Talent For Hire: The Top 10 Pending Unrestricted Free Agents
Flip Livingstone
2024-05-20
The Stanley Cup is only a couple of weeks away from being hoisted for the 108th time in NHL history. As much as most of the hockey world is focused on who will be doing it, some attention is beginning to shift to the offseason and free agency – especially in the fantasy hockey realm as GMs would be wise to monitor what big names go where. This week's top-10 list features a brief look at the biggest players who will be unrestricted free agents once the July 1 window opens.
10. Viktor Arvidsson
Arvidsson brings speed, tenacity, and goal-scoring ability to the table. A move to a team that plays an up-tempo style and gives him top-six minutes could see Arvidsson returning to the 30-goal form he's shown in the past. Monitor his health and team fit to gauge his fantasy potential accurately. The other part of this angle is the Kings have a number of big decisions to make in terms of player personnel this summer, mainly in net with major question marks surrounding the tandem of David Rittich (recently re-signed) and pending UFA starting netminder Cam Talbot.
9. Matt Duchene
Duchene is an offensively-gifted forward who has had an up-and-down career – right now he's on the come up. Much like others on our list, Duchene's fantasy value largely depends on his role and linemates. Duchene is only two years removed from being an All-Star and he's been solid the past three seasons while registering 207 points over his last three campaigns of regular-season action. Fantasy GMs should watch for his signing closely, as a good fit could make him a valuable mid-round steal with 65-plus-point upside.
8. Patrick Kane
Patty Kane still has plenty left in the tank. His playmaking and scoring ability make him a perennial fantasy favorite who stepped right back into NHL action this past campaign and was nearly a point-per-game player for the Detroit Red Wings (20 goals, 27 assists, 7 game-winning goals, 19:32 TOI) while almost singlehandedly carrying them into the playoffs. As a free agent, his choice of team will be critical in terms of where he will be drafted. If he joins a legit contender with a potent offense, Kane could continue to be a high-end fantasy producer. However, his age and potential for injuries are obvious factors to consider.
7. Brady Skjei
Skjei is a dependable defenseman with offensive upside who is coming off a great regular season and playoff showing making him an intriguing free agent and fantasy hockey option. Known for his skating and puck-moving abilities, Skjei can contribute to both power-play and even-strength scoring, something he did this season to the tune of 47 points overall. Fantasy owners should look for his deployment on his new potential team, as top-four minutes and power-play opportunities will be crucial for his fantasy value.
6. Elias Lindholm
Lindholm's all-around game and ability to play in all situations make him a versatile fantasy option. His consistent point production and strong two-way play mean he will be a hot commodity in free agency should the Vancouver Canucks choose to not re-sign him. Lindholm's put up strong numbers during his career and the Canucks are definitely one of the best teams in the Western Conference, so if Lindholm remains in Van City that would have him potentially even higher up this list.
5. Brandon Montour
The smooth-skating Montour has emerged as a solid offensive defenseman with the Florida Panthers who, much like Stamkos below, will be an extremely hot commodity this summer. His ability to contribute at both ends of the ice make him a valuable asset that also fills out the peripheral categories. In fantasy terms, his point production and power-play time are key metrics to watch. If Montour signs with a team that gives him a top-pairing role, his fantasy stock could see a boost on already solid numbers that saw him put up 110 points over the past two seasons for Paul Maurice's club.
The Tampa Bay Lightning captain will undoubtedly be one of the biggest names hitting free agency, as Stamkos brings elite scoring, leadership, and a wealth of experience to the free-agency table. Despite injury concerns, Stamkos remains a top-tier fantasy player when healthy. His decision to potentially leave South Florida for the first time in his Hall-of-Fame-worthy career is one of the more intriguing to be made this summer that could also lead to a domino-like effect on some of the other names on this UFA list.
Stammer is a proven winner who will have a number of teams courting his services. As a Toronto-area boy, there are already a ton of rumblings out of Toronto about Stamkos potentially suiting up for his hometown Maple Leafs. Salary and cap situations make that a low-percentage chance, but Stamkos' value heading into next fantasy draft season really hinges on where he plays and how he will be deployed.
One of the most underrated fantasy options in the NHL today, Marchessault has been a key player for the Vegas Golden Knights over the past few seasons while building a reputation for his scoring ability and tenacity. As he heads into free agency, his next move could be pivotal for his fantasy prospects and his 42 goals this season will mean countless teams interested in adding his scoring touch. If he joins a team that pairs him with a superstar and utilizes his offensive skills effectively, Marchessault could be a bit of a "sleeper" pick that pays off handsomely.
A consistent scorer and a crucial part of the Pittsburgh Penguins' offense for eight seasons, Guentzel settled in nicely while doing the exact same thing with his new Carolina Hurricanes teammates. His ability to play alongside elite talent like Sidney Crosby and now Sebastian Aho has showcased his skills and ability to be an elite offensive piece and strong fantasy option that really shouldn't be around much past the sixth round, depending on your league format. It feels very likely that, given his newfound connection with Carolina' best player in Aho, Guentzel sticks around in Raleigh, so expect him to be a great option next season to return to his former 70-plus-point form.
1. Sam Reinhart
Reinhart has proven to be a versatile forward capable of playing both center and wing, making him a valuable asset in any fantasy lineup. Coming off a season where he displayed his scoring prowess by registering a career-high 57 goals with an NHL-high 27 power-play tallies, Reinhart's next potential destination could boost his fantasy value even further if he lands on a team with a strong offensive supporting cast. Even he remains in Florida on an already excellent team, Reinhart's point production and power-play contributions are catapulting his fantasy value.