NHL · 1 year ago

NHL Free Agency: Predicting the Landing Spots of the Top 67 Available Free Agents

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

67. Nikolai Knyzhov
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 1 A, 1 P

At this time of the year, finding depth that has upside is often difficult, especially on the backend. Nikolai Knyzhov has some size paired with skill, and might just have some untapped potential.

Predicted Landing Spot: New Jersey Devils

*Knyzhov signed a PTO with the Pittsburgh Penguins*

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1. Daniel Sprong
2023-24 Statistics: 18 G, 25 A, 43 P

There's a lot to like about the offensive qualities that Daniel Sprong can provide an NHL team with in a depth role. In a bottom six role with good zone starts, Sprong should be a solid bargain signing.

Predicted Landing Spot: Vancouver Canucks

*Sprong signed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks*
2. James van Riemsdyk
2023-24 Statistics: 11 G, 27 A, 38 P

If you're looking for depth scoring, James van Riemsdyk is a solid player to target in this free agent class. van Riemsdyk had a solid season in Boston, and can still contribute on the powerplay.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Rangers
3. Tyson Barrie
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 14 A, 15 P

Tyson Barrie can still run an NHL powerplay, even if you question some of his other tools at this stage in his career. As a bottom pairing defenseman, there's value remaining here.

Predicted Landing Spot: St. Louis Blues

*Signed a PTO in Calgary*
4. Tony DeAngelo
2023-24 Statistics: 3 G, 8 A, 11 P

It's hard to say for certain if Tony DeAngelo will keep getting opportunities in the league. If he does, you have to think it's a team desperate for defense that comes calling.

Predicted Landing Spot: Utah
5. Tyler Johnson
2023-24 Statistics: 17 G, 14 A, 31 P

After dealing with injuries and spending some time in Chicago, it looks as though a fresh start is on the horizon for Tyler Johnson. Will a contender snatch him up, or will a team looking to grow with youth do it?

Predicted Landing Spot: Columbus Blue Jackets

*Signed a PTO with Boston*
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6. Mike Hoffman
2023-24 Statistics: 10 G, 13 A, 23 P

This might be the last straw for Mike Hoffman in the NHL. Although he has a goal scoring touch on the powerplay, his play away from the puck could leave him looking for work in another league.

Predicted Landing Spot: Detroit Red Wings
7. Kevin Labanc
2023-24 Statistics: 2 G, 7 A, 9 P

There was a real time where it looked like Kevin Labanc was going to turn in a promising NHL career. The buzz has seemingly been taken away from this player, and if there's a market, it'll be a small one.

Predicted Landing Spot: Chicago Blackhawks
8. Oliver Kylington
2023-24 Statistics: 3 G, 5 A, 8 P

The potential remains there for Oliver Kylington to be an NHL defenseman. It will be interesting to see the type of market that forms for him after missing most of last season.

*Kylington signed a contract with the Colorado Avalanche*
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9. Erik Brannstrom
2023-24 Statistics: 3 G, 17 A, 20 P

There were some positive underlying numbers from Erik Brannstrom during his time with the Ottawa Senators. Still, there wasn't a fit for the two sides, which has Brannstrom on the market.

Predicted Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes

*Signed a contract with the Colorado Avalanche*
10. Max Pacioretty
2023-24 Statistics: 4 G, 19 A, 23 P

Although the prime of his career has come and gone, there's still some value that Max Pacioretty can bring to the table. Will a team looking for a potential scoring winger at a discounted price see that value?

Predicted Landing Spot: Toronto Maple Leafs

*Signed a PTO with Toronto*
11. Alexander Nylander
2023-24 Statistics: 11 G, 4 A, 15 P

It was somewhat interesting that the Columbus Blue Jackets decided against keeping Alexander Nylander in the fold. Will his brother have the sway in Toronto to get him in the door?

Predicted Landing Spot: Toronto Maple Leafs

*Signed AHL Deal with Toronto*
12. Kevin Shattenkirk
2023-24 Statistics: 6 G, 18 A, 24 P

It's very thin out there on defense for the remaining free agents. That should make Kevin Shattenkirk one of the more valued commodities, especially with his veteran puck-moving experience.

