USA TODAY International Edition
Winners, losers from early free agent frenzy
The NHL’s free agent signing period started Sunday at noon, but most of the top players were verbally committed before then, so the day was full of early action.
James Neal, Rick Nash and Patrick Maroon are the only players on the USA TODAY Top 15 free agent list who haven’t already signed. There are reports that Nash is weighing retirement because of health concerns.
A look at some winners and losers.
Winner: Maple Leafs
The signing of superstar John Tavares to a seven-year, $77 million contract is probably the most significant free agent signing since Anaheim landed defenseman Scott Niedermayer in 2005. Niedermayer helped the Ducks win a Stanley Cup. The Leafs still probably have to add defensive help for Tavares to do what Niedermayer did.
Loser: Islanders
They lost Taveres and didn’t exactly replace him Sunday, and they haven’t acquired a new goalie. Forward Leo Komarov (four years, $12 million) is more of a bottom-six forward who plays with an edge. There’s no obvious choice among available goalies, although general manager Lou Lamoriello has a history of being creative with his acquisitions. Craig Anderson? Robin Lehner?
Winner: Ryan Reaves
The tough guy/role player received $2.775 million a year over two seasons to re-sign with Vegas. That’s a healthy wage for a player who isn’t a lock to play every day. He was impressive in the postseason but often plays fewer than eight minutes per game.
Loser: Sharks
They are losers only in the sense they didn’t win the Tavares sweepstakes. Disappointing outcome for a franchise that is close to having a team that can win it all. Think about it: It has goaltending, defensive might and a quality offense. Tavares might have been exactly what was needed to get over the top. GM Doug Wilson did a superb job clearing cap space to make a Tavares signing work. But it didn’t happen.
Winner: Flyers GM Ron Hextall
He signed James van Riemsdyk to a five-year deal at $7 million a season. That’s a major signing at a reasonable price and term. Van Riemsdyk, a consistent scorer, seems like a nice fit for center Nolan Patrick.
Loser: Teams planning to find a defenseman in 2019 market
Ryan McDonagh signed a seven-year extension with Tampa Bay on Sunday. Drew Doughty and Oliver-Ekman Larsson have also re-upped this offseason. Nashville is working on extending Ryan Ellis. Don’t you think Erik Karlsson will get a new deal when he’s traded from Ottawa? That potential super group of 2019 unrestricted free agent defensemen is disappearing.
Winner: Golden Knights GM George McPhee
Proving he’s not going to be complacent after an impressive inaugural season, McPhee signed Paul Stastny to a three-year deal worth $6.5 million a season. Stastny, a two-way center, might now be the best all-around player for Vegas. As a bonus, McPhee is still operating near the salary-cap floor. He has plenty of cap space left if he wants to pursue a premium defenseman in a trade.
Loser: Jets
This Winnipeg group is primed for a major run at a Stanley Cup this season, and it would have helped if the Jets could have found a way to retain Stastny. It hurts twice as much that Stastny ended up with the rival Golden Knights, the team that eliminated the Jets from the playoffs
Winner: Red Wings GM Ken Holland
After enjoying a strong two days at the draft table last week, Holland was able to re-sign No. 1 defenseman Mike Green (two years), proven scorer Thomas Vanek (one year) and goalie Jonathan Bernier (three years). Holland is still on point to have considerable cap space to work with in the summer of 2019.
Loser: Senators
The Senators haven’t done anything to begin repairing the fractured relationship they have with their fan base. The Karlsson trade can’t come soon enough. The Senators need to land a memorable return for Karlsson that offers fans some hope.