NHL: Taking stock of the talent that’s still on the market
NHL free agency during the COVID-19 pandemic was always going to be different.
The salary cap staying at $81.5 million (U.S.), less money in the system because of a drastic drop in revenue and uncertainty surrounding next season — and beyond — has created unique set of circumstances.
Stars such as defenceman Alex Pietrangelo and winger Taylor Hall took a little longer than normal to sign in unrestricted free agency. And while Pietrangelo got a long-term deal with the Vegas Golden Knights, Hall opted for a one-year contract with the Buffalo Sabres to see where things stand once more of the dust settles.
Other players, mostly in the middle class, felt the squeeze and settled for less money or less term — or both. Four weeks after the market opened on Oct. 9, The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the UFA talent still looking for a home.
MIKE HOFFMAN, F
2019-20 cap hit: $5.19 million (U.S.)
The slick winger led the entire UFA class in goals scored in 2019-20 with the 29 he bagged for the Florida Panthers. Hoffman, who turns 31 this month, has registered at least 26 goals in five of his six full NHL campaigns. Teams that could be a fit for Hoffman include the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets, who both have longterm injury concerns in their top-6 forward groups.
ERIK HAULA, F
2019-20 cap hit: $2.75 million
The dependable 29-year-old centre split last season between the Carolina Hurricanes and Vegas Golden Knights, finishing with 12 goals and 24 points in 48 games. Haula set career highs in goals (29), assists (26) and points (55) with Vegas in 201718.
MIKAEL GRANLUND, F
2019-20 cap hit: $5.75 million
Drafted ninth by Minnesota in 2010, Granlund was dealt by the Wild to the Nashville Predators prior to the 2019 deadline. The 28-year-old centre had just five points in 16 games after the move to Music City, then registered 17 goals and 30 points last season with the Predators.
COREY PERRY, F
2019-20 cap hit: $3.1 million The veteran winger spent last season with the Dallas Stars after getting bought out by the Anaheim Ducks. Perry, 35, had just five goals and 21 points in 57 regular-season games in 201920, but was a valuable piece for Dallas during its run to the Stanley Cup final, registering a gritty five goals and four assists in 27 post-season appearances.
ANTHONY DUCLAIR, F
2019-20 cap hit: $1.65 million
The youngest UFA at 25, Duclair didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Ottawa Senators after contract talks broke down. The 25-year-old opted to represent himself in negotiations on the heels of a career-high 23 goals in a 2019-20 campaign that included his first all-star appearance. His next NHL stop will be his sixth since 2015.
SAMI VATANEN, D
2019-20 cap hit: $4.88 million
The 29-year-old blueliner was acquired by Carolina from the New Jersey Devils prior to last season’s deadline, but because of injury only suited up for seven games — all during the NHL restart. Right-shot defencemen are often harder to come by, but Vatanen has yet to find a landing spot.
ZDENO CHARA, D
2019-20 cap hit: $2 million
Even though Boston’s captain remains unsigned, it’s difficult to envision the 43-year-old sporting anything other than a Bruins uniform.
GOALIES
Craig Anderson ($4.75 million), Jimmy Howard ($4 million) and Ryan Miller ($1.13 million) are still available, although the first two are no doubt looking at massive pay cuts. Cory Schneider had the final two seasons of his contract that carried an average annual value of $6 million bought out last month by New Jersey, and reports have linked him to the New York Islanders.