3 biggest risks and gambles NHL teams have taken in free agency ft. Toronto Maple Leafs

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 21, 2024 21:20 GMT

Every offseason, NHL teams take risks, gambling on free-agent contracts. Sometimes, the contracts pay off big, but other times they don’t. Unfortunately, that’s the name of the game for all NHL teams.

This offseason has been no different. With the big names coming and going, there is always a chance that the free agent deals signed this offseason don’t work. With that in mind, here’s a look at the three biggest risks and gambles in NHL free agency this offseason.

3 biggest risks and gambles NHL clubs have taken in free agency

#3: Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators swung for the fences this offseason, landing big-time free agents in Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault. While this duo is comprised of seasoned NHLers with strong track records, there’s always a chance things may not work out.

First, Stamkos is 34. He’s played in over 1,000 regular-season games, including 128 postseason tilts. As such, there’s no telling how much wear and tear his body has taken. Similarly, Marchessault is 33. While he’s played fewer games than Stamkos, there’s no guarantee he can keep up his production beyond 35.

Both players possess high-end talent. However, there’s no telling how long both stars can keep playing at such a high level. Their deals expire at roughly 38 years of age. If the duo can remain productive, the contracts will look like bargains. Otherwise, the Preds may have bet big on declining veterans.

#2: Boston Bruins

Another NHL team that swung big was Boston. The Bruins landed ex-Canucks Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov. In particular, the Bruins gave Lindholm a seven-year deal. Additionally, the club signed Zadorov to a six-year pact.

Both signings raise the following questions. First, can Lindholm be the top-line center the Bruins need? Second, will Zadorov play like he did in Vancouver, or will he seem more like the player he was in Calgary?

If both players remain consistent, the Bruins will be far better off next season. However, if either one or both show signs of inconsistency, the contracts could age badly, leaving the Bruins in a bad salary cap situation.

#1: Toronto Maple Leafs

The Toronto Maple Leafs seemingly address two big holes on their blue line by signing Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larsson. Both defensemen are proven winners. Tanev is a high-end, top-pairing defenseman, while Ekman-Larsson seems to have regained the form that made him successful in Arizona.

However, Tanev is 34 and has a long injury history. Ekman-Larsson is 32 and has been plagued by inconsistency. If Tanev gets injured and Ekman-Larsson struggles, the Leafs could be stuck with two pricey NHL contracts that may be impossible to move.

Ultimately, the Leafs have hinged their hopes for success on two older blueliners with significant question marks attached to their contracts.