B/R's Final 2024 Free-Agency Big Board

The 2024 NHL free-agent market opens Monday at noon EDT. Most of the attention will be on where the top unrestricted free agents land during the market's opening hours.

On April 1, we published our updated ranking of the NHL's top UFAs. With free agency almost upon us, it's time to revise and update our rankings.

This year's UFA crop is deep with talented forwards. They include well-known superstars like Steven Stamkos and Patrick Kane. There are also younger stars in their prime like Sam Reinhart and Jake Guentzel.

Some of these players could end up re-signing with the current teams. Most will sign with new clubs willing to pay them lucrative long-term contracts.

The following is our ranking of this summer's top 15 UFAs. Past and present performance, skills and current contracts factored into our rankings.

We've also included a list of honorable mentions who could rise on this list if others are signed before July 1.

Do you agree or disagree with our ranking? Let us know in the app comments below.

Anthony Duclair

Duclair struggled last season with the San Jose Sharks but regained his scoring touch after being shipped to the Tampa Bay Lightning at the March trade deadline. He tallied a career-high 31 goals two years ago.

Jonathan Drouin

Signed last year to a one-year, $825K contract by the Colorado Avalanche, the 29-year-old winger enjoyed a bounce-back performance with a career-high 56 points. The Avalanche could re-sign him but he will also draw interest if he tests the market.

Sean Monahan

Healthy for the first time in several years, the 29-year-old center netted 59 points in a season split between the Montreal Canadiens and Winnipeg Jets. The Athletic's Murat Ates reported he believes the Jets made him a contract offer but he could see what the market hold.

Chris Tanev

The 34-year-old shutdown defenseman was a trade-rumor fixture until traded by the Calgary Flames to the Dallas Stars in February. He fit in well with the Stars, but Dallas may have waived white flag and traded his rights to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The Leafs and Ottawa Senators will pursue him if he goes to market.

Vladimir Tarasenko

He's no longer the perennial 30-plus scorer from his St. Louis Blues heyday. Still, the 32-year-old winger played a role in helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup. He could still have value as a middle-six winger.

The Toronto Maple Leafs signed Tyler Bertuzzi last summer to a one-year, $5.5 million contract. He had a slow start as an injury hampered his early weeks with the Leafs. However, the gritty 29-year-old left winger finished with 21 goals and 43 points.

An energetic, hard-working winger, Bertuzzi drives hard to the net to create plays and generate scoring chances. He's willing to absorb punishment to make things happen and distract opponents.

Bertuzzi is still young enough to cash in on a long-term deal. He could seek a six-year contract with an average annual value of around $6.5 million.

TSN's Chris Johnston reported on June 26 that Bertuzzi and the Leafs remain in discussions with the winger being quite willing to work out a new contract. He might also want to consider a reunion with the Boston Bruins. He fit in well with the Bruins during his brief tenure in Boston during the 2022-23 season.

Jake DeBrusk's tenure with the Boston Bruins could be coming to an end after seven seasons. On Jun. 26, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney told reporters that the two sides haven't had productive discussions for a while. The 27-year-old winger appears headed to market.

DeBrusk, 27, is among the youngest notable players in this summer's unrestricted free-agent market. He's coming off a two-year contract with an annual cap hit of $4 million. After years of short-term deals, he'll seek a long-term contract with a substantial raise, perhaps as high as $6.5 million.

A versatile forward who can skate on either wing, DeBrusk has reached or exceeded the 40-point plateau in five of his seven seasons, including 2023-24. He had good speed and works well around the net, but he's also been a streaky scorer throughout his career.

The Hockey News' Julian Gaudio reported on June 27 that the Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Maple Leafs have been pursuing DeBrusk. Other interested clubs included the Seattle Kraken, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, and Utah Hockey Club.

After eight seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes, Teuvo Teräväinen could depart on July 1 as an unrestricted free agent. The 29-year-old forward is completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.4 million.

