BIG SPLASH-O-METER
Johnny Gaudreau’s 115 points are the most of any cap-era UFA signing, but these six free agents are the next-highest scorers to switch zip codes in that time
> MARC SAVARD
97 points with ATL in ’05-06; signs four-year, $20-million deal with BOS
Forming a dynamic duo with Ilya Kovalchuk led to Savard’s breakout, but he cemented himself as a top-six scoring star in Boston. His first season in Beantown was a team-best 96-point campaign.
> NAZEM KADRI
87 points with COL in ’21-22; signs seven-year, $49-million deal with CGY
Kadri might be the new poster boy for upping one’s value pre-free agency. The newly minted Stanley Cup champion eclipsed his previous career high by 26 points and cashed in big-time in the process.
> JOHN TAVARES
84 points with NYI in ’17-18; signs seven-year, $77-million deal with TOR
Toronto went all-in on Tavares, envisioning him as the missing piece of a championship club. Despite his steady oensive output and strong performances, however, the Maple Leafs remain plagued by post-season demons.
> DANIEL BRIERE
95 points with BUF in ’06-07; signs eight-year, $52-million deal with PHI
At the time, Briere’s eight-year, $52-million deal was the longest and richest free-agent pact. Unfortunately, Briere failed to reach the same oensive heights, topping out at 72 points as a Flyer.
> ARTEMI PANARIN
87 points with CLB in ’18-19; signs seven-year, $81.5-million deal with NYR
The Rangers’ planned rebuild went into hyperdrive upon Panarin’s arrival. He’s scored 249 points in 186 games on Broadway and helped lead the Rangers to the conference final last season.
> MICHAEL NYLANDER
83 points with NYR in ’06-07; signs four-year, $19.5-million deal with WSH
Following consecutive career years, Nylander seemed a safe bet, but his age caught up with him. He netted 70 points in 112 games in Washington and was out of the NHL three years into a four-year pact.