 43 points (19G and 24A). He found success on the Power Play with eight PP points (7G and 1A). Rodrigues finished 34th place in the Frank J Selke trophy voting, awarded to the forward who best excels at the defensive aspect of the game and is voted on by the Professional Hockey Writers’ Association. Last year, he was also one of the best value contracts in the league with a coast of $23,255 per point.
The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the teams currently looking at signing Rodrigues, but every team with money remaining should be inquiring in my opinion. But the other teams currently linked to him are the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, and Pittsburgh Penguins. How is he still a free agent with all that interest?
The Rest of the Free Agents
Sonny Milano, 26, had flashes of brilliance last season. He scored 34 points (14 G and 20A) in 64 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season. Milano and former teammate Trevor Zegras connected for some like totally awesome plays. Do yourself a favour and look them up on YouTube they are amazing. In my opinion Milano had one of the best goals of the season with the lacrosse goal. Sonny is solid on both the power play with 10 PP points (5G and 5A) and 24 points (9G and 15A) at even strength.
Personally, I hope the Anaheim Ducks sign him. This way, he and Zegras get to put up more highlight reel plays for years to come. I am not the only one, am I? There needs to be some sort of online petition to get him back in a Ducks uniform. But anyway, the most recent chatter indicate the free agent may be signing with either the Seattle Kraken or Detroit Red Wings.
Phil Kessel, 34, is coming off of a 52 (8G and 44A) point season with the Arizona Coyotes. The Thrill might have lost some of his skill around the net, but he can still contribute on the PP. With the extra man, he had 14 PP points (2G and 12A) last season. He has won the cup twice. Kessel currently has an iron-man streak of 1063 games (including playoffs) going. So, he is durable even at this stage of his career. He has been linked to both the Edmonton Oilers and Pittsburgh Penguins.
Free agent – Honourable Mentions
Sam Steel, 24, had 20 points (6G and 14A) in 64 games for the Anaheim Ducks last season. All of his goals were scored at even strength and only three of his assists came on the PP. Steel’s 20 points were two shy of his career high 22 points. His average TOI was down to 12.19 from a four year average of 14.09. He is still young enough to turn his career around and become a solid contributor. I’ve yet to see any rumours about where he will sign, which is weird. Please send me something on Twitter.
Sam Gagner, 33, may have played 15 seasons in the NHL, but his teams have only reached the post season twice so he is well rested and ready contribute. Last season, he had 31 points (13G and 18A) in 81 games with Detroit Red Wings. Sam can play on the power play where he contributed one assist or short handed where he had one goal last season. Number 89 is probably never gonna have another eight point night like he did back in 2012 (if you’ve never watched, stop whatever you are doing and go watch this) but he can still be a solid depth contributor.
Gagner could be a great veteran to have around and is still looking for his first cup. He will most likely be forced to accept a PTO offer. As a potential PTO player he has been linked to the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Detroit Red Wings.
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