The NHL just had a wild Wednesday that saw a couple of blockbuster trades go down, plus the announcement of a certain coveted free agent re-signing with his current team.
While Steven Stamkos – arguably the most sought-after free agent of the offseason – will continue to play for the Tampa Bay Lightning, there are still plenty of other outstanding forwards left on the market. Let’s run down the top five centres and wingers that could very well find a new home as early as noon of July 1st.
And to know more about the two aforementioned trades that occurred, check out our analyses for the Subban-Weber and Hall-Larsson deals right after this.
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Top NHL Free Agent Forwards of 2016
2015-16 cap hit: $2.8 million
2015-16 stats: 79 games played, 22 goals, 41 assists
Do the New York Islanders stand a chance at keeping standout right wing Kyle Okposo? The 28-year-old led the Isles in assists both in the regular season and the playoffs, and is a fine complement to any lineup that features an electric scorer like his teammate John Tavares.
Okposo’s asking price is somewhere within the $7-million range, and yet about nine clubs – from playoff contenders like the Los Angeles Kings to rebuilders like the Winnipeg Jets – have eagerly lined up for a chance to nab the elite playmaker as soon as possible.
2. Loui Ericksson
2015-16 cap hit: $4.25 million
2015-16 stats: 82 games played, 30 goals, 33 assists
Does Loui Ericksson want to remain a Boston Bruin, and does his current team’s management really want him out?
The Swedish right wing had a superb bounce-back season after his first term with the Bruins proved to be a letdown, but that was to be expected as he was in his contract year. Perhaps a chance of scenery could bolster Eriksson’s morale and production even further.
The Vancouver Canucks, currently priced at a distant +6,500 to win the Stanley Cup next season, are one of the main suitors for the 30-year-old. Ericksson should willingly take Vancouver’s best offer, as he’ll have a sweet chance to be a part of the team’s top line with his fellow countrymen, brothers Henrik and Daniel Sedin.
3. Milan Lucic
2015-16 cap hit: $6 million
2015-16 stats: 81 games played, 20 goals, 34 assists
One of the most physical forwards in the league, Milan Lucic revitalized his career last season with the Kings. And despite his aggressive nature of play, the prolific left wing is as sturdy as they come, missing only a total of four regular-season games for the past three years.
The Canucks also have their sights on Lucic, who’s a Vancouver native. But the Edmonton Oilers, another team from up north, are in hot pursuit of the 28-year-old and their desperation is all the more apparent after trading Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils. Which now begs the question: will Lucic be willing to play for the underachieving Oilers (+2,800 to win the Western Conference)?
4. David Backes
2015-16 cap hit: $4.5 million
2015-16 stats: 79 games played, 21 goals, 24 assists
Another year, another solid campaign for 32-year-old David Backes, who was instrumental to the St. Louis Blues’ best playoff run in ages by scoring three game-winners. The Blues’ team captain has that rare combination of ruthlessness that does not hinder his capability to command and entire squad.
Backes’ age and the fact that St. Louis already has a star in Vladimir Tarasenko as its lynchpin are what brings the centre’s value down a bit, but he can certainly be a good fit in any team in need of veteran leadership.
5. Andrew Ladd
2015-16 cap hit: $4.4 million
2015-16 stats: 78 games played, 25 goals, 21 assists
After being traded back to his former team (Chicago Blackhawks) prior to last season’s trade deadline, left wing Andrew Ladd realized that winning the Stanley Cup is a much more important goal than making the big bucks. However, Ladd is seeking an annual payout of somewhere within $7 million, which is a steep price considering that that amount is already close to Kyle Okposo’s asking price.
Then again, the 30-year-old has championship experience galore under his belt as a part of two different Stanley Cup-winning teams: the 2010 Blackhawks and the 2006 Carolina Hurricanes. Like Backes, Ladd is a worthy addition to any roster, but maybe only as long as his wish of being on a title contender that can afford his demanding price is granted.
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