Predicted Landing Spot: Vegas Golden Knights
13. Blake Wheeler
2023-24 Statistics: 9 G, 12 A, 21 P

Blake Wheeler's 2023-24 campaign was derailed by injuries, but he did make a miraculous recovery to come back late in the postseason. Does he still have anything left in the tank to offer a contender?

Predicted Landing Spot: Tampa Bay Lightning
14. Tanner Pearson
2023-24 Statistics: 5 G, 8 A, 13 P

Tanner Pearson played a solid depth role for the Montreal Canadiens in 2023-24, even if the numbers didn't jump off the page at you. Another contract with a young team could be at play here.

Predicted Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks

*Signed a PTO with Vegas*
15. Dominik Kubalik
2023-24 Statistics: 11 G, 4 A, 15 P

If there's one player remaining in NHL free agency that has a chance to pop in the right setting, it's probably Dominik Kubalik. He hasn't been set up to succeed of late, but he has the potential to be a perennial 20-goal scorer.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Rangers

*Signed in Swiss League*
16. Jakub Vrana
2023-24 Statistics: 2 G, 4 A, 6 P

It's been a rollercoaster NHL tenure for Jakub Vrana to this point. The talent is there, but he's been unable to find the consistency needed to stick in the league on a regular basis.

Predicted Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks

*Signed a PTO with Washington*
17. John Klingberg
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 5 A, 5 P

At this point, it all really depends on health for John Klingberg. If the medicals test out strong, there could be some real value in this player in the right set of circumstances.

Predicted Landing Spot: Los Angeles Kings
18. Marco Scandella
2023-24 Statistics: 2 G, 6 A, 8 P

Although he's just considered a depth defenseman at this point, that shouldn't stop teams from calling on Marco Scandella. Will he search to chase a contender, or potentially settle on a younger team as a mentor?

Predicted Landing Spot: Boston Bruins
19. Justin Schultz
2023-24 Statistics: 7 G, 19 A, 26 P

For a team that needs help running a second powerplay, Justin Schultz could be the guy to do that. He'll likely slot in on a bottom pairing, but he still has some value as a puck mover.

Predicted Landing Spot: Winnipeg Jets
20. Alexander Barabanov
2023-24 Statistics: 4 G, 9 A, 13 P

Things have been trending on a downward trajectory for Alexander Barabanov of late. Will he find himself with real NHL interest as the summer days continue to slip away?

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Islanders
21. Nick Cousins
2023-24 Statistics: 7 G, 8 A, 15 P

Although he was in and out of the lineup during their Stanley Cup run, Nick Cousins can still do a bang up job on a fourth line in the NHL as an agitator. Will he stick around or try and help a new team?

Predicted Landing Spot: Ottawa Senators

*Signed with Ottawa*
22. Cal Clutterbuck
2023-24 Statistics: 7 G, 12 A, 19 P

Let's be honest, it's hard to picture Cal Clutterbuck in a uniform that isn't of the New York Islanders variety. A short deal should be on the horizon later this summer if he wants it.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Islanders
23. Kailer Yamamoto
2023-24 Statistics: 8 G, 8 A, 16 P

For a team looking to add untapped offense at this point in free agency, Kailer Yamamoto could be a hidden gem. Although he's yet to pop at the NHL level, there's still some solid tools to work with for this player.

Predicted Landing Spot: Utah

*Signed a PTO with Utah*
24. Kevin Lankinen
2023-24 Statistics: 24 GP, 11 W, 6 L, 1 SO, 2.82 G.A.A, .908 SV %

Kevin Lankinen is coming off a strong season as a backup goalie for the Nashville Predators. The issue for him is that there really aren't many chairs left for goalies in free agency at this point. Will he be able to find one?

Predicted Landing Spot: Washington Capitals
25. Kyle Okposo
2023-24 Statistics: 12 G, 10 A, 22 P

It's unknown at the moment whether or not Kyle Okposo will continue his storied NHL career after winning the Stanley Cup with Florida. If he does want to lace them up one more time, it won't be a surprise to see him stay put.