The Hurricanes have $26.3 million in cap space with 16 active roster players signed through 2024-25. However, they must also re-sign or replace forwards Jake Guentzel and Jordan Martinook and defensemen Brady Skjei and Brett Pesce. They could also re-sign restricted free agent winger Martin Nečas if they don't receive any suitable trade offers for him.

Teräväinen netted 53 or more points five times in the last seven seasons with the Hurricanes, including three 60-plus point performances and a career-high 76 points in 2018-19. He's a skillful playmaker who would fit well as a top-six forward on any team.

Suitors could be teams on the cusp of playoff contention like the Buffalo Sabres and Utah Hockey Club. On June 25, The Athletic's Mark Lazerus and Scott Powers reported Teräväinen was open to returning to Chicago where he began his NHL career.

Coming off a hip resurfacing procedure last June, Patrick Kane signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Detroit Red Wings. The 35-year-old right wing enjoyed a fine bounce-back performance, finishing with 20 goals and 47 points in 50 games.

Kane is no longer the superstar of his youth. Nevertheless, the future Hall-of-Famer alleviated concerns about his hip while proving he still had something left in the tank as a second-line scorer. His experience and championship pedigree will ensure he draws interest in the free-agent market.

Kane's days of landing lucrative long-term contracts are over given his age. However, he could draw two-year offers worth around $5 million annually. He could also opt for a one-year, bonus-laden 35-plus contract to skate with a Stanley Cup contender.

ESPN's Emily Kaplan reports Kane remains in contact with the Red Wings regarding a new contract. The New York Post's Larry Brooks indicated the Rangers are another of his former teams that could be interested in a reunion. Kaplan also didn't rule out the Vegas Golden Knights as a free-agent destination.

After nine NHL seasons, Brett Pesce and the Carolina Hurricanes could part ways. The 29-year-old defenseman is completing a six-year contract with an annual average value of $4.03 million. He could seek a six-year deal worth an annual cap hit of $6 million on the open market.

The Hurricanes have $26.2 million in cap space with 16 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. However, they must also re-sign or replace pending UFAs Jake Guentzel, Brady Skjei, Teuvo Teravainen, and Jordan Martinook. They must also re-sign restricted free agent winger Martin Nečas if they don't trade him first.

Pesce is a reliable right-shot all-around defenseman. He has battled injuries the past two years but that hasn't dampened his value. The 6'3", 206-pounder was the subject of frequent trade speculation last summer but the Hurricanes opted to retain him for the 2023-24 campaign.

The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported on June 28 that Pesce appears headed to free agency. Clubs needing a big, skillful right-side defenseman like the New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Nashville Predators could pursue him on July 1.

Tyler Toffoli is a productive two-way forward who has spent the past six seasons with six clubs. Salary-cap constraints were often the reason why the 32-year-old Toffoli bounced around as much. It's why the Winnipeg Jets won't re-sign him. They're carrying just $8.6 million in cap space with 18 active roster players signed for 2024-25.

Toffoli is completing a four-year contract with an annual cap hit of $4.3 million. After bouncing around the league, he could seek a measure of control by seeking a no-trade clause as part of his new deal.

A reliable point-producer, Toffoli had 33 goals and 55 points split between the New Jersey Devils and Winnipeg Jets in 2023-24. He enjoyed a career-high 34 goals and 39 assists for 73 points in 2022-23 with the Calgary Flames.

Toffoli shouldn't have any difficulty landing a new contract somewhere else, perhaps even from one of his former clubs. According to CHEK-TV's Rick Dhaliwal, the Vancouver Canucks could consider him an option as they look to add a top-six scoring winger. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman speculated he could be on the Los Angeles Kings' radar.

Signed by the Dallas Stars to a one-year, $3 million last July 1, Matt Duchene proved to be a solid contributor to his new club. The 33-year-old center finished with 25 goals and 65 points, finishing among their top-five regular-season scorers.

Duchene also helped the Stars reach the Western Conference Final for the second straight season. Following the postseason, he told the press he wanted to stay in Dallas. Duchene also indicated that money would not be his top priority.

