NHL free-agent big board: Reinhart, Guentzel and Stamkos lead our ranking of the top 50 UFAs (2024)

Reinhart has been a consistent offensive performer over the past decade but took it to another level this season on the back of a 24.5 percent shooting percentage — the highest total of his NHL career.

Even if that hints at some regression, he’s a strong bet to continue producing at the rate of a first liner.

Reinhart is a power-play threat who once profiled as more of a playmaker but fired 2.85 shots per game on goal during his breakout campaign.

There is mutual interest between the player and team in extending this relationship, but it’s not clear if they’ll be able to find a contract that gets it done before he hits the open market.

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Guentzel made a strong impression after a midseason trade from Pittsburgh to Carolina, compiling 12 goals and 34 points in 28 games following the move.

In fact, Guentzel played so well that the Hurricanes have serious interest in signing him to a lucrative contract extension. Those talks are ongoing.

As an undersized winger who performs much bigger than his stature, especially when the stakes are highest, Guentzel should draw plenty of interest if he hits free agency. He has an impressive 38 goals in 69 career Stanley Cup playoff games.

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The heart and soul of the Lightning since being drafted No. 1 in 2008, Stamkos is perilously close to becoming the next salary cap victim in Tampa.

It was the team’s call to delay any talks on an extension with the Stamkos camp until after the season, and the Lightning have since reacquired Ryan McDonagh and his $6.75 million cap hit via trade, shrinking their available dollars even more.

Stamkos has a sterling reputation in NHL circles and remains a dangerous shooter — potting 40 goals for the seventh time in his career this season. He was also a standout performer during the team’s first-round playoff loss to Florida.

As hard as it is to imagine him playing in another sweater, teams will be knocking down his door if the Lightning let him hit July 1.

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A strong playoffs salvaged what had been a difficult stretch for Lindholm in Vancouver following his trade from Calgary over the All-Star weekend.

The right-shot center initially bounced around the lineup and saw a steep drop in production before settling in and scoring some of the biggest goals during the Canucks' postseason run.

Still, he’s a versatile player who plays a premium position and is just two seasons removed from a career-best 42 goals and 82 points.

That’s going to make the Swede an attractive option for contending teams looking to add an impactful forward.

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A high-end skater and puck carrier, Skjei is coming off a season where he produced 0.59 points per game — among the highest of any UFA defenseman.

The Hurricanes deployed him in all situations and played him more than 21 minutes per game each of the last three years.

Skjei is in line for a raise on the $5.25 million he was earning, which is why a return to Carolina may not be in the cards.

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A right-shot defenseman who exploded for 73 points in 2022-23, Montour’s production declined this season. But he remained a key cog on a top team that may not have enough cap space to retain him after it gave Gustav Forsling an eight-year $46 million extension in March.

Montour excels on the offensive side of the puck with a hard point shot and smooth skating stride.

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A Day 1 member of the Golden Knights, Marchessault is Vegas’ franchise leader in goals, assists and points. He also took home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during their Stanley Cup season in 2023.

There’s still no guarantee he’ll be back with an organization that values the relentless pursuit of improvement over anything that resembles sentimentality, though.

Marchessault is a late-blooming forward who has been a consistent point producer for eight NHL seasons. Undersized, but feisty, he had a career-best 42 goals this season.

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The 15-year NHL veteran had a nice bounce-back campaign in Dallas after having his contract bought out by Nashville last summer. Playing on a one-year prove-it deal, he produced 65 points in the regular season and scored the double-overtime-winning goal that propelled the Stars to the Western Conference final.

duch*ene remains a speedy skater who is reliable in the faceoff dot. He still profiles as a second-line center even though his most productive seasons are likely behind him.

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After scoring at nearly a point per game with Detroit following a significant hip-resurfacing procedure, Kane is hoping to raise the bar again in 2024-25 following his first truly healthy summer of training in years.

The good news is the 35-year-old feels rejuvenated 12 months after undergoing that surgery. He’s also extremely motivated to continue his career.

Kane is arguably the best U.S.-born player of all time and remains a high-end playmaker with elite hockey sense. Just as when he signed his last contract in November, there will be plenty of interest.

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With his 40th birthday looming in July and five highly successful seasons under his belt in Dallas, it’s difficult to imagine Pavelski shopping his services around the rest of the league. But … you never know.

Pavelski is still chasing an elusive Stanley Cup and brings the kind of intangibles that would appeal to any contender. Even though his production has cratered during these playoffs, he did eclipse the 20-goal plateau in the regular season for the 14th time in his career.

If his mind and body are willing, it still looks like he’s got a bit of game left.

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The right-shot defenseman is ready for a fresh start after spending his entire nine-year NHL career in Carolina.

Pesce is an all-around player who has shown the ability to be an effective part of a successful penalty kill.

He dealt with a couple injury setbacks this season and was limited to just two playoff games, but none of those are expected to linger moving forward.

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Stephenson has grown leaps and bounds since being acquired by Vegas from Washington five years ago for a fifth-round pick.

