NHL free agency 2024: Ranking the top 20 free agents, best players available by position
The frenzy that is free agency is about to begin.
The NHL does not stop rolling. The Stanley Cup was handed out earlier this week, with the Panthers claiming the first championship in franchise history. It marked the unofficial end of the 2023-24 season, as all the clubs gear up for a run next year.
Officially, the 2024-25 season opens up on July 1. That is the first day of free agency, where contracts expired for pending free agents and they hit the open market.
There are a few key names to watch for this free agency period. Some of the biggest names in the running to land monster deals include Sam Reinhart, Jake Guentzel, Elias Lindholm, and Brandon Montour. There could also be Steven Stamkos' departure from the Lightning and Jonathan Marchessault's exit from the Golden Knights.
So, who are the best players on the market? The Sporting ranks the top 20 free agents for 2024.
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NHL free agency 2024: Ranking the top 20 players
1. Sam Reinhart, RW
Sam Reinhart could not have dreamed of a better performance in a contract year. A 57-goal, 94-point regular season — topped off with a Stanley Cup win — is one way to boost your next paycheck. The sniper likely stays put in South Florida with the Panthers, and he deserves every penny of his next contract.
2. Jake Guentzel, LW
The longtime Penguins winger was traded to the Hurricanes at the deadline, where he fit it quite nicely on Rod Brind'Amour's offense, recording 25 points in 17 games to bring his season total to 77 points in 67 contests. Guentzel and the Hurricanes may come to an agreement, but if not, he'll be the biggest name on the open market.
3. Elias Lindholm, C
There aren't many No. 1 centers hitting free agency, but that is the case with Elias Lindholm. The responsible, two-way center is one of the best in the business at playing a 200-foot game. His time in Calgary ended with a deadline deal in March to Vancouver, but he didn't quite jell with the Canucks as expected. He finished with 42 points, his lowest point total in a season since 2015-16, but his game goes beyond the scoresheet.
4. Jonathan Marchessault, RW/LW
After winning the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe in 2023, Jonathan Marchessault followed it up with a 42-goal, 69-point campaign this last season, continuing to prove that he is one of the league's best goal scorers. The Golden Knights are reportedly trying to keep one of their Original Misfits around, but he may be too expensive.
5. Brandon Montour, D
Brandon Montour's 2023-24 season may not have been as flashy as his previous year, but the right-handed defenseman still put together an impressive season, finishing with 33 points in 66 contests. Florida may not be able to re-sign the offensive defensemen due to cap constraints, and he likely would get a big payday on the open market.
6. Steven Stamkos, C, LW
Is there really a reality where Steven Stamkos does not end his career as a member of the Lightning? That appears to potentially be the case. The longtime Tampa Bay captain and the club have not seen eye-to-eye on an extension, and the forward could be leaving after bringing two Stanley Cups to the organization. Despite his age (34), Stammer still has it, with 40 goals and 81 games last season.
7. Chandler Stephenson, C
Chandler Stephenson is another center available for those that miss out on Lindholm. The Golden Knights forward is a playmaking, two-way centerman who has two Stanley Cups to his name. Stephenson put together 51 points last season, and he comes with the ability to play up and down the lineup.
8. Brett Pesce, D
The Hurricanes seem likely to lose a key part of their blue line in Brett Pesce. The steady, right-handed defender was a key cog in the stout Carolina defense the past few years, playing a second-pair role for Brind'Amour.
9. Sean Walker, D
The Flyers parted ways with Sean Walker at the deadline, sending him to the Avalanche where he found a nice role on the second pairing. The right-handed blue-liner excels in his own zone and in transition, and he can add a little offense, as well (29 points).
10. Matt Duchene, RW
Matt Duchene found a perfect fit with the Stars after he was bought out by the Predators last offseason. The veteran forward put together a 65-point campaign while playing in a middle-six role on Dallas. The playmaking wing/center should find another depth role on a contender this offseason.
11. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
Coming off his second Stanley Cup win, Vladimir Tarasenko hits free agency, looking for his fifth team in a span of two years. A one-year deal with the Senators proved futile, but he did carve out a secondary role on the Panthers, winning the 2024 championship. In total, the Russian sniper had 23 goals and 55 points.
