In the next few days, we’ll have eight teams left in the playoffs and 24 of 32 NHL teams in offseason mode. With our Frank Seravalli dropping Trade Targets this week, it got us thinking: Who will be the defining player of the 2023 offseason? Last year, it was arguably Johnny Gaudreau and especially Matthew Tkachuk who turned things on their head.
Which name do you think will impact the league’s long-term power structure the most this summer? It could be a trade candidate, a UFA or even a star player due an extension.
MATT LARKIN: I’ll be watching closely for a potential J.T. Miller trade. It really is a weak UFA year. Who are the top forwards out there? We’re looking at good but past-their-prime veterans like Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane and Ryan O’Reilly. Michael Bunting? He was a healthy scratch for the Leafs in Game 5 of the first round. Miller, 30, ranks 15th in league scoring over the past two seasons, sandwiched between future Hall of Famers Nikita Kucherov and Sidney Crosby. Miller is commencing a seven-year contract at an $8 million AAV that…kinda feels almost below market value based on his production? If a team is willing to stomach his prickly personality, it could get a difference-maker for its top six who probably would’ve cost $1 million more on the open market this summer. His no-movement clause kicks in on July 1.
NICK ALBERGA: I’ll go with Connor Hellebuyck. What the hell happens in Winnipeg this summer? Honestly, they have four core pieces — who will all be eligible for extensions on July 1 — who are one year away from unrestricted free agency. In Hellebuyck’s case, where’s his mind? Furthermore, it’s not outlandish to suggest Kevin Cheveldayoff could be very busy this summer. To preface, I’m sure the Jets will take a crack at a long-term look with their No. 1 goalie, but what if the two sides can’t connect? You can’t afford to enter Hellebuyck’s walk year without a new contract in place, can you? Premium goaltending is hard to find; that’s why I think plenty of teams will be sniffing around on the 2019-20 Vezina Trophy winner in a few months. Watch out.
STEVEN ELLIS: I’m going to go with a guy who hasn’t played a single game yet: Connor Bedard. I think, no matter where he goes, it’ll pique interest for pending UFAs. If Bedard is able to turn a franchise around, he’ll get quality help looking to join. And if I’m the team that’s selects him, I’m hoping to do whatever it takes to make sure he has a good supporting cast around him. It helps that most of the teams in the running to land Bedard have ample cap space this summer. If he goes to Anaheim, you also have the allure of a promising young core. Regardless of where he goes, I think he’ll bring over quality teammates.
MIKE MCKENNA: Really tough question with so much uncertainty, which is why I like it. For me, I think Patrice Bergeron will have his fingerprints all over the 2023 offseason, for a variety of reasons. So much of the Bruins organization revolves around the team’s longtime captain and — in my eyes — future Hall of Famer. I don’t think David Krejci comes back without Bergeron. And even though the 2022-23 season has had a "Last Dance" vibe to it, who’s to say Bergeron doesn’t come back for another season if his body allows for it? We all saw Zdeno Chara play for decades. Boston is already dealing with a $4.5 salary-cap overage next season due to Bergeron and Krejci’s bonuses. So there are cap implications, and Boston is right up against it. But beyond the financial, I just wonder what Boston looks like without Bergeron. Head coach Jim Montgomery has made Beantown a desirable location, and the overall mood seems good. Even if Bergeron has already decided to retire, how does Boston fill his void? The Bruins put together the best NHL regular season ever under his leadership. Lots of questions.
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