His speed and finishing ability have turned him into a center that can produce offensively from virtually anywhere he’s slotted in the lineup.

A two-time Stanley Cup champion, this is Stephenson’s chance to cash in like he never has before with a lucrative contract.

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All he does is score.

The well-liked winger has been on a cross-continent NHL tour with six different stops over the past six years, but his ability to continually put the puck in the net should bring some comfort to anyone pursuing him in free agency.

Toffoli has 77 goals across the last two regular seasons. The Jets will explore trying to keep him after acquiring him at the trade deadline. He should be able to garner a raise on his last deal.

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It might finally be time to say goodbye to Boston.

DeBrusk has found himself in trade rumors for years, in part because of his inconsistent scoring rates. A strong skater with a nose for the net, he’s a difference-maker when on his game. But those stretches have been counter-balanced by quiet periods.

DeBrusk is on the younger side of this free-agent class at age 27, which will be viewed positively by those looking for upgrades at the wing position.

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As a steady right-shot defenseman who kills penalties and produces strong defensive results, Roy is about to get paid.

He plays with intensity and can accommodate different playing partners. He thrives when given a big workload. He gets around the rink effectively.

While these aren’t necessarily attributes that tend to attract a lot of attention, one NHL executive said of Roy: “I think he’s as good as it comes defensively.”

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He used a no-trade clause to effectively force a deadline deal to Florida and will likely be picky about where he winds up next in free agency. Still, Tarasenko has a fair bit to offer in the right situation.

He doesn’t generate scoring chances at the rate he once did, but still possesses the kind of shot needed to put the puck in the net. Built like a tank, he can win puck battles along the wall and fight through the kind of traffic we’re accustomed to seeing in playoff hockey.

Tarasenko finished this season with even better offensive numbers than he managed last year, scoring six goals and 14 points in 19 games with the Panthers.

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The fact that he got through an entire season healthy, appearing in 88 games between Montreal and Winnipeg, is no small feat given the injury history.

Monahan is good for 20-plus goals as long as he can stay in the lineup — eclipsing that number eight times during his NHL career.

Don’t be surprised if the Jets make a pitch to keep him before free agency opens.

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Mantha rediscovered some important aspects of his game this season even though he wound up being a healthy scratch for the Golden Knights during their first-round playoff loss to Dallas.

A one-shot scorer who needs a lot of help getting the puck in shooting areas, he managed 23 goals between stints in Washington and Vegas —his best individual total since 2018-19.

Mantha’s 6-foot-5 frame and ability to put the puck in the net continue to make him an enticing option for teams looking to upgrade their forward group.

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In a free-agent goaltending class that features no sure things, Broissoit is arguably at the head of the pack following a season where he posted a .927 save percentage in 23 games for the Jets.

His goals saved above expected have also been strong for a couple years running.

Broissoit would be an ideal fit in a situation where he’s part of a tandem and may be ready to take on a more consistent workload after being a career backup to this point.

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A right-shot defenseman who was highly pursued at the trade deadline, Walker cobbled together a solid campaign split between Philadelphia and Colorado.

Known throughout his NHL career as a player who likes to join the attack, he found a nice balance and helped his teams consistently carry the play offensively while on the ice at five-on-five. He also established new career highs for goals and points.

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DeMelo is coming off a new career-best season in points, but his game is primarily built around the defensive aspects of the game.

The right shot is above average in his own zone and makes a good first pass to get the game going the right way in transition. He’s also been an effective penalty killer throughout his career.

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Considered a team-first warrior who profiles as an effective shutdown defender, Tanev has made a strong impact in Dallas since arriving via a trade from Calgary.

A right shot with penalty-killing chops, Tanev has been known for playing the game the right way over his 12 NHL seasons. That means finishing checks, blocking shots or keeping opponents to the outside —whatever it takes to give his team the best chance at success.

He’ll be awfully appealing to anyone with designs on chasing a championship.

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Duclair caught fire after a deadline trade from San Jose to Tampa Bay, putting up 17 points in 22 games. That was the most encouraging stretch he’d put together since being slowed by a torn Achilles tendon that was surgically repaired the year before in Florida.

Duclair is two years removed from a 31-goal season and can play either wing. He’s still got pretty good hands, too.

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A concerningly slow start to the season is now all but forgotten as Bertuzzi managed to eclipse 20 goals before it was over.

When the agitating winger is at his best, he doesn’t shy away from contact or whatever punishment there is to be found around an opponent’s net. He grew more comfortable in Toronto as the season wore on, and the Leafs have interest in bringing him back, but Bertuzzi is seeking security from his second consecutive year in free agency.

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The well-traveled forward finally seemed to find a home while playing in the city he was raised in this season. Still, it remains to be seen whether the Leafs can give him the kind of security and contract he’s looking for.

Domi is versatile enough to toggle between wing and center, and he had a successful run alongside Auston Matthews on Toronto’s top line in the latter stages of the season. It’ll be fascinating to see if he walks away from a possible second act in that spot.

