Although it might be a bit early to talk about, I don’t care. I’m going to give you my top 5 pending UFA’s who will be up for grabs on July 1st. Lets get into it!
Mitch Marner
Even though Mitch Marner still cant grow a beard, he can definitely play some unreal hockey. Marner finished the regular season with 102 points, which is his best point tally thus far. Marner was also one of the standout players for Canada in the 4 Nations Faceoff, where he helped bring home the gold for the boys in red. Marner is looking to get signed to a big contract this summer, whether that is with the Leafs, I guess we will have to find out. Wherever Mitch ends up he deserves to get paid.
2.
John Tavares
On to Big Johnny T. Tavares has now entered his crafty veteran era, the 34 year old is still putting up numbers even though he isn’t getting any younger. Big John ended the season with 74 points, and is already making an impact in the playoffs with 4 points in 2 games. Depending on what teams need he could easily slot in as a first or second line center on any NHL team. Whatever happens with Tavares and the Leafs come July 1st, any team would happily take a guy like Tavares on their roster for next season.
3.
Nikolaj Ehlers
If only I had LAJ at the end of my name, Nikolaj and I would have the same name. Anyway this Danish stud is on the market this free agency, what should teams expect? The speedy winger is the definition of consistency, his ability to gain the offensive zone and attack the net has been crucial to the success of the Winnipeg Jets as he helped them finish at the top of the NHL standings. Their have been rumors of a change in scenery for Ehlers, and I know a lot of teams will be in a bid war for this guys signature in July.
4.
Brock Boeser
There is no doubt the Canucks definitely struggled this season. Even though there were a lot of negatives there were also a lot of positives, One of them being Brock the Brockstar Boeser. In 75 games played this season he tallied 50 points, with 25 goals and 25 assists. In the 2023-24 season the Canucks were one of the best teams in the NHL and Boeser had a huge part to play in that, contributing a team leading 40 goals and a career best in points with 73. With Boeser and the Canucks seemingly in agreeance to part ways, it looks like Brock’s time in Vancouver is up. I’m definitely not crying right now. All I ask is that he takes it easy on us when he plays against the Canucks next fall.
5.
Aaron Ekblad
Aaron Ekblad will be on the top of many teams lists going into the summer. The 6’4″ 220 lb Ontario native has been among the best defenceman in the league for quite some time and has been a big piece in the Panthers success these past few years. Ekblad shoots right, and in the NHL finding a good right handed D man is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Although Ekblad is still currently serving his 20 game suspension for being caught taking performance-enhancing drugs back in March, I still believe many teams will be very interested in acquiring the talented 29 year old.
Where do you think all of these players will end up? Let me know in the comment section down below!