The NHL Free Agency Frenzy has come and gone, and the NHL Offseason has come to a screeching halt. With July 1st in the rearview mirror, the only things on the docket right now are for the RFAs to get new contracts or go to arbitration.
Little by little, these RFAs are signing new deals while there are new breaks from the NHL. But it’s summer, after all, these teams need to rest.
Nashville Predators Free Agent Signing Shows Culture Change
What better time to look back on the craziness of July 1st and break down the NHL Free Agency contracts that got so many people going and left them wondering why? Our two-part series began with the Western Conference. Time to move on to the Eastern Conference.
NHL Free Agency Contracts That Were Too Small
Elias Lindholm – Boston Bruins – 7 years x $7.75 million
The Boston Bruins and Elias Lindholm were a match made in heaven from the start. We will see if it is really heaven. But the Bruins needed a starting center after losing Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. Pavel Zacha and Charlie Coyle were not the answer.
NHL Rumors: Could the Canucks Flip Elias Lindholm to the Bruins and end up with Jake Guentzel?
While centers have a lot of money and teams have to pay, seven years at $7.75 million is a steep price for a player who had 44 points (15 goals and 29 assists) last season in 75 games between the Calgary Flames and Vancouver Canucks.
Lindholm and the Flames had two 70-point seasons. In 2018-19, he registered 78 points; in 2021-22, he had 84 points. Otherwise, he is a 50-60 point player. His playoffs with Vancouver were great, with 10 points in 13 games, but still, this is a long-term threat for Boston.
Is that worth seven years at $7.75 million per season? The Bruins better hope that production picks up, anchoring the top line of David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand.
Jake Guentzel – Tampa Bay Lightning – 7 years x $9 million
Normally, this contract wouldn’t be in the category of NHL Free Agency contracts that would shock you, but when you consider that the Lightning chose Guentzel over Steven Stamkos, this contract makes the list.
The relationship between Tampa Bay and Steven Stamkos broke down last summer
Guentzel is an elite player, and the Lightning decided to go in a different direction, away from their captain and eight-time 40-time scorer. It’s not fair for Guentzel to go after Stamkos, but GM Julien BriseBois’ decision making has many people wondering why.
?Thinking about NHL Day ?
Victor Hedman Signs New Extension.
Why can’t Stamkos get this in Tampa? #shells
More Here: pic.twitter.com/MGXay9Q1Dl
— Jim Biringer (@JimBiringer) July 2, 2024
Jake “The Snake” Guentzel can produce in the playoffs and is a Stanley Cup champion; However, seven years at $9 million is the most on offense and took Ryan McDonagh’s $6.75 million salary. Guentzel has scored 40 goals twice.
But Guentzel makes the same money as Nikita Kucherov and Brayden Point. And this is the first season, so let’s see how it plays out, but right now this is, what’s the deal.
Sean Monahan– Columbus Blue Jackets – 5 years x $5.5 million
As NHLRumors.com has written, the Columbus Blue Jackets are hoping that Sean Monahan and Johnny Gaudreau can rekindle their magic from their days with the Calgary Flames.
However, the five-year contract stands out as Monahan has his first healthy season in several years. Between the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets, Monahan collected 59 points (26 goals and 33 assists). Also, the centers are at a different level, so the AAV of $5.5 million may seem high, but that’s the price you have to pay for a ‘number one’ center.
Let’s see if he can stay healthy for the green jackets and be the guy they need. If he can’t, the name will look bad, and so will the dollar value.
Honorable Mention
Nikita Zadorov – Boston Bruins – 6 years x $5 million
Similar to the Western Conference contracts that made him go, Whoa, the Bruins have a second member on this list, and it was their biggest free agent signing on defense, Nikita Zadorov. Zadorov signed a six-year contract with AAV for $5 million.
The Bruins were looking to improve their defense, and Matt Grzelcyk signed with the Pittsburgh Penguins. They already have Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy in the top pairing. Now, the Bruins have signed Zadorov to bolster the second team and one of the power play units.
NHL Rumors: Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Anaheim Ducks
However, the length is too long for a player who jumps between Buffalo, Colorado, Chicago, Calgary, and Vancouver. Zadorov never had more than 22 points in a season. His most goals were 14 in 2022-23 with the Flames. And his production is not on the power play.
It was surprising to see Boston sign him because few people had the Bruins on Zadorov’s radar. Seeing how he does on B’s show will be interesting.
That’s done for the NHL’s Free Agency Contracts that made it go, Whoa, from the Eastern Conference. Here is a link to the Western Summit.
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