2017 NHL Free Agents: Stock Watch for Top Players, Post-Draft Edition
The NHL's annual free-agent market opens on Saturday. It's time to review the stocks of the notable unrestricted free-agent stars, such as Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks.
Since our previous review on March 6, several factors had an impact upon the free-agent pool. Overall performance in the regular season and playoffs, injuries and the declining amount of available talent affected the value of those on this list.
Here's an updated stock watch following the recent NHL draft. Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts on this topic in the comments section.
10. Steve Mason, Philadelphia Flyers (Stock Down)
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The signings of Ben Bishop with the Dallas Stars and Scott Darling with the Carolina Hurricanes make the Philadelphia Flyers' Steve Mason the best available goaltender in this year's free-agent market. However, the 29-year-old's erratic play over the past two seasons hurts his value as a starting netminder.
Mason struggled through his final season with the Flyers. He finished with a record of 26 wins, 21 losses and eight overtime losses, with a 2.66 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.
Coming off a three-year contract with a $4.1 million annual salary-cap hit, Mason's difficulties last season could make teams reluctant to offer him a lengthy new deal. He could be looking at one-year offers worth around $3.5 million.
The lack of quality goaltending depth in the free-agent pool could still make Mason an option for clubs seeking depth between the pipes. The Arizona Coyotes and Winnipeg Jets both need an experienced starter.
9. Martin Hanzal, Minnesota Wild (Stock Down)
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Center Martin Hanzal split last season between the Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild. While he had a solid regular-season performance, his inconsistent postseason play could adversely affect his free-agent stock.
The 30-year-old Hanzal reached the 20-goal mark for the first time and finished with 39 points in 71 games. While he tallied 13 points in 20 outings with the Wild, he managed only one point in five playoff appearances. Hanzal has an imposing 6'6", 226-pound frame, but he's frequently sidelined by injuries.
Hanzal completed a five-year contract worth an annual salary-cap hit of $3.1 million. He could be in the market for another five-year deal but with a raise to $5 million per season.
Despite Hanzal's injury history and inconsistent offense, his size and two-way style could prove enticing for clubs seeking depth at center. The Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers and Montreal Canadiens could have him on their respective radars.
8. Radim Vrbata, Arizona Coyotes (Stock Up)
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While the Arizona Coyotes struggled through 2016-17, veteran right wing Radim Vrbata was among their few bright spots. A solid offensive performance and the declining depth among this year's free-agent wingers bolsters the 36-year-old's free-agent stock.
After managing only 27 points in 2015-16 with the Vancouver Canucks, Vrbata bounced back in 2016-17 with the Coyotes. He was their leader in goals (20), assists (35) and points (55), proving he hasn't lost his offensive touch.
Vrbata is completing a one-year contract with a $1 million base salary and worth $2.25 million in performance bonuses. While he could receive a similar offer from the Coyotes for next season, he might push for a two-year deal with a higher base salary.
Most of Vrbata's productive seasons came with the Coyotes, so he could be reluctant to hit the open market. If he does, he should attract interest from clubs in need of scoring depth at right wing. The Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils could be among them.
7. Sam Gagner, Columbus Blue Jackets (Stock Up)
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After washing out in 2015-16 with the Philadelphia Flyers, Sam Gagner signed a one-year deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 27-year-old made the most of the opportunity, salvaging his NHL career and putting himself in line for a better deal in this summer's free-agent market.
A versatile playmaking forward who can skate at center or left wing, Gagner enjoyed a career-high 50-point performance in 2016-17 with the Blue Jackets. It's the seventh time in his career he's exceeded 40 points.
Earning $650,000 last season, Gagner was last summer's biggest free-agent bargain. His improved play with Columbus could earn him a three-year deal worth over $3.5 million per season.
Gagner's playmaking skills make him a valuable power-play specialist. If he doesn't re-sign with the Blue Jackets, teams seeking help with the man advantage, such as the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers and San Jose Sharks, could be calling his agent.
6. Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks (Stock Down)
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After 19 NHL seasons, the 37-year-old San Jose Sharks left wing Patrick Marleau reached the 20-goal mark in 2016-17 for the 14th time in his career. However, his age and his likely inclination to remain in San Jose could hurt his free-agent stock.
Marleau got off to a slow start last season but finished strong, with 27 goals and 46 points in 82 games. While the Sharks were eliminated from the opening round of the 2017 playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers, Marleau was their leading goal scorer, tallying three goals in six games.