That has to be music to the ears of Stars general manager Jim Nill. His club has $19.1 million in cap space with 12 active roster players signed for 2024-25. Nill must also re-sign or replace pending UFAs Joe Pavelski (who has signaled his retirement), Chris Tanev, and Scott Wedgewood.

It wouldn't be surprising if Duchene returns on another affordable short-term contract with the Stars. If he does go to market he could draw interest from playoff contenders seeking a versatile second-line forward who can play center or wing.

A depth forward when he was acquired from the Washington Capitals in 2019-20, Chandler Stephenson developed into a versatile and reliable top-six forward for the Vegas Golden Knights. The sturdy 6'0", 209-pounder netted 64 points in 2021-22, 65 points in 2022-23 and 51 points last season.

The Golden Knights' addition of Tomas Hertl at the trade deadline spells the end of the 30-year-old Stephenson's tenure in Las Vegas. Their limited salary-cap space also has them prioritizing re-signing Jonathan Marchessault.

Stephenson will be looking to cash in on his next contract. He's coming off a five-year deal with an average annual value of $2.8 million. He'll likely seek at least a five-year deal for up to $6 million annually.

Clubs with cap space looking for depth and playoff experience among their top-six forwards will attempt to sign Stephenson. They could include the Boston Bruins, Anaheim Ducks, and Seattle Kraken.

Brandon Montour is completing a three-year contract with the Florida Panthers with an annual cap hit of $3.5 million. A puck-moving, right-shot blueliner, the 30-year-old played a key role in the Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, including their championship run.

Montour has three 30-plus point seasons with the Panthers, including a career-high 73 points in 2021-22. He could receive offers of $7 million annually on the open market. The Panthers, however, have $18.6 million in cap space with 15 active roster players under contract and high-scoring winger Sam Reinhart to re-sign.

On May 31, Sportsnet's Luke Fox noted the Panthers prioritized signing defenseman Gustav Forsling to a contract extension in March. Montour may have played his final game in Florida unless they shed some salary to sign him.

Montour's skills as a mobile right-shot rearguard and his championship experience will draw plenty of interest in the free-agent market. On Jun. 13, Toronto Star columnist Nick Kypreos reported it's no secret the Maple Leafs will be targeting the Panthers defenseman if he goes to market on July 1.

Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli reported on June 27 that the Vegas Golden Knights were still "trying like hell" to sign Jonathan Marchessault. The 33-year-old winger is completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5 million.

Marchessault is among the few remaining members of the original Golden Knights, He's their most productive scorer, leading the franchise with 192 goals, 225 assists, and 417 points. He was their scoring leader this season with 42 goals and 69 points.

On May 7, Marchessault told reporters he was happy being a Golden Knight and wanted to stay. However, he also noted it wasn't necessarily under his control. The club has just $1.9 million in cap space with 19 active players under contract for 2024-25. They can get an additional $5 million with Robin Lehner staying on long-term injury reserve.

That won't be enough to re-sign Marchessault unless the Golden Knights can free up more cap room before the 2024-25 regular season begins. Playoff contenders looking for scoring could seek out his services if he reaches the open market.

Coming off a career-best 47-point performance with the Carolina Hurricanes, Brady Skjei should be poised to cash in on his contract year. The 30-year-old defenseman is a mobile defenseman who regularly logs over 20 minutes per game.

The 6'3", 210-pound Skjei plays well in all situations, especially on the penalty kill. He was third among Hurricanes skaters with 90 blocked shots and 44 takeaways.

Skjei is completing a six-year contract with an average annual value of $5.3 million. He'll be in the market for a long-term deal with an AAV of around $7 million. On June 28, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported there's a chance the Hurricanes could re-sign Skjei but he could still head to market on July 1.

Given his puck-moving abilities and all-around skills, Skjei will draw interest from clubs seeking those attributes on their blue line. The Boston Bruins, Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Utah Hockey Club could get in line for his services. LeBrun speculated the Nashville Predators could also pursue him.

