The top 5 highest scoring NHL free agents still available
We’re late in the summer, and some notable names are still looking for homes.
There aren’t many scoring options left, but teams looking to add some inexpensive depth while contributing 25-40 points do have options. Jonathan Toews was one of those players, until he recently announced that he would be taking some time away from the game.
Some of these players could retire, while others, like Patrick Kane, aren’t expected to sign any time soon. Here’s a look at five of the top UfA scorers still on the market in the latter stages of August:
Patrick Kane, RW, 34
2022-23 salary cap hit: $10,500,000
While Patrick Kane is widely known as a playmaker across the league, it is no secret that he also possesses a lethal shot. The Chicago Blackhawks drafted the American first overall at the 2007 NHL Draft after an illustrious season with the London Knights of the OHL that saw him net 60+ goals.
Last season, he notched 21 goals and 57 points in 73 games with the Blackhawks and New York Rangers. Throughout his career, he has hit the 100-point mark twice and the 50-point assist mark eight times, which includes three 60-assist seasons. In 2021-22, Kane notched 92 points in 78 games, and while that output seems unlikely moving forward, many still think he has value left to go.
Throughout his career, he has captured three Stanley Cup Championships, which included the game-winning goal against the Philadelphia Flyers in 2010. Kane underwent a hip resurfacing procedure on June 1 with a recovery period of four-to-six months, so he’s not expected to sign anytime soon.
Tomáš Tatar, LW/RW, 32
2022-23 salary cap hit: $4,500,000
The 32-year-old Slovakian forward has been a consistent point producer throughout his career. Initially drafted No. 60 overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 NHL Draft, Tomáš Tatar has notched 30+ points in 10 of his 12 seasons. He has also hit the 50-point mark three times and last season registered 20 goals, and 28 assists for 48 points in 82 games with the New Jersey Devils. He tallied 20 goals for the seventh time in his career. In 12 NHL seasons, he has registered 211 goals and 244 assists for 455 points in 783 games.
Tatar is coming off a two-year contract with an average annual value of $4.5 million. He will attract attention from any contending team looking to add an experienced scorer. Due to cap concerns across the league, Tatar’s next contract could be a one-year deal.
Phil Kessel, RW/C, 35
2022-23 salary cap hit: $1,500,000
The 35-year-old had a slower year last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, notching 36 points, the second-lowest of his career. He added two points in four playoff contests as the Golden Knights cruised to a Stanley Cup championship. But don’t let that fool you; the 2006 fifth-overall pick has consistently found the back of the net for years.
In fact, Kessel has reached the 30-goal feat six times in his career and has surpassed the 50-point mark 12 times. Kessel also set the NHL Ironman record last October by playing in his 990th consecutive game, and he extended that streak to 1,064 games. In 1,286 games, Kessel has amassed 413 goals and 579 assists for 992 points.
The three-time Stanley Cup champion told Sportsnet’s David Amber and Elliotte Friedman that he has no intention of retiring yet. If a club is looking for a cheap contract for a middle six-scoring depth, Phil the Thrill is your guy.
Zach Parise, LW/RW, 39
2022-23 salary cap hit: $750,000
The Minneapolis, Minnesota product finished his 18th NHL season in April, scoring 21 goals and 34 points in 82 games with the New York Islanders. Pairse was drafted 17th overall by the Devils in the 2003 NHL Draft, and he is one of a few left from that draft class still playing. Andrew Gross of Newsday reports that the veteran forward is undecided on his future, and the Islanders must wait before any negotiations can happen.
Many thought that 2020-21 Parise would be finished after he found himself on the fourth line and even in the press box while with the Minnesota Wild. However, he would join his former GM Lou Lamoriello – who drafted him – on Long Island. He has played 1,224 regular season gamer, scored 429 goals, and recorded 879 points.
Eric Staal, C/, 38
2022-23 salary cap hit: $750,000
Another elite 2003 NHL Draft class member is Staal, who was selected second overall by the Carolina Hurricanes. Last season, while playing for the Florida Panthers, he notched 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points, the highest point total since 2019-20. He added five points in 21 playoff contests as the Panthers went on a rollercoaster ride to the Stanley Cup final, ultimately losing to the Golden Knights.
The Thunder Bay, Ontario, product has hit the 70-point plateau seven times throughout his 19-year career, which includes reaching the 100-point milestone in 2005-06. He has also scored 40-plus goals three times in his career, most recently in 2017-18 with the Minnesota Wild when he tied a franchise record 42 goals. In 1,365 games, he has amassed 455 goals and 608 assists for 1,063 points. Staal won a World Championship with Canada in 2007 and became a Triple Gold Club member in 2010 when he won Olympic gold.