NHL Free Agency Predictions

NHL Free Agency is upon us. Check out where we think each big name free agent is going to land this summer.

Johnny Gaudreau, LW, Calgary Flames

Johnny Gaudreau is the biggest name free agent we have seen hit the open market in the last few years after an incredible 115 points in 82 games. There are plenty of teams interested in the 28-year-old winger, but the teams that have the most interest include the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, and Philadelphia Flyers. All of these teams are looking for a top-line scoring winger and Gaudreau is just that. However, the team that can offer the New Jersey native the most amount of money and the best possible situation is the New Jersey Devils, which is where I think he lands.

Prediction: Johnny Gaudreau signs a 7-year contract worth $10M AAV with the New Jersey Devils

Claude Giroux, C/W, Florida Panthers

The former long-time Flyers captain Claude Giroux is headed to the open market, still looking for his chance to win a Stanley Cup. There is a possibility he heads back to Florida but the money would likely not work for either side. Instead, I could see Giroux headed to his hometown team, the Ottawa Senators. The Senators have had a great offseason thus far by acquiring Alex DeBrincat and Cam Talbot via trade. In their push for a playoff spot, they could look to add their final piece of the puzzle in veteran forward Claude Giroux.

Prediction: Claude Giroux signs a 4-year contract worth $6.5M AAV with the Ottawa Senators

Nazem Kadri, C, Colorado Avalanche

Nazem Kadri capped off an ideal season last year by setting a career-high 87 points and winning the Stanley Cup. Now, Kadri is looking to cash in with a huge payday. There will definitely be teams such as the Washington Capitals, Seattle Kraken, and New York Rangers looking to sign Kadri but in the end, I think Kadri ends up replacing Johnny Gaudreau in Calgary and becoming their first-line center. The Flames were looking at possible replacements for Gaudreau and Kadri is the best one available

Prediction: Nazem Kadri signs a 6-year contract worth $8M AAV with the Calgary Flames

Vincent Trocheck, C, Carolina Hurricanes

Vincent Trocheck has been a very solid second-line center in Carolina for the past two years but now he is looking to cash in with a long-term contract. The most logical fit for Trocheck has to be New York as the Rangers are actively looking for a second-line center replacement and Trocheck is the best one available. Trocheck is used to playing with star players in Carolina, which he will get to do again but this time in New York next to Artemi Panarin, Chris Kreider, and company.

Prediction: Vincent Trocheck signs a 6-year contract worth $6M AAV with the New York Rangers

John Klingberg, RD, Dallas Stars

John Klingberg is by far the best free-agent defenseman in this free-agent class which means whatever deal he gets will likely be well over his market value. Klingberg is considered a fantastic offensive defenseman that is capable of playing top pairing minutes. After the Hurricanes lost Dougie Hamilton in free agency and Tony DeAngelo via trade, Klingberg is the top replacement option for Carolina.

Prediction: John Klingberg signs a 6-year contract worth $7M AAV with the Carolina Hurricanes 

Andre Burakovsky, RW, Colorado Avalanche 

Assuming the New York Islanders strike out on Johnny Gaudreau, Burakovsky is the next best free agent winger option. Burakovsky had a productive season with the Avalanche last year with 61 points in 80 games and a Stanley Cup to go along with it. For the Islanders, Buravkovsky would be a phenomenal fit next to Matt Barzal as a player that can do it all. On top of that, he comes at an affordable price of $6M AAV. 

Prediction: Andre Burakovsky signs a 6-year contract worth $6M AAV with the New York Islanders

Darcy Kuemper

After winning the Stanley Cup and being the best goaltender in a weak goalie market, it is almost certain that Kuemper will get a significant contract from a team desperate for a goaltender. The Washington Capitals cleared their goaltenders by trading away Vitek Vanecek and not qualifying Ilya Samsonov so they can go after a true starter like Darcy Kuemper. A 5-year deal for Kuemper keeps him in Washington in the last years of Ovechkin’s career.

Prediction: Darcy Kuemper signs a 5-year contract worth $6M AAV with the Washington Capitals

Jack Campbell

With the Maple Leafs’ acquisition of Matt Murray, it looks like Jack Campbell will hit the market. The team that has expressed significant interest in Campbell is the Edmonton Oilers who have had question marks in net after Mike Smith and Mikko Koskinen’s inconsistency in the playoffs. After Duncan Keith’s retirement and Mike Smith potentially retiring, the Edmonton Oilers have the cap space and the opportunity to sign another former Maple Leafs in Jack Campbell to a five-year deal.

Prediction: Jack Campbell signs a 5-year contract worth $5.5M AAV with the Edmonton Oilers