NHL Free Agency: 10 star players to watch for above all else

NHL Free Agency: 10 players to watch for above all else

CALGARY, AB - MAY 26: Johnny Gaudreau #13 of the Calgary Flames in action against the Edmonton Oilers during Game Five of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome on May 26, 2022 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Oilers defeated the Flames 5-4 in overtime to win the series four games to one. (Photo by Derek Leung/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 26: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins looks on during the third period against the New York Rangers at PPG PAINTS Arena on February 26, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

#6 – Center Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)

As hard as it is to believe, Evgeni Malkin‘s 16-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins may be coming to an end along with the dynamic duo of Crosby-Malkin. Recent reports have been surfacing that the Pens may not re-sign the veteran Malkin.

Despite the fact that he is 35-years old, Malkin has still shown that he has what it takes to be a consistent performer in the NHL. Of course, he is not the player he once was and has began to see a gradual decline in recent years, but he is coming off of a season in which he scored 42 points in 41 games for the Penguins.

Malkin has been said to be interested in taking a pay cut to remain in Pittsburgh but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to line up with the Penguins front office on a new contract to take him through the end of his playing days.

#5 – Center Claude Giroux (Florida Panthers)

Claude Giroux, 34, spent his first 15 years with the Philadelphia Flyers before being traded to the Florida Panthers as he chased after a Cup. Unfortunately, the Lightning came to town and promptly knocked the Panthers out of contention, but Giroux seems destined to sign with another contender as he continues his pursuit of a championship.

Splitting his time between Philly and Miami last season, Giroux appeared in a total of 75 games and scored 65 total points. Both are his highest marks since the 2018-19 season. Despite the fact that he’s aging, he is still performing at a high level and shouldn’t have any problems latching on with another contender.

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