This was an eventful season for Elias Lindholm. The 29-year-old two-way center was traded by the Calgary Flames to the Vancouver Canucks on Jan. 31, battled an undisclosed injury that hampered his production during the second half of the season, and bounced back in the postseason with 10 points in 13 games.

Lindholm is completing a six-year contract with an annual salary cap hit of $4.9 million. Despite his struggles this season, he's a well-regarded two-way center who could command over $7 million annually on a seven-year contract if he goes to free agency.

During a June 10 appearance on The Jeff Marek Show, Sportsnet's insider Elliotte Friedman reported the Canucks were willing to offer Lindholm a seven-year deal worth $7 million annually. However, they're considering other options as the center appears headed to free agency.

Media rumors linked the Boston Bruins to Lindholm before his trade to Vancouver. On June 27, TSN's Darren Dreger suggested he could fit in with the Bruins. They could use an experienced top-six center. With $25 million in cap space for 2024-25 and 16 active roster players under contract, they could afford to pursue him on July 1

It seems almost unthinkable that Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning might part ways after all he's done for them over the past 16 seasons. As July 1 approaches with the 34-year-old winger still unsigned, there's growing speculation the two-time Stanley Cup champion could hit the open market.

On June 28, The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun reported Lightning general manager Julien BriseBois indicated his uncertainty about getting Stamkos under contract. The winger's agent stated his client will become a UFA on July 1. LeBrun cautioned things could change but it's clear the two sides haven't bridged the gap.

Earlier in the week, LeBrun said several teams were lining up hoping to speak with Stamkos if he becomes available on July 1. He believes the Nashville Predators could be among the suitors while his colleague Chris Johnston speculated the Detroit Red Wings could also come calling.

Stamkos is completing an eight-year contract with an annual cap hit of $8.5 million. He won't get any long-term offers because of his age but he could still get a short-term deal close to his current salary. He remains a lethal goalscorer, tallying 40 goals in 2023-24. His championship experience and leadership would also be attractive to playoff contenders.

The Carolina Hurricanes acquired Jake Guentzel from the Pittsburgh Penguins before the March trade deadline. He fit in well with his new club, netting 25 points in 17 regular-season games and nine points in 11 playoff contests.

Guentzel, 29, is a two-time 40-goal scorer and a Stanley Cup champion with the 2017 Penguins. He also has a reputation as a reliable postseason performer with 67 points in 69 playoff games. He's completing a five-year contract with an average annual value of $6 million and could seek around $9 million on a long-term deal.

On June 7, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported the Hurricanes were trying to re-sign Guentzel but he could be interested in going to market while keeping them as an option. He indicated they were willing to shop his signing rights for a mid-round pick.

TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported on June 25 that the Hurricanes haven't given up trying to re-sign Guentzel. Three days later, he indicated they'd offered him an eight-year contract with an annual cap hit of $8 million. However, it's rumored the Vancouver Canucks could offer him seven years at $9 million annually if he becomes a UFA on July 1.

Finishing a three-year contract, Sam Reinhart couldn't have picked a better time for a career-best performance. The 28-year-old forward led the Florida Panthers with 57 goals and 94 points, sitting second among NHL scorers this season. He also scored the game-winning goal in Game 7 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final.

Following the Cup-clinching game, Reinhart told reporters he didn't want to leave the Panthers. The cost of re-signing him, however, has skyrocketed. He earned an average annual value of $6.5 million on his previous contract and could seek between $9 million and $10 million on his next one.

The Panthers only have $18.6 million in cap space with 15 active roster players under contract for 2024-25. Re-signing Reinhart could eat up over half of it, which is why he could end up hitting the open market on July 1. However, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman believes he'll sign a contract extension with an annual cap hit of $9 million.

Reinhart's high-scoring season ensures he'll draw plenty of interest if he tests the market. Some could include rebuilding clubs with plenty of cap space like Anaheim and Chicago.

Stats by NHL.com with salary info by PuckPedia.