It's only been a week since the Florida Panthers won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history, but with NHL free agency officially underway it's already time to focus on the offseason.
However, with the 2024 NHL Draft also having just wrapped up, there is quite a bit to keep track of. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the top free agents in the NHL.
The right winger just had his career-best season scoring 57 goals and racking up 94 total points. All that culminated in scoring what was the Stanley Cup-clinching goal for the Florida Panthers.
After being trusted enough to be Sidney Crosby’s linemate, the winger was dealt to the Carolina Hurricanes at the most recent trade deadline. While it didn't come to fruition, he was one of the primary reasons why the ‘Canes were Stanley Cup favorites entering the playoffs.
If not for being 34 years old, Stamkos would likely top this list, but age may be a factor for certain teams depending on their roster construction. Regardless, he helped the Tampa Bay Lightning come to prominence with seven seasons of 40+ goals.
After being dealt to the Vancouver Canucks just before the 2024 All-Star break, he helped lead them to a Pacific Division title. Top-tier centers are a hot commodity, and the former Calgary Flame is exactly that.
After we just saw Connor McDavid win the Conn Smythe Trophy despite not winning the Stanley Cup, some fans may not remember that Marchessault won the award in 2023 after leading the Vegas Golden Knights to their first title in franchise history.
Another Florida Panther on the list, but the first defenseman on it as well. Although the team focused on Gustav Forsling first, Montour has been outspoken about wanting to stay in South Beach.
After making a name for himself in Nashville, Duchene was a standout performer for the Dallas Stars this past season, who won the Central Division. He played in 80 of 82 games, so any team searching for a consistent center should be looking at Duchene.
Another Carolina Hurricane and defenseman makes the top 10, which makes sense given how strong the D has been in the Tar Heel State. His offensive numbers don’t jump off the page, but he is elite on the penalty kill.
The ‘Canes really let a great chance at a Cup slip away, as yet another Carolina member is set to be a free agent. Teravainen is a left winger with great balance that has also had over 20 goals in two of the past three seasons.
Toffoli has been a bit of a mercenary throughout his career playing for six different teams since his final year in Los Angeles with the Kings. Regardless, he’s scored over 30 goals each of the past two seasons.
That’s right, yet another Carolina defenseman. He’s played in 80+ games each of the past three seasons while recording 38+ points in them as well.
With Patrice Bergeron retiring last offseason, DeBrusk saw an increased role with the Boston Bruins, and he delivered. He earned the right to skate alongside David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, leading to 19 goals and 21 assists.
Along with Marchessault, Stephenson helped lead the Golden Knights to the 2023 Stanley Cup from the defensive end of the ice. He’s the best offensive defenseman thus far, recording 51 points in 75 games this past season.
Like Tyler Toffoli, Bertuzzi has been bouncing around the past few seasons, playing for three different teams the past two years. Most recently, he produced 21 goals and 22 assists for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Another mercenary for hire after 11 years in St. Louis with the Blues is Tarasenko, but he was able to get a Stanley Cup out of it with the Panthers. Before being traded to Florida from Ottawa, he recorded 41 points in 57 games for the Senators.
Domi is a household name in the NHL, and Max has now been on five teams the past three seasons. He looks to be on the move again after another season with over 45 points (38 assists), this time for the Leafs.
Monahan went from Eastern Canada to Central Canada this past season going from the Canadiens to the Jets. He filled a great role for Winnipeg, recording 24 points in just 34 games as a third center option for them.
The one and only goaltender on our list of the best NHL free agents is Samsonov, who was the lead man for the Leafs this past season posting a 23-7 record in his 40 starts. In his five seasons, he’s posted a save percentage of .904%.