9 Best Available NHL Free Agents This Offseason in list form
By Brendan Azoff
The NHL offseason is fast approaching, and this year's free agent class is star-studded. Many teams will add elite players for the 2019-2020 season, and this list headlines the top nine free agents of that class.
9. Robin Lehner
Robin Lehner was an afterthought when he signed with the Islanders this past season, but he finished the 2018-2019 campaign as a Vezina finalist. Lehner had a 2.13 GAA and a .930 save percentage along with six shutouts, and he will boost any team's locker room and goaltending.
8. Mats Zuccarello
Zuccarello had a massive impact on the Stars in the postseason, tallying 11 points (four goals, seven assists) in 13 games. The cagey veteran is as consistent as they come and has a playoff pedigree that is attractive to any team looking to get over the hump.
7. Kevin Hayes
Kevin Hayes is entering his prime, and the big-bodied forward will be a versatile asset for whatever team adds him. He set his career high with 55 points last year, and his ability to play on the penalty kill makes him a valuable two-way forward.
6. Jeff Skinner
Skinner reached the 40-goal plateau for the first time, tying his career high in points with 63. The winger is only 26 and has proven to be a consistent 50 point scorer throughout his young career, making him a commodity this offseason.
5. Joe Pavelski
Although it would be shocking to see Pavelski anywhere but San Jose, the 34-year-old will be a free agent after this season and will garner interest from many teams. His age may be a deterrent for contract length, but Pavelski scored 38 times in 2018-2019, and has 99 points in 131 career playoff games.
4. Matt Duchene
Matt Duchene has bounced around several teams the past few seasons, finishing this year with Columbus. The 28-year-old will be looking for a long term deal, and after compiling 70 points during the regular season and 10 points in 10 playoff games, Duchene will get that deal.
3. Sergei Bobrovsky
After posting his third straight season with at least 35 wins, Bobrovsky appears ready to milk the market for what it is worth and solidify the backend for a contending team next October. The 30-year-old former Vezina winner is an elite goaltender with a track record of success.
2. Erik Karlsson
Erik Karlsson is one of the best defenseman in the NHL and he will make any blue line significantly better this offseason. After suffering a rare off year which saw him post 45 points, the former Norris Trophy winner will command length in term and a significant amount of money in free agency.
1. Artemi Panarin
Artemi Panarin is only 27 and has gotten better each year finishing the 2018-2019 season with 28 goals and 87 points. He is an elite forward with game-breaking ability and whatever team locks him up will be adding the superstar caliber player that is needed to win in today's NHL.