Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Early UFA List

03/29/2023 at 1:34pm EDT

from Frank Seravalli of The Daily Faceoff,

There is no sugarcoating this summer’s NHL free agent crop. There will be no hyperbole to drive ratings, or talk about a three-headed monster stalking the top of the list like we’ve had in years past. There will certainly be no Brinks trucks backing up to the house of one newly wealthy individual with $75 or $80 million inside.

Yes, 2023 will likely go down as one of the weakest overall free agent classes in more than a decade. But this class graduates to free agency at a fascinating juncture as the NHL’s salary cap could be increasing in a meaningful way for the first time since 2019.

Beauty will be in the eye of the beholder. Which is why the top available free agent is very much a debate. We’ve ranked Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting in the No. 1 spot because he’s strung together two very productive seasons – totaling 44 goals and 109 points – on his first one-way NHL contract. There will be no shortage of teams interested after witnessing the success Zach Hyman has achieved in Edmonton upon departing Toronto. New Jersey’s Damon Severson will also be a hot commodity as a steady, right-shooting defenseman who can chew up minutes.

continued, includes Top 50 list...

exor54

Which is why the top available free agent is very much a debate. Weve

ranked Toronto Maple Leafs winger Michael Bunting in the No. 1 spot

because hes strung together two very productive seasons

Yeah, right. Guy makes a name for himself on a line with Matthews and Marner. I could be on that line and I would get at least 5 goals by standing in front of the net having M & M bank it off my butt. 

rickytar

i'll take a garnett hathaway over Z if you please - add some much needed sandpaper to the mix..

Chetrickytar

I dont care about sandpaper. I care about goals and the Wings dont score enough. 

That said, I dont see anyone on the list who makes much sense for Detroit. Someone will still overpay for these guys, I just hope it isnt us. 

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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