One week into NHL free agency, the shelves have mostly been cleaned out, but there still are some solid options on the market that can be had at a discount.
Let’s rummage through the bargain bin:
TOMAS TATAR
Age: 32
Previous team: New Jersey Devils
Previous cap hit: $4.5 million
The veteran forward scored 20 goals last season for the seventh time in his 12-year career. New Jersey generated 1.05 expected goals per 20 minutes at 5-on-5 when Tatar was on the ice, which was tied for 19th out of 503 qualified forwards (minimum 100 minutes).
Tatar definitely benefited from playing on a line with Nico Hischier, but he was not a passenger. He was most effective on the cycle, ranking 26th at his position with 49 such scoring chances at 5-on-5, but he can also keep up with high-end skaters on the rush. Teams that are still on the lookout for scoring at a reasonable price should check out Tatar.
FILIP ZADINA
Age: 23
Previous team: Detroit Red Wings
Previous cap hit: $1.825 million
After clearing waivers Tuesday, Zadina decided he wanted a fresh start, so the Red Wings agreed to terminate his contract. Clearly, Zadina has not lived up to his draft slot (No. 6 overall in 2018), but can he be salvaged?
Zadina, who scored 44 goals in his draft year, averaged 2.44 scoring chances per 20 at 5-on-5 in 30 games last season — the same amount as Patrik Laine and Viktor Arvidsson. He scored on just two of those chances, though. Zadina is a true reclamation project, but his raw tools are top-end. If he can find his finishing ability, he could be a sneaky-good addition.