2024 NHL Free Agency: Top Players to Watch

June 30, 2024

By Carter Rennyson

The 2023-24 NHL season ended with the Florida Panthers winning Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. Last season was one of the best in league history, and the anticipation for next season is already building. Macklin Celebrini was selected first overall by the San Jose Sharks on Friday night, and the new Utah franchise begins play in the fall. There are many exciting developments in the NHL, and free agency begins tomorrow at noon. Here are the top free agents along with potential landing spots for each player.

Sam Reinhart

Reinhart scored the Stanley Cup-clinching goal in Game 7 last week and now needs a new contract. The Panthers are the favorites to re-sign this elite forward, who scored 57 goals last season, including 27 on the power play. If the Panthers want to repeat as champions, it is imperative that they re-sign Reinhart.

Potential Landing Spot: Florida Panthers

Jake Guentzel

Jake Guentzel was traded at the deadline to the Carolina Hurricanes after spending the first half of his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Guentzel helped the Hurricanes throughout the playoffs, but they fell short against the New York Rangers in the second round. Guentzel is due for a huge payday, and Carolina is the front-runner to keep him.

Potential Landing Spot: Carolina Hurricanes

Brandon Montour

Montour solidified himself as a Panthers legend by winning the Stanley Cup for the franchise and by scoring the game-tying goal en route to eliminating the Boston Bruins in the 2023 playoffs. However, the Panthers have limited cap space, and he may be on the move. Montour is just 30 years old and can contribute offensively from the defense position. Teams will be lining up to try to sign this high-caliber defenseman.

Potential Landing Spot: Anaheim Ducks

Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos is a future Hall of Famer and has been a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning since being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008. However, he may be on a new team next season. It is hard to believe the Lightning would let one of their best players in franchise history finish his career elsewhere, but both sides have yet to come to an agreement. He is still productive even at the age of 34 and could follow a similar path as Joe Pavelski when he left San Jose.

Potential Landing Spot: New York Rangers

Elias Lindholm

Elias Lindholm is another free agent who was traded at last year’s trade deadline. Lindholm helped the Canucks reach the second round, ultimately falling to the Oilers in seven games. Lindholm is an elite center who is only 29 years old. He will be a top target for teams that need center depth and could sign a long-term contract.

Potential Landing Spot: Boston Bruins

Jonathan Marchessault

The Vegas Golden Knights have signed many high-caliber players to long-term deals and may not be able to keep one of the franchise's best players. Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy when Vegas won the cup in 2023 and put up 42 goals to set the franchise record this past season. Marchessault still has many years of good hockey left in him and will likely take a lucrative contract if offered.

Potential Landing Spot: Utah Franchise

Patrick Kane

Patrick Kane may be on his third team in as many years if he signs elsewhere tomorrow. Kane played well for the Red Wings last season and proved he can still perform at age 35. Kane will look to sign with a contender and try to add a fourth championship to his resume.

Potential Landing Spot: Detroit Red Wings

Matt Duchene

Duchene enjoyed a career resurgence and a deep playoff run with the Dallas Stars last season. Duchene has always been a great playoff performer and could be a valuable addition to a team that just fell short this past season.

Potential Landing Spot: Dallas Stars

Chandler Stephenson

Chandler Stephenson is another Vegas Golden Knight who could be on the move due to salary cap issues. Stephenson is a great center who can play on the top line and on the penalty kill. He has lots of playoff experience, having won two Stanley Cups—one with Washington in 2018 and one with Vegas in 2023. Stephenson will most likely be in a new uniform come next fall.

Potential Landing Spot: Nashville Predators

Teuvo Teravainen

Teravainen could be the victim of the Jake Guentzel signing in Carolina. Teuvo Teravainen has been an underrated player for the Carolina Hurricanes during the franchise's resurgence over the last five seasons. Teravainen is a productive scorer who, at just 29 years old, could join a younger squad and help them reach the playoffs. Perhaps a return to Chicago to team up with Connor Bedard?

Potential Landing Spot: Chicago Blackhawks

A few more players to keep an eye on are Tyler Toffoli, Brett Pesce, Brady Skjei, Jake DeBrusk, and Sean Monahan. The teams to watch are the Utah franchise, Anaheim Ducks, Detroit Red Wings, and San Jose Sharks. These four teams have the most cap space and can make a splash in free agency.