NHL free agency: Top 10 available free agents in 2020

Tough Guys

These are players that bring a physical edge to your hockey team and won’t be afraid to drop the gloves to protect star players. This category includes Patrick Maroon, Ryan Reaves, and Kyle Clifford.

Patrick Maroon – Tampa Bay Lightning

Patrick Maroon isn’t going to bring goals or points to your team, he will bring his big frame and thundering hits. After winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues, he has added more swagger into his game. Jon Cooper spoke glowingly about Maroon, saying that he is an impact player in the locker room and a key part of their team. Maroon is hungry for another championship and a quality addition for both the locker room and when you want to inject some energy back onto the ice.

Ryan Reaves – Vegas Golden Knights

Ryan Reaves leads the NHL in hits and is just one of two players who cracked the 300 hits plateau. To say that he is a physical player is an understatement. His last two seasons have also been his two most offensively productive seasons of his career, averaging over .20 points a game for the first time. He is arguably the best fighter in the NHL and brings a lot of energy to the team he’s a part of.

Kyle Clifford – Toronto Maple Leafs

Kyle Clifford is a lot like Reaves in that his last two seasons have been the most productive years of his career. He brings big hits and is one of those complimentary players who has an impact that isn’t seen on scoresheets. He will embolden other players to be more physical and make the star players feel a little safer as they have a shield in Clifford.