Predicted Landing Spot: Florida Panthers
26. Antti Raanta
2023-24 Statistics: 24 GP, 12 W, 7 L, 1 SO, 2.99 G.A.A, .872 SV %

We've continued to hint that there aren't a lot of goalie jobs available at the moment. That hasn't changed, which might make things difficult for Antti Raanta. His injury history and inconsistencies last year might make it difficult on him.

Predicted Landing Spot: Colorado Avalanche
27. Matt Martin
2023-24 Statistics: 4 G, 4 A, 8 P

Matt Martin has continued to be a glue guy for the New York Islanders over the years. If he continues to play pro hockey, it's hard to envision him anywhere else but in New York.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Islanders
28. Austin Watson
2023-24 Statistics: 2 G, 2 A, 4 P

Physicality and toughness is certainly something that Austin Watson brings to the table. How much of that type of role is still left for him throughout the NHL? Time will tell if he earns another deal.

Predicted Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks
29. Travis Dermott
2023-24 Statistics: 2 G, 5 A, 7 P

Despite not being the ideal size for a defenseman, Travis Dermott has paved out a quality NHL career to this point. He's likely a depth piece at this stage, but he should find a new home at some point this summer.

Predicted Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes
30. Oskar Lindblom
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Although Oskar Lindblom has yet to stick in the NHL of late, he's proven at times to be an effective bottom six player. Will that get him an invite to camp or a contract in the league?

Predicted Landing Spot: Colorado Avalanche
31. Akira Schmid
2023-24 Statistics: 19 GP, 5 W, 9 L, 0 SO, 3.15 G.A.A, .895 SV %

After being acquired from the New Jersey Devils, Akira Schmid has yet to find an agreement with the Vegas Golden Knights. Still, it feels like the two sides will likely find common ground.

Predicted Landing Spot: Vegas Golden Knights
32. Calen Addison
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 16 A, 17 P

It hasn't fully worked to this point in the NHL for Calen Addison, but he's still young enough that teams will likely continue taking a chance on him. He can run a powerplay and move the puck, two valuable skills.

Predicted Landing Spot: Utah

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33. Gustav Lindstrom
2023-24 Statistics: 3 G, 7 A, 10 P

Although he has yet to really stick with an NHL team, Gustav Lindstrom has proven to be a serviceable depth defenseman that can move the puck. Whether that earns him another NHL deal remains to be seen.

Predicted Landing Spot: San Jose Sharks
34. Jarred Tinordi
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 9 A, 9 P

If you're looking for toughness and grit that can be inserted into your lineup in a pinch, Jarred Tinordi fits the bill. He's unlikely to dress every night, but he can play a solid role in spurts.

Predicted Landing Spot: Boston Bruins
35. Austin Czarnik
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 1 A, 1 P

Having depth to your roster that can dress when called upon is exactly what Austin Czarnik can bring to the table at this point. His versatility up front should create some interest.

Predicted Landing Spot: Ottawa Senators
36. Alex Goligoski
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 10 A, 10 P

If Alex Goligoski decides to continue his NHL career, there should at least be some suitors. He's not an every night defenseman at this stage of his long career, but he can play a leadership role and dress on occasion.

Predicted Landing Spot: New York Rangers
37. Colin White
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

There was a time early in his career where it looked like Colin White had plenty of potential. Although that's mostly dried up, it'll be interesting to see if a team sees something in him to offer him a two-way deal.

Predicted Landing Spot: San Jose Sharks

*Signed AHL Deal with San Jose*
38. Robert Bortuzzo
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

He's not going to play a big role at this stage in his career anymore, but Robert Bortuzzo is a valuable veteran presence that multiple teams can use. Will he add depth to a contenders overall roster on the backend?

Predicted Landing Spot: Utah Hockey Club

*Bortuzzo signed a contract with Utah*
39. Marc Staal
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 4 A, 5 P

With where we know Marc Staal is at this point in his storied NHL career, it's hard to see him being signed as more than a depth piece. After playing with Philadelphia last year, will he stick around, retire, or find a new home?

Predicted Landing Spot: Philadelphia Flyers
40. Will Butcher
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Despite not seeing NHL time over the last pair of seasons, Will Butcher has played a valuable role as a "tweener" type defenseman. Will that earn him a potential one-way deal in 2024?

