Day 1 of NHL free agency was wild.
Players were signed quickly as teams prepared for the 2024 season. On Monday, 185 players got new deals, totaling over $1.2 billion according to CapFriendly.
Matt Duchene’s Contract
Duchene signed a one-year, $3 million deal with the Dallas Stars. Last year, he had a similar contract and scored 25 goals with 65 points. Moving back to center from right wing is what he wanted but didn’t get in Nashville. In Dallas, this position fits him well. If he scores another 20 goals and gets 60 points for just $3M, it will be a steal.
Yakov Trenin’s Contract
Trenin’s four-year deal worth $14 million with the Minnesota Wild is confusing. He played for both the Predators and Avalanche last season but only managed 12 goals and 17 points in 76 games. He’s never scored more than 17 goals or gotten more than 24 points in any season . The Wild doubled his salary to put him on their third or fourth line, which doesn’t make much sense given his stats.
Steven Stamkos Joins Predators:
The Predators made a big move by signing Steven Stamkos. Fans might think this is exactly what the team needed! Outside of Roman Josi and Filip Forsberg, they don’t have many superstar scorers. Stamkos has won two Rocket Richard Trophies and been an All-Star seven times . Since 2008, he’s second in NHL goals (555) and third in points (1,137). Plus, his power-play skills are top-notch with 422 power-play points since then.
Adding Stamkos gives Nashville some serious star power on their top line and power play unit.
What do you think about these moves?
