Aside from Patrick Kane, the marquee names in the 2023 NHL free-agent class have all found new homes.
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to start picking apart some of the fantasy implications of all the mayhem.
To be fair, it wasn’t a star-studded free agent class by any stretch, but having said that, the crop was littered with cheeky value buys.
With that in mind, here’s a list of five sleeper signings from the first few days of free agency to consider targeting in your draft next fall:
Connor Brown – Edmonton Oilers – RW
The worst kept secret in the NHL finally came to fruition on Canada Day when Brown signed a deal with the Oilers to reunite with old Erie Otters teammate and friend Connor McDavid. Due to a torn ACL, the 29-year-old was limited to just four games last season with the Washington Capitals following an offseason trade from the Ottawa Senators. Rest assured, he’ll be a very hungry hockey player in Edmonton. Most importantly, he should get a good shot to ride with McDavid on the top line. Talk about value.
Tyler Bertuzzi – Toronto Maple Leafs – LW/RW
In many ways, Bertuzzi will fill the role left behind by Michael Bunting, who departed for Carolina. Somewhat surprisingly, the power forward elected to take a one-year deal instead of securing term elsewhere. And it makes perfect sense, especially when you take into account that he’ll likely skate on a line with Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner next season. Following a trade from Detroit to Boston at the deadline, the 28-year-old tallied nine goals and 26 points in 28 total games with the Bruins. He’s betting on himself in Toronto.
Max Pacioretty – Washington Capitals – LW
From a health standpoint, it’s been a whirlwind in the past couple of seasons for the former Montreal Canadiens captain. Two Achilles tears later, the 34-year-old sniper now finds himself in D.C. on a one-year deal. In five games with the Canes this past season, he still managed to pot three goals. Provided he can stay healthy, Pacioretty will have a chance to cook in Washington not only in the top six but also on the first power play unit. For what it’s worth, it doesn’t sound like the veteran will be ready to go until November.
Cam Talbot – Los Angeles Kings – G
Assuming full health heading into next season, Talbot should have a good shot at grabbing Los Angeles’ No. 1 role outright or at least getting the edge over tandem mate Pheonix Copley. That said, the 35-year-old has a lot to prove following his unforgettable one season with the Ottawa Senators (17-14-2, 2.93, 0.898, 1 SO). On paper, the Kings, who won the Pierre-Luc Dubois sweepstakes, have a deep roster and could be primed for big things in 2023-24.
Jonathan Drouin – Colorado Avalanche – LW
Indisputably, one of the biggest potential benefactors of signing season could be Drouin, who’s reunited with former Halifax Mooseheads teammate Nathan MacKinnon in Colorado. After a promising start to his career, the 28-year-old lost his way in recent seasons with his hometown Canadiens. In 58 outings with Montreal in 2022-23, the winger mustered just two goals and 29 points. Simply put, the Quebec native was in dire need of a change of scenery, and he will get that in Denver. Come September, Drouin could find himself in a garden seat position alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen on Colorado’s top line.
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