Predicted Landing Spot: San Jose Sharks
41. Tyler Pitlick
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 3 A, 4 P

Tyler Pitlick has been a sturdy NHL depth forward throughout his career. Although the offensive upside isn't there, Pitlick has shown he can be a solid fourth liner that can kill penalties.

Predicted Landing Spot: Ottawa Senators
42. Cal Foote
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 1 A, 1 P

The shine of former first round pick Cal Foote has mostly worn off. Will a team still see the potential upside with this player and give him a prove it deal? Later in that summer, that should come to fruition.

Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Wild
43. Lias Andersson
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

To this point in his NHL career, Lias Andersson has been unable to consistently crack an NHL roster. His AHL numbers look great on paper, but that might be all he amounts to at this stage in his career.

Predicted Landing Spot: St. Louis Blues
44. Matthew Phillips
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 4 A, 5 P

No one has questioned the overall skill of Matthew Phillips. The bigger issue, no pun intended, is his lack of size and ability to find space when he's played NHL games. Will a team still take a chance on him?

Predicted Landing Spot: Vegas Golden Knights
45. Logan Brown
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

You can understand why teams continue to give Logan Brown an opportunity with his size. He's yet to put it all together at the NHL level, and thus has spent the majority of time lately in the AHL. Can he salvage his professional career?

Predicted Landing Spot: San Jose Sharks
46. Mark Pysyk
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Despite not seeing NHL action last year, there's still some value in bringing Mark Pysyk in as a depth piece. He's shown valuable leadership traits on the backend and should find himself getting a new deal.

Predicted Landing Spot: St. Louis Blues
47. Jakub Zboril
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Although Jakub Zboril has yet to really stick in the NHL after being a first round pick by the Boston Bruins, it won't be a surprise if we see a team take a shot on milking the last bits of his potential in the league.

Predicted Landing Spot: Calgary Flames
48. Otto Koivula
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Although he hasn't played more than a handful of NHL games, the appeal is still very much there for Otto Koivula. Will that ultimately earn him a one-way NHL deal in 2024?

Predicted Landing Spot: Boston Bruins
49. Chris Tierney
2023-24 Statistics: 4 G, 8 A, 12 P

Chris Tierney has continued to play the role of "NHL tweener" in his career. He's done some quality things as a depth piece, but it's hard to see a contending team adding him to the mix. Look for a younger team to come calling.

Predicted Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks
50. Steven Lorentz
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 2 A, 3 P

Steven Lorentz has shown that he can be an energy forward on a teams fourth line. It's very much in the realm of possibility that he sticks around Florida and tries to help them repeat.

Predicted Landing Spot: Toronto Maple Leafs

*Signed a PTO with Toronto*
51. Paul Ladue
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

At this stage in free agency, most teams won't make another move until later in the summer or during training camp. Paul Ladue is the type of depth defenseman you can bring in cheap and give a two-way deal.

Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Wild
52. Wade Allison
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Even though Wade Allison hasn't panned out yet in the NHL, he's still shown he can play in the league. His next contract should be of the two-way variety, but a team might get lucky and unlock some hidden potential.

Predicted Landing Spot: Toronto Maple Leafs
53. Xavier Ouellet
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Even though it's been a few years since Xavier Ouellet has seen NHL games, he's proven to be a valuable depth defenseman that every organization needs to lead the youth.

Predicted Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks
54. Victor Mete
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

With the way the modern NHL is trending, some believe that there's still a chance Victor Mete can earn a full time role in the league. Will a team see it that way before training camp begins?

Predicted Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes
55. Taylor Fedun
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

At this point in the offseason, signing depth defenseman is something that will transpire heading into training camps. Taylor Fedun is a solid option that has NHL games under his belt.

Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Wild
56. Pierre-Edouard Bellemare
2023-24 Statistics: 4 G, 3 A, 7 P

It's unlikely we'll see him sign until slightly closer to training camp, but Pierre-Edouard Bellemare has some value in a fourth line role for a contending team looking to add depth that can kill penalties.

Predicted Landing Spot: Toronto Maple Leafs

*Signed a PTO with Colorado*
57. Chad Ruhwedel
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 3 A, 4 P

Depth on defense heading into training camp continues to be an important thing for NHL clubs to have. Chad Ruhwedel has the experience you're looking for in that department, which should lead to another gig for him.

