Valuing Top NHL Free Agents

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJune 25, 2024
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With the Stanley Cup finals now in the books, the focus now turns to full offseason mode in the NHL, beginning with the upcoming draft (June 28-June 29th), and free agency (July 1st). We’ve identified a few notable pending unrestricted free agents, including projected pricepoints for each.

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Sam Reinhart (C, Florida)

Reinhart posted a (full) breakdown campaign in his walk year with the Panthers: Always a good formula for financial success in sports. A strong postseason capped by a cup-winning goal in Game 7 puts him in conversation to be this year’s best available free agent.

The 28-year-old former #2 overall pick just completed a 3 year, $19.5 million contract in Florida and should have his eyes on Top 15 money this July, with Mitchell Marner’s 6 year, $65M contract ($10.9M per) very much in play.

Jake Guentzel (C, Carolina)

The 29-year-old was rumored to be the big trade chip this past deadline, but the Hurricanes held on instead. He finished the year at a 1.15 point per game clip, and boasts the type of playoff experience that every fringe contending team is looking to add.

Tyler Seguin’s $9.85M per year contract in Dallas should be a good foundation point, but if a team like Chicago wants to get into the mix, look for numbers past $10M per year to get in play.

Elias Lindholm (C, Vancouver)

The 29-year-old just completed a 6 year, $29M contract as a deadline move from Calgary to Vancouver. The overall production has sharply declined (as Calgary depleted the talent around him), so there are red flags attached to him this summer.

But a strong postseason run likely puts him back in the conversation for a Top 25 contract this July. Logan Couture’s $8M per year contract in San Jose seems a proper pricepoint.

Brady Skjei (D, Carolina)

A former Rangers 1st Rounder, Sjkei has spent the last 5 seasons playing out a 6 year, $31.5M contract. He approached the 50 point mark this past season, posting huge numbers across the board (including special teams). There’s a very real world where Skjei becomes the highest paid defender in this year’s class, with Devon Toews $7.25M per year value in Colorado very much in the conversation.

Jonathan Marchessault (F, Vegas)

The 33-year-old posted a career high 42 goals this past season, but the Golden Knights have shown in their young history that they are willing to be aggressive with turnover on an annual basis. Marchessault’s age and likely salary demands could push him into the open market next month.

He’s the perfect candidate to join a young team willing to overpay for surefire production & experience, which could result in a short-term, higher-AAV deal. Will 2 years, $15M take Vegas out of the running?

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