NHL FREE AGENCY : WINNERS AND LOSERS (BY TEAM) BY MIKE RIFKIN

We are in the midst of NHL free agency. And while most of the top guys have signed, we will wait and see what happens on the trade market. But, while we wait here are my winners and losers so far. 

WINNERS: 

1. PANTHERS – How do the back to back champs get better? By retaining all three of their massive free agents. You can make the case that all three could’ve made more money (AAV) on the market, but chose to stay in Florida. Retaining all three of these players will help the Panthers on their quest to win a third consecutive Cup.

2. MAMMOTH –  It’s not often that 23 year old, that has the potential to score 30 goals hits the market. And in the case of JJ Peterka, he was an RFA and Utah struck a deal quickly with the Sabres to acquire him and subsequently sign him to a five year 38.5 million dollar contract. Nate Schmidt, will replace Michael Kesserling, who was traded to Buffalo for Peterka. Schmidt, was outstanding for the Panthers with five goals and 19 points in 80 regular season games. In the Panthers’ run to the Cup Schmidt had three goals and 12 points in 23 games. As for Tanev, he is an energy player, he will fit in the bottom six and kills penalties. He also will add some physicality to the Mammoth. 

3. GOLDEN KNIGHTS  – Since their inception into the league, the Vegas Golden Knights have not been afraid of the big splash. This summer they reeled in the big fish in Mitch Marner, in a sign and trade with the Maple Leafs. Marner, is a highly skilled player, who hit 100 points last season. Marner also has 63 points in 70 career playoff games. In the sign and trade for Marner, the Golden Knights traded away Nic Roy, who is a useful two way forward. In replacing him he Knights acquired Colton Sissons from the Predators. Sissons, is a nice complimentary piece, who can play in the middle six, and help kill penalties. Sissons also brings a lot of playoff experience as well, not that the Knights need it. 

4. ISLANDERS –  The Islanders might have had the best offseason so far, having the number one overall pick in the draft and three total in the first round. The Islanders also had an underrated signing in Jonathan Drouin. Drouin had 37 points in 43 games last season for the Avs, two years ago he had 56 points in 79 games. Drouin, playing on a line with either Mat Barzal or Bo Horvat should help the Isles offense, that averaged 2.71 goals per game. 

5. CANADIENS – They are young, hungry and very close to ending this rebuild with a bang. They traded for and subsequently signed defenseman Noah Dobson, as well as traded for Zac Bolduc from the Blues. Both players fit the age gap of this young, up and coming team led by Marty ST. Louis. 

LOSERS

1. BRUINS : The Bruins are in an interesting spot with their franchise. While they still have a lot of talent under contract, they need to start thinking about the future. The Bruins made one of the most confusing deals in free agency when they signed Tanner Jeannot, to a five year 17 million dollar contract (3.4 AAV). In 2021-22 Jeannot scored 24 goals, if you combine the three seasons since, he’s only scored 20 goals. He’ll fit in Boston as a physical player, but unless he finds his offensive game, this contract is not pretty. 

2. CANUCKS : I know what you’re thinking, Mike they brought back Brock Boeser, and you are 100% right. I have no problem with Boeser, but I am confused on the state of the Canucks. Are they closer to the team two years ago, that was a playoff team or are they the dysfunctional mess they were last season? Anyway the two deals I have a problem with are the addition of Evander Kane, and the Thatcher Demko extension. Let’s start with Kane, there are a few problems I have with it, the biggest one being you help a division rival dump a salary, and don’t get a sweetener. Kane can be an effective player, but there are times where he will lose his cool ( watch the Stanley Cup Final). Not sure he’s the best addition to a team trying to cleanse out their locker room. I love Thatcher Demko, when healthy he’s an elite goalie. The key is when healthy, two of the last three seasons Demko has played less than 40 games.They need to keep Demko healthy otherwise that 3 year (8.5 Mill AAV) is going last forever. 
3. SABRES – Someone check on Kevyn Adams, the Sabres have been relatively quiet. They traded away Peterka ( mentioned above) and have done very little to improve this team. The Sabres have the longest playoff drought in the league, and one would think if they miss again Adams will be fired.