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Looking at early losers of NHL Free Agency (Image credits: Imagn)

5 worst decisions made by teams in 2024 NHL free agency

This summer's NHL Free Agency period is underway following the Florida Panthers' Stanley Cup win last month. So far, we've seen some big deals finalized, from trades to blockbuster signings as teams around the league look to bolster their rosters for next season.

Despite that, not every deal is a winner, and in some cases, some teams make decisions in free agency that leave fans and analysts scratching their heads. This year has been no exception, with some eyebrow-raising moves already taking place around the league following the start of NHL free agency on Jul. 1.

With that in mind, let's take a look at five early losers of this year's NHL free agency so far.

Five worst decisions made by teams during the 2024 NHL free agency

#5: Boston Bruins - Elias Lindholm

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks (Image credits: Imagn)
NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Edmonton Oilers at Vancouver Canucks (Image credits: Imagn)

The Boston Bruins took a gamble early on in this summer's NHL free agency by signing Elias Lindholm to a seven-year deal. While he has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, however over the past two seasons he hasn't been able to produce at a similar rate as years past.

Given that, and the fact that he is 29 years old, a seven-year deal that will see him paid $7.75 million annually seems to be a bit of a gamble for Boston.

#4: New Jersey Devils - Brett Pesce

NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins (Image credits: Imagn)
NHL: Carolina Hurricanes at Boston Bruins (Image credits: Imagn)

As the old saying goes, two steps forward, one step back. The New Jersey Devils parted ways with John Marino for two picks, before then signing Brett Pesce.

Despite Pesce being a good addition to the Devils, the team not only seemingly downgraded by going from Marino to Pesce, but they also committed to him long-term. The two sides agreed to a six-year deal worth $5.5 million annually, and considering Pesce is getting ready to turn 30, that may come back to bite them.

#3: Columbus Blue Jackets - Sean Monahan

NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Winnipeg Jets (Image credits: Imagn)
NHL: Los Angeles Kings at Winnipeg Jets (Image credits: Imagn)

In one of the more confusing moves of the NHL free agency, the Columbus Blue Jackets decided to sign Sean Monahan on a five-year deal. Given his inability to stay healthy, which has seen him play in more than 60 games just twice in the past five years, a long-term deal seems surprising.

While he managed to remain healthy last season, whether or not that was an outlier remains to be seen.

#2: LA Kings - Joel Edmundson

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers (Image credits: Imagn)
NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Florida Panthers (Image credits: Imagn)

At $3.8 million per year over the next four years, the LA Kings seemingly overpaid for Joel Edmundson. Despite seeing improvement in his performance metrics last year, paying a 31-year-old third-liner who has shown inconsistency $3.8M per year may be a move the Kings come to regret.

Not only has the franchise used up valuable cap space that likely could have been better spent elsewhere, but they also put themselves in a bad spot if they want to trade Edmundson given the contract amount.

#1: Seattle Kraken - Chandler Stephenson

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights (Image credits: Imagn)
NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Dallas Stars at Vegas Golden Knights (Image credits: Imagn)

By the time Chandler Stephenson's contract with the Seattle Kraken is up, he will be 37 years old. To make matters worse, the team is set to pay him $6.25M per year, an astounding amount for a player who isn't going to be a top-four for the Kraken.

While he brings veteran leadership, Stephenson's play in recent years simply doesn't warrant a contract of this amount, let alone one that will span seven years.

Sacramento Kings Nation! You can check out the latest Sacramento Kings Schedule and dive into the Kings Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.

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