12. Patrick Kane, RW
"Showtime" is once again a free agent for the second year in a row. Patrick Kane joined the Red Wings partway through the 2023-24 season, totaling 47 points in 50 games. It appears his hip is healthy, and he still can produce at a high level. At 35, it could be a risky move, but Kane proved last year the end is not quite near.
13. Teuvo Teravainen, LW
Teuvo Teravainen brings a two-way presence to the wing on offense. The Hurricanes forward posted 25 goals and 53 points in Carolina, bouncing around the lineup. At 29, he is one of the younger free agents and likely will head elsewhere after a strong few seasons in Raleigh.
14. Tyler Toffoli, RW
Tyler Toffoli continues to find success wherever he goes. In his first year as a Devil, the winger potted 33 goals and 55 points, providing secondary scoring for New Jersey. His versatility in playing either side, plus his consistency, makes him an enticing scoring option.
15. Max Domi, RW
Max Domi signed a one-year deal with the Maple Leafs last summer, and he rewarded the club by showcasing incredible chemistry with Auston Matthews. The playmaking winger had 38 assists and 47 points for Toronto. It feels like re-signing with the Leafs could be the end result, but there is a chance he moves onto what would be his eighth club.
16. Matt Roy, D
Matt Roy is one of the more underrated defensemen in the league. The Kings blue-liner is expected to hit the open market rather than staying in Los Angeles. He's a proven, top-four talent on the blue line, plus he's right-handed, which certainly makes him more appealing.
17. Chris Tanev, D
A shot-blocking machine, Tanev heads to free agency after a successful season split between Calgary and Dallas. The top-four, shutdown defender should have plenty of interest after finishing fourth in blocked shots while adding 19 points on offense. He's an excellent second-pair option on a contender.
18. Jake DeBrusk, RW
It appears that Jake DeBrusk's time in Boston is over. The speedy winger had a tumultuous time with the Bruins, but he found his footing the past two years under Jim Montgomery. He proved he can be a complementary, top-six winger who excels on the forecheck, and he can be a weapon with the right linemates.
19. Tyler Bertuzzi, LW
Tyler Bertuzzi did not fit in with the Maple Leafs as many expected he would. He bounced around the lineup, but he still managed to finish with 21 goals and 43 points. The pesky, net-front winger feels like he's more suited for a middle-six wing role, but he has a proven track record pre-Toronto of excelling on offense.
20. Jonathan Drouin, LW
Jonathan Drouin found success with the Avalanche, where he was reunited with junior hockey teammate Nathan MacKinnon. The pair showed chemistry they once displayed on the Halifax Mooseheads, leading to Drouin's 56-point season. A return to Colorado would make the most sense for Drouin, but he would have suitors on the open market.
NHL free agency rankings by position
Center
- Elias Lindholm
- Steven Stamkos
- Chandler Stephenson
- Sean Monahan
- Jack Roslovic
- Alexander Wennberg
- Sam Carrick
- Kevin Stenlund
- Tyson Jost
- Colin Blackwell
Left Wing
- Jake Guentzel
- Teuvo Teravainen
- Tyler Bertuzzi
- Jonathan Drouin
- Adam Henrique
- Anthony Duclair
- Max Pacioretty
- Anthony Mantha
- Danton Heinen
- Jordan Maritnook
Right Wing
- Jonathan Marchessault
- Matt Duchene
- Vladimir Tarasenko
- Patrick Kane
- Tyler Toffoli
- Max Domi
- Jack DeBrusk
- David Perron
- Daniel Sprong
- Cam Atkinson
Defense
- Brandon Montour
- Brett Pesce
- Sean Walker
- Matt Roy
- Chris Tanev
- Brady Skjei
- Shayne Gostibehere
- Nikita Zadorov
- Oliver Ekman-Larsson
- Alexandre Carrier
Goaltender
- Cam Talbot
- Ilya Samsonov
- Anthony Stolarz
- Antti Raanta
- Laurent Brossoit