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

By Eric Treuden

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)
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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ST PAUL, MN – MARCH 13: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Minnesota Wild in the third period of the game at Xcel Energy Center on March 13, 2022 in St Paul, Minnesota. The Predators defeated the Wild 6-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
ST PAUL, MN – MARCH 13: Filip Forsberg #9 of the Nashville Predators celebrates after scoring an empty net goal against the Minnesota Wild in the third period of the game at Xcel Energy Center on March 13, 2022 in St Paul, Minnesota. The Predators defeated the Wild 6-2. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

#2 – Left winger Filip Forsberg (Nashville Predators)

The Nashville Predators‘ all-time leading goal scorer, Filip Forsberg is set to hit free agency for the first time in his ten-year career. One of the game’s most durable players and top goal scorers, Forsberg posted 84 points with a whopping 42 goals in this past season that saw the Preds make an early exit from playoff contention.

The Predators are in the midst of what they called a “competitive rebuild” but Forsberg was seen taking a long look at the Nashville crowd before exiting the rink for what could be the last time.

While the two sides have been working hard to come to an agreement on a new contract, Forsberg was notably upset when the front office let a ton of talent walk over this past offseason, so he may look to go elsewhere now that he’s been given the opportunity.

#1 – Left winger Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames)

There truly was no other choice for the No.1 spot than Johnny Gaudreau. The 28-year old winger has been affectionately nicknamed “Johnny Hockey” on the heels of a truly incredible nine-year run with the Calgary Flames.

Gaudreau will hit free agency for the first time in his professional career with six All-Star Game selections and a lengthy track record of durability and otherworldly talent. This past season, Gaudreau played in all 82 games for the Flames and scored a mind-boggling 115 points on the heels of 40 goals and 75 assists, he was one of only eight players to score over 100 points last year.

The Flames have been said to be ready to “move heaven and earth to do everything we possibly can to get Johnny back”, and are the early favorites to (re)acquire his services once he hits free agency.

Gaudreau’s Hart-worthy season will set him up for a huge payday despite the fact that there’s been some inconsistency in his performance over the years. This past year he established himself as one of the game’s very best talents and he is undoubtedly the best available free agent in this offseason.

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