2024 Free Agency could be bananas 🍌

Good morning! It was hardly the busiest week of hockey news but we still have lots to cover. Especially when you consider the potential for next summer’s free agency pool. 🤤

We’re surprised to report that 54% of last week’s poll participants voted Evgeni Malkin as better than Patrick Kane. Granted, Malkin earned our vote but we assumed he was less appreciated, especially since he was snubbed from the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players list while Kane wasn’t.

But we expect today’s poll to be a lot more polarizing…

- Brandon Rubeo & Kevin Allen

Today’s Lineup:

• 10 big names who could be 2024 UFAs

• Crosby vs. Ovechkin debate

• Senators sign Tarasenko to one-year deal

• 👇 And a lot more…

10 Big Names Who Could Be on 2024 Unrestricted Free Agent List

When it comes to free agents, the official NHL general manager slogan is “wait until next year.”

This summer’s crop of unrestricted free agents was considered below average. Next summer’s potential free agent class is close to breathtaking. It just depends upon who re-signs with their current team.

But here are 10 intriguing players who can choose to be on the UFA list next July 1:

Center Auston Matthews: Will the Maple Leafs have to ante up more than $13 million to keep him in Toronto? He says he wants to stay. If he doesn’t, look for the big market teams and contenders to be lined up to offer him one of the richest contracts in NHL history.

Center Steve Stamkos: Hard to think of Stamkos wearing any jersey except Tampa Bay’s threads. But sometimes negotiations fall apart.

Goalie Connor Hellebuyck: He could be a major help for young teams like the New Jersey Devils or Buffalo Sabres. How about the Los Angeles Kings?

Left wing Tom Wilson: The Capitals want to keep him and it seems like he wants to stay. But he has to know that he would have 15 suitors if he takes his ability to the open market. He’s a scorer and an intimidating physical force.

Defenseman Brandon Montour: He can be the best defenseman in next summer’s marketplace. He had 16 goals and 73 points for Florida and was dominant in the playoffs.

Center Mark Scheifele: He’s 6-foot-3, 200 pounds and scored 42 goals. The Jets may have difficulty re-signing him.

Forward Jake DeBrusk: Boston Hockey Now anonymously quotes an NHL scout saying DeBrusk will be very popular if he goes to market next summer.

Forward Jake Guentzel: The Penguins will re-sign Guentzel if Sidney Crosby has a say. He has 76 goals over the past two seasons. Teams will pay big for a scorer of Guentzel’s ability.

Winger William Nylander: He’s a 40 goal scorer and he wants to be paid. Seems likely he will end up in the UFA market.

Forward Sam Reinhart: He’s 37 and he’s had back-to-back 30 goal seasons. Florida has the money to get him re-signed. But maybe they have an eye on Wilson or Matthews.