NHL Free Agency Frenzy: Top 5 Countdown of the Best Contracts Signed After Day 2
Day one of NHL free agency removed most of the big names off the board. While several players still exist without contract as we close out day two, any major deal of significance was signed in the early afternoon on Friday.
There were no shortage of surprises on Friday/Saturday. As of late in day two, 64 players have either signed or re-signed new contracts. Several players signed lucrative long-term deals, while others chose a more cap friendly route in pursuit to win.
Notable Names Still Available in NHL Free Agency: Matt Carle, James Wisniewski, Radim Vrbata, Sam Gagner, Tuomo Ruutu, R.J. Umberger, Kris Versteeg, Kyle Quincey, Dennis Seidenberg, Jiri Hudler, David Jones, Justin Schultz, Karri Ramo, Luke Schenn, Nicklas Grossmann, the list goes on (251 UFAs remaining according to generalfanger.com)
Below we are counting down the top five contracts signed so far in NHL free agency. Given the available names remaining, this list is unlikely to change.
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NHL Free Agency: Top 5 Contracts
5. Mikkel Boedker, San Jose Sharks (4 years, $4 million dollar cap hit)
One problem the Sharks had in the Stanley Cup Final was matching the Penguins scoring depth.
If you include the possibility that either Nikolay Goldobin, Timo Meier, or both could join Boedker as new additions, San Jose is a much deeper and dangerous team.
4. Kyle Okposo, Buffalo Sabres (7 years, $6 million dollar cap hit)
Brian Gionta was the best natural right winger on the roster. For a couple of years, Buffalo had gotten away with plugging in center’s along the right side (i.e. Tyler Ennis, Sam Reinhart, etc.). The addition of Okposo creates options for GM Tim Murray. He can either keep the roster intact, and be three lines deep in scoring; or, he trades a forward who is now expendable – Ennis fits the bill – to address other needs.
3. David Perron, St.Louis Blues (2 years, $3.75 million dollar cap hit)
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Going back to where it all began for the 27th overall selection in 2007. He had his most productive years in St.Louis, and the 28-year-old will look to re-establish himself as a 20-goal scorer.
The Blues could have upwards of three impact offensive additions this Fall. Along with Perron, Vladimir Sobotka is rumored to return from the KHL, while top prospect Ivan Barbashev should also be vying for a roster spot.
2. Brian Campbell, Chicago Blackhawks (1 year, $2 million dollar cap hit)
The 37-year-old recognized an opportunity to win another Stanley Cup with Chicago (other one in 2010) and was willing to take a significant pay cut to do so. A bargain signing for the Blackhawks, GM Stan Bowman continues to work his offseason magic.
1. Eric Staal, Minnesota Wild (3 years, $3.5 million dollar cap hit)
Round of applause for GM Chuck Fletcher, he knocked it out of the park with this signing.
Let me explain why this deal is built to perfection. After playing with mediocre players for years in Carolina, Staal took some unfair criticism. Expecting him to produce in a couple of short months with a new team (NY Rangers) after a decade with one team was wishful thinking.
Yes that lone 100 point season is far behind him, but at 31-years-old, there’s still a ton of quality hockey left in the tank.
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Let’s talk worst case scenario. If Staal’s game continues to appear to be on the decline in 2016-17, Minnesota can expose him in expansion. At that point, he has two years left at $3.5 million/year, a tempting option for Las Vegas.
Chances are though that Eric Staal exceeds expectations during his tenure.
This particular signing may help give us insight into Minnesota’s thought process moving forward.
They took a center in Luke Kunin at the NHL Draft in hopes that he can be that impact top-six center the team is missing. In the meantime, there is no team out there trading a number one center, unless they want to deal with Colorado/Matt Duchene (not a favorable notion for a divisional foe).
Adding Ryan Nugent-Hopkins or Derek Stepan for example do little to address the problem at hand. So, why trade a valuable asset when you can find a similar player (Staal) in free agency?
Next: Chicago Signs Brian Campbell to Bargain Deal
What are realistic expectations for Eric Staal? With another center in the mix, Staal will have the versatility to slide up and down the first three lines. A better team and linemates means his production should rise above at least 50 points after posting a career-low 39 in 2015-16.