NHL Free Agents (ANALYSIS)

[bagelbitesisbae 71]

There are a lot of possible high quality free agents this Summer that a lot of NHL teams want to snag. NHL teams need to make sure that they're able to sign their existing players before trying to entice another player to come to their team. A lot of the time when a team finally signs all of their current players, it hinders their chances of getting one of those top players in free agency. Though, a lot of teams are willing to trade away their players to make space for top quality free agents. One thing for most teams is that they don't like making big splashes (or big signings) because they want to continue on with the development of their prospects. 

 

Some of the possible top free agents this Summer are Erik Karlsson, Matt Duchene, Artemi Panarin, and Sergei Bobrovsky. 

 

Erik Karlsson used to be the Ottawa Senators captain, but then had personal troubles that were related to his wife. The Senators then traded Karlsson to San Jose for various assets that the they could use in the future and the present. Karlsson is probably not going to re-sign in San Jose so he's going to end up in free agency. There has been a lot of talk about how Karlsson is aging slowly, and he isn't really, really highly sought after. Another thing with him is that a lot of the time he has to compensate for himself defensively through making offensive-related contributions on the ice. Some teams though could be looking for a 1D caliber defenseman. (*cough cough* Tampa Bay Lightning). He most definitely could re-sign with the Sharks as well as they're quite a competitive team.

 

Matt Duchene got chosen to go to the Colorado Avalanche and played for them for almost 9 years. Later on in his career, he parted ways with the Avalanche because of how poorly they were doing. Duchene got traded to the Ottawa Senators, and he managed to attain 107 points in 2 seasons for the Sens. Duchene then later on went to the Columbus Blue Jackets where he was able to have a little taste of playoff hockey. No deal has been made for Duchene to return to Columbus so there is a good chance that Duchene will be one of the several top free agents. There could be a possible homecoming for Matt Duchene back in Colorado, but the chances are slim considering his past relations with Joe Sakic. 

 

Artemi Panarin started his career with Chicago and then eventually went to Columbus where he has found a lot of success. He has made it outwardly clear that he doesn't want to return to the Blue Jackets. Based off of numerous articles, it looks like he wants to go to teams where their city has a lot of different stuff to do besides hockey (Florida Panther and the New York Rangers). He is a really good player who does everything right. He's a very top quality player who would be a good asset for any team. 

 

Sergei Bobrovsky is a two-time Vezina Trophy winner. Bobrovsky has also made somewhat apparent that he doesn't want to return to the Columbus Blue Jackets. He has managed to be pretty consistent with his save percentages and goals against average. He is currently 30 so he he probably has 6 or 7 more years in the league which isn't too bad. There are several teams who're in dire need of a goalie like Bobrovsky. He's going to be quite expensive so teams need to make sure that they can afford him. One of the teams Bobrovsky could go to is the Philadelphia Flyers. They don't have a number one goaltender, and Bobrovsky would automatically make them a playoff contender. 

 

This free agency is sure to be exciting. A lot of teams are going to be vying to get these players, but they're going to also have to watch to make sure that they have enough money for these top notch players.

 

Thank ya'll for the support. It's been a pleasure to offer VHL NHL-related content as this website is usually primarily focused on whatever is going in VHL. I might return to VHL in the next year or so. Be prepared to see the comeback of Nathan MacKinnon!!!

 

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- Nathan MacKinnon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 27, 2019 by bagelbitesisbae

[Gooningitup 1,290]

I love the Panarin wants to go to a big market team. Then listed Florida 

[Jables 73]

Bobrovsky isn’t going to philly, Carter Hart is their goalie for the foreseeable future. Franchise type of player. Other than that, good article. 

Edited May 27, 2019 by Jables

[bagelbitesisbae 71]

1 minute ago, Jables said:

Bobrovsky isn’t going to philly, Carter Hart is their goalie for the foreseeable future. Franchise type of player. 

Bobrovsky would put Philly in a safer position. Hart still hasn't proved himself to be that number one goalie. He could possibly develop more in the coming of years, but Philly really needs a consistent goalie. Philly has a lot of offensive and defensive assets, but not a bonafide number one goalie. 

[Jables 73]

1 minute ago, bagelbitesisbae said:

Bobrovsky would put Philly in a safer position. Hart still hasn't proved himself to be that number one goalie. He could possibly develop more in the coming of years, but Philly really needs a consistent goalie. Philly has a lot of offensive and defensive assets, but not a bonafide number one goalie. 

Would be a huge mistake to stunt Hart’s growth like that. Showed flashes/a ton of promise as a 20 year old last season. So agree to disagree on Bobrovsky going there. Wouldn’t be surprised if Florida throws money at him though.