Free agents’ stock rises, falls during postseason
As New York Rangers forward Eric Staal had no points and a -7 rating in the first-round loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins, he undoubtedly is hoping teams making free agent decisions will judge him by his body of work and not his playoff performance.
But playoff performances will affect perceptions. Here’s who should be rising and falling based on the postseason:
RISING
RW Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders: He has five points in five games while averaging four shots a game. The 217-pound forward is leading the Islanders with 13 hits. With so many teams looking for scoring and size, Okposo is helping himself with a strong overall game.
RW Troy Brouwer, St. Louis Blues: He had a team-high 28 hits through five games and had been a presence even before he got his first point in Game 6. He’s 6-3, 213, and scored 18 goals this season. Scouts like his potential to contribute both grit and goals.
C David Backes, Blues: The Blues likely will find a way to re-sign him. When you watch Backes grind out shifts in the playoffs, you see how valuable he can be. He’s a big body with offensive talent and can be a handful for any defense. He has four points, including an overtime goal. The only negative is he’s 31 and his body has a lot of mileage.
C Frans Nielsen, Islanders: Nielsen will look for a significant raise from his current $3.5 million. He might get it. He often appears on underrated lists. A versatile player who can check and score, Nielsen has three goals and four points in the first round. His three goals tie him with John Tavares for the team lead. He’s playing 23 minutes a game.
FALLING
LW Andrew Ladd, Chicago Blackhawks: Ladd led the Blackhawks with 29 hits through five games. That’s more than twice as many as anyone else on the team. But where’s the scoring? The Blackhawks were expecting Ladd to be a top-line scorer, and he didn’t get his first playoff point until Game 6. He is a desirable player, but is he worth elite player money?
W Dale Weise, Chicago Blackhawks: He has not earned coach Joel Quenneville’s trust after being acquired from the Montreal Canadiens. He was having a career season for Montreal, scoring 14 goals in 56 games. He has plenty of desirable qualities, including grit and passion. It’s difficult to know whether his inability to get a set place in Chicago’s lineup will affect his free agency. But it might make him consider resigning with the Canadiens.
RW Jiri Hudler, Florida Panthers: The memory of Hudler’s 76point season of 2014-15 has been clouded by his 46-point regular season and a non-productive postseason. He has one assist and three shots on goal.
D Kyle Quincey, Detroit Red Wings: Every team seems to be looking for a defenseman, and veteran Quincey has had stretches of consistency in Detroit. But the Red Wings, hoping to revamp their defense, scratched him in one playoff game.