Coming off a three-year contract worth over $6.6 million per year, Marleau's at the stage in his career when he'll no longer command big-money deals. If he tests the market, he'll likely get one-year, bonus-laden offers worth around $4 million.
Should Marleau become an unrestricted free agent, he could prefer signing with playoff contenders close to California. Having spent his entire NHL career with San Jose, he could finish his career as a Shark.
5. Justin Williams, Washington Capitals (Stock Up)
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The recent signings of wingers T.J. Oshie and Patrick Eaves should significantly improve the free-agent stock of Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams. Though he turns 36 on Oct. 4, he remains a reliable second-line right wing.
In 80 games last season, Williams scored 24 goals and 48 points. Since 2000-01, he's reached the 20-goal mark six times and netted 40 or more points 10 times. Winner of the 2014 Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, he has a reputation as a clutch postseason scorer.
Williams is completing a two-year contract worth an annual average value of $3.25 million. His days of receiving lucrative long-term offers are in the past. However, he could be receptive to another two-year deal for around $3 million annually.
Teams in need of affordable and experienced scoring depth will pursue Williams. Suitors could include the Florida Panthers, Los Angeles Kings and Montreal Canadiens.
4. Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals (Stock Up)
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A big-minute, shutdown defenseman, Karl Alzner of the Washington Capitals is entering the UFA market for the first time. Given the 28-year-old's defensive skills, he could attract considerable attention from clubs looking to bolster their blue lines.
The 6'3", 219-pound Alzner led the Capitals last season in blocked shots (162) and short-handed time on ice per game (three minutes and three seconds). He's also durable, never missing a regular-season game since 2010-11.
Completing a four-year deal worth an annual average value of $2.8 million, Alzner is due for a significant raise. He could seek a seven-year deal worth over $5 million per season.
Several teams could benefit from Alzner's stay-at-home style. The Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs could come calling.
3. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks (Stock Down)
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Longtime Sharks center Joe Thornton is the most recognizable name in this summer's UFA market. He turns 38 on July 2 and underwent offseason knee surgery on April 24. Factor in the sharp drop in his production last season, and Thornton's free-agent value could be in decline.
After an 82-point performance in 2015-16, Thornton had a 50-point effort this season to finish fourth among San Jose's scorers. Hampered by his late-season knee injury, he managed only two assists as the Sharks were eliminated from the opening round of the 2017 postseason by the Edmonton Oilers.
Thornton is coming off a three-year deal worth $6.75 million annually. His age, the drop in his scoring and the possibility his knee surgery could adversely affect his play could hurt his chances of landing a similar deal.
With his reputation among the NHL's great playmakers, Thornton could still attract interest if he decides to test the free-agent market. However, he could prefer finishing his career in San Jose.
2. Alexander Radulov, Montreal Canadiens (Stock Up)
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Returning to the NHL last season following a four-year absence, Montreal Canadiens right wing Alexander Radulov proved he still has big league scoring skills. With the Washington Capitals re-signing T.J. Oshie, Radulov becomes the best forward available in this summer's free-agent market.
With 18 goals and 54 points in 76 games, the 30-year-old Russian finished second among Canadiens scorers. He was their leading scorer during their brief appearance in the 2017 playoffs, tallying seven points in six games.
Radulov was under a one-year, $5.75 million contract with the Canadiens. On June 22, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported the winger is seeking a six-year deal worth $7 million per season from the Canadiens. Considering Radulov's age, he's unlikely to get that much for that long from any NHL club
If Radulov intends to remain in the NHL, he would have to lower his asking price to perhaps a four-year deal at $6 million annually. That could prove palatable for the Canadiens or other clubs (Arizona Coyotes, Carolina Hurricanes and New Jersey Devils) in need of some scoring punch.
1. Kevin Shattenkirk, Washington Capitals (Stock Up)
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Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk followed up a solid regular season with an inconsistent playoff performance. But as the top blueliner available in the UFA market, his stock remains high.
In 80 games split between the Capitals and St. Louis Blues, the 28-year-old Shattenkirk reached single-season highs in assists (43) and points (56). He finished fourth in points among NHL defensemen and has reached 40 points in six of the past seven seasons.
Shattenkirk is completing a four-year deal with an annual salary-cap hit of $4.25 million. He could seek a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually on the open market.
A mobile puck-moving defenseman with a right-handed shot, Shattenkirk will be a hot commodity in this summer's free-agent market. The Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, New Jersey Devils and New York Rangers could be among his suitors.
Player info via NHL.com. Salary info via CapFriendly.
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