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Drouin turned back the clock during a season in which he reunited with former junior teammate Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado, registering the highest point total of his NHL career. He’s got great vision and playmaking skills and appears to have put some of his injury issues behind him.

Drouin has been through a lot during his NHL career, but still has age on his side.

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Strong in the faceoff dot and a consistent scorer throughout his NHL career, the veteran center remains a remarkably useful player. As a bonus, he’ll be coming off a long playoff run in Edmonton —an experience he hadn’t had since the early days of his NHL career in New Jersey.

Henrique is known for having excellent hockey sense and can chip in on the power play, kill penalties or play the wing, if needed.

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A fresh start in Florida has done wonders for the former Swedish Olympian, who still gets around the ice well and looked like a new man after last summer’s buyout in Vancouver.

Incredibly, Ekman-Larsson put up the kind of offensive numbers he hadn’t seen since his heyday in Arizona.

The left-shot defenseman can still be an effective minute-eater when deployed properly.

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The seasoned puck-mover and power-play quarterback had a big offensive pop on Broadway after receiving only limited interest as an unrestricted free agent last summer.

He can expect more calls this time around.

Gustafsson requires specific usage and a partner who can help insulate him on the defensive side of the game, but his positive attributes make it worthwhile.

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A nice contributor during the Rangers' playoff run after coming over from Columbus at the trade deadline, Roslovic is showing some of his best form when it matters most.

He’s been an inconsistent offensive performer throughout his NHL career. But he possesses the skating and passing tools needed to put up bigger numbers. He could stand to shoot a little more frequently.

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An all-situations center who can be trusted on the defensive side of the puck, Wennberg is ideally slotted on a team’s third line.

He hasn’t been a major point producer in recent years but can be counted on in the faceoff dot and on the penalty kill. He should also benefit from his long run with the Rangers this spring, which included an overtime winner in the Eastern Conference final.

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What he lacks in size, he makes up for in smarts.

The right-shot defenseman may not be equipped to muscle opponents off the puck with his 5-foot-11 frame, but he’s a positionally sound player who gets around the ice well.

Carrier is also a reliable shot-blocker known for having a competitive streak. Consider him a strong depth option for a team with playoff aspirations.

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Interested teams will be banking on a bounce back. Brodie is coming off a season that was challenging both personally and professionally, with his time in Toronto ending while he watched from the press box in the playoffs after starting the season on the top pairing.

A conscientious defender who produced above-average possession metrics for years, the biggest question is whether a fresh start can get him back on track.

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A physically imposing defender and big personality, Zadorov is looking to cash in after a strong playoff performance in Vancouver. He excels in the black-and-blue areas of the game, clearing the crease and throwing thundering bodychecks while using his long reach to disrupt plays.

There may be some sticker shock here, though, for teams hoping to add him in a third-pairing role.

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After turning a professional tryout into a contract with the Bruins this season, Heinen was a massive surprise on a team that was thirsting for secondary scoring. He contributed at a third-line rate.

Heinen is a strong skater with good hands for a bottom-six player and is willing to engage in puck battles.

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After back-to-back seasons above 40 points, Sprong finally seems to be making good on the promise his career began with. He has a great shot and good playmaking instincts, and he is probably in line for a little more security than he’s found in recent years.

He’s also on the younger side of the free-agent scale, which is appealing.

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The offensive aspects of his game may not be what they once were, but Dumba remains a decent skater who has the ability to deliver a punishing open-ice hit. He’s also a right-shot defenseman who played nearly 20 minutes per game this season.

Dumba should be able to find a multiyear deal in free agency this summer.

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The kid who grew up just over the bridge from TD Garden and became a Bruin needs to look elsewhere for his next payday.

Grzelcyk skates well enough to get the puck out of trouble and can make a strong first pass, but he faces some challenges as a 5-foot-10 defender. He’s arguably best suited as a third-pairing option.

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The depth forward has established himself over the past three seasons after being acquired by Vegas on waivers from Toronto. He is a two-way player with some finishing ability.

Amadio gained valuable experience during the Golden Knights' run to the Stanley Cup last year.

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Noesen has been known as a sharp shooter at previous levels, but it is only in his past two seasons in Carolina that he’s been able to consistently show it as an NHLer.

The veteran winger has a nose for the net and can be viewed as a power-play option for any team seeking his services.

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Perron has remained productive well into his 30s and should be appealing for any team in search of experience and little scoring touch. He is a dual threat as a magnificent passer and also a player who can beat goaltenders with his shot.

The fact he has over 100 games of career experience in the playoffs, plus a Stanley Cup ring with St. Louis from 2019, is a nice bonus, too.

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His game slumped to a point where he passed through waivers in January, but Samsonov fought back to play well at times after taking time for a mental reset. That’s him in a nutshell: a battler who tends to ride extreme highs and lows.

Samsonov is still young enough for a team to believe it can help him find a little more stability. Plus, it’s not a particularly deep goaltending market.

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