Predicted Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes

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58. Martin Jones
2023-24 Statistics: 22 GP, 11 W, 8 L, 2 SO, 2.87 G.A.A, .902 SV %

Martin Jones has continued to be a solid goaltender in the NHL. Although he's unlikely to be locked into an NHL role at this stage, a team needed depth at the position, potentially due to injury, could force their hand.

Predicted Landing Spot: Vancouver Canucks

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59. Marcus Bjork
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

It won't be a surprise if a team that doesn't want to rush some of their young defenseman take a chance on a player like Marcus Bjork. Can they also unlock any untapped potential with this defenseman?

Predicted Landing Spot: Chicago Blackhawks
60. Adam Erne
2023-24 Statistics: 1 G, 1 A, 2 P

Adam Erne has provided some value as a bottom six player in the NHL. Still, if he doesn't start to add more production to the table, he might not find himself with many more NHL contracts.

Predicted Landing Spot: Columbus Blue Jackets

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61. Alex Barre-Boulet
2023-24 Statistics: 6 G, 3 A, 9 P

Alex Barre-Boulet is a nice depth piece that can fit right into an organization and play a role. There's some buzz that Barre-Boulet will head back home to Quebec and sign with the Montreal Canadiens. Will that transpire?

Predicted Landing Spot: Montreal Canadiens

*Barre-Boulet signed a contract with the Montreal Canadiens*
62. Michael Hutchinson
2023-24 Statistics: 1 GP, 0W, 1 L, 0 SO, 3.11 G.A.A, .917 SV %

Goalies are hanging around this time of year and waiting for professional tryouts. Michael Hutchinson appears no difference. Hutchinson gives an organization more depth at the position, which is always a valuable asset.

Predicted Landing Spot: New Jersey Devils

*Hutchinson signed a PTO with the New Jersey Devils*
63. Brandon Duhaime
2023-24 Statistics: 5 G, 8 A, 13 P

With the way that the NHL continues to trend with big forwards in the bottom six that can score, Brandon Duhaime has been a valuable commodity throughout the free agent process. His value was really elevated after the Florida Panthers won the Stanley Cup with their model.

Predicted Landing Spot: Washington Capitals

*Duhaime signed a contract with the Washington Capitals*
64. Madison Bowey
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 0 A, 0 P

Although he hasn't played in the NHL over the last year, Madison Bowey is an interesting candidate that's generating buzz to return to the league. Depth defenseman continue to come off the board as the season approaches.

Predicted Landing Spot: Minnesota Wild
65. Boris Katchouk
2023-24 Statistics: 7 G, 6 A, 13 P

There's merit in not giving up on what Boris Katchouk can offer a bottom six forward group in the NHL. It won't be a surprise in any way for him to end up with a contract come training camp.

Predicted Landing Spot: Columbus Blue Jackets

* Katchouk signed a PTO with the Anaheim Ducks*
66. Dustin Tokarski
2023-24 Statistics: No NHL GP Last Year

Although we didn't see Dustin Tokarski in the NHL last season, you can never have enough goaltending depth in the organization. A team like Ottawa would be wise to consider adding him to their system.

Predicted Landing Spot: Ottawa Senators

*Tokarski signed a PTO with the Ottawa Senators*

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67. Nikolai Knyzhov
2023-24 Statistics: 0 G, 1 A, 1 P

At this time of the year, finding depth that has upside is often difficult, especially on the backend. Nikolai Knyzhov has some size paired with skill, and might just have some untapped potential.

Predicted Landing Spot: New Jersey Devils

*Knyzhov signed a PTO with the Pittsburgh Penguins*

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1. Daniel Sprong
2023-24 Statistics: 18 G, 25 A, 43 P

There's a lot to like about the offensive qualities that Daniel Sprong can provide an NHL team with in a depth role. In a bottom six role with good zone starts, Sprong should be a solid bargain signing.

Predicted Landing Spot: Vancouver Canucks

*Sprong signed a contract with the Vancouver Canucks*

NHL Free Agency: Predicting the Landing Spots of the Top 67 Available Free Agents

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