NHL Free Agent Frenzy: Which Surprise Moves Could Shake Up the Season?
Where to start? The fifth-leading scorer in the NHL with 102 points this past season. A 28-year-old who ranks No. 5 on the Maple Leafs all-time points list with 741. Selections to the NHL All-Rookie Team (2017), NHL First All-Star Team (2021, 2022) and appearances in the NHL All-Star Game (2020, 2023, 2024). A versatile 200-foot player who sees time on the power play and penalty kill, and was a finalist for the Selke Trophy as the League’s top defensive forward in 2023. His shortcomings in the Stanley Cup Playoffs are legit. But he comes to a team with a winning pedigree, having won the Stanley Cup in 2023. The cast around him is composed of proven champions, and he adds the element of flair to a team full of grit. Thanks to a sign-and-trade with the Maple Leafs, he’s on an eight-year deal with an AAV of $12 million, less than many prognosticators predicted. Add it all up, and what’s not to like? — Mike Zeisberger, staff writer
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