4 Most Overrated 2019 NHL Free Agents

The NHL free agent pool is loaded with talent this year. With stars like Artemi Panarin, Sergei Bobrovsky and Erik Karlsson headlining the list, plenty of teams have the chance to add some serious star power to their roster. Along with those names, there are plenty of solid players who aren't quite worth the money. These four free agents aren't fully deserving of the hype around them.

4. Jake Gardiner

Toronto Maple Leafs v Colorado Avalanche / Matthew Stockman

Gardiner has spent all eight seasons of his career with Toronto. With his five-year deal coming to an end with the Leafs, it's likely they'll move on from the 28-year-old defenseman. While Gardiner would unarguably be a top-six forward on any roster, his play has recently taken a significant dip. With the emergence of Morgan Reilly and the addition of Jake Muzzin on the Leafs blue line, Gardiner has leveled out as a mid-range defenseman.

3. Tyler Myers

Winnipeg Jets v Arizona Coyotes / Christian Petersen

Tyler Myers is coming off of a fairly disappointing season with the Jets. In 80 games he put up just 22 points. While that isn't terrible for a big defenseman like Myers, it doesn't make his $5.5 million cap hit worth it. Wherever Myers ends up playing next season, that team might want to consider signing him to a much less expensive contract.

2. Kevin Hayes

St Louis Blues v Winnipeg Jets - Game Five / Jason Halstead

The rights to 27-year-old forward Kevin Hayes have already been acquired by the Philadelphia Flyers. Hayes had a decent year between the Rangers and Jets last season, but it still remains a mystery why the Flyers would pursue him as their second-line center. Hayes is far from the superstar that the Flyers need, but will still likely sign another deal in the range of $5 million.

1. Semyon Varlamov

Colorado Avalanche v Dallas Stars / Tom Pennington

Semyon Varlamov looks to have hit the end of his road as a starting goalie. When the Avalanche brought in Philipp Grubauer, Varlamov quickly took on the backup role. He put up 20 wins in 49 games in the last year of his $5.9 million deal with Colorado. While plenty of teams could bring in Varlamov as a backup option, he is well past his prime as a starter and will likely see a huge salary drop next season.