NHL Rumors: Elliotte Friedman highlights Canucks winger and others expected to have strong market in free agency

By Ankit Kumar

Modified Jun 10, 2024 21:50 GMT

The NHL free agency period on July 1st is approaching fast and several players are expected to attract interest from teams across the league. NHL insider Elliotte Friedman, speaking on The Jeff Marek Show, talked about the strong market for heavier, depth forwards.

Friedman specifically mentioned Dakota Joshua of the Vancouver Canucks, along with William Carrier, Jordan Martinook, and Stefan Noesen, as players who are likely to be highly sought after.

"The market is good for the heavier, depth forwards, like I heard those four names, Dakota Joshua, William Carrier, Martinook, Noesen, like the market for those four guys is going to be really good.'" Friedman said,

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A detailed look at Canucks Dakota Joshua and others

One player at the forefront is Dakota Joshua. Reports say that the Detroit Red Wings are interested in Joshua and their GM Steve Yzerman is preparing an offer with an AAV of around $4 million. Joshua's current contract with the Canucks was a two-year, $1.65 million deal signed on July 13, 2022. The Red Wings offer would be too rich for Vancouver to match.

Dakota Joshua's stats for the 2023-24 season:

• Games Played (GP): 63
• Goals (G): 18
• Assists (A): 14
• Points (PTS): 32
• Plus/Minus (+/-): 19
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): 60

William Carrier, who signed a four-year, $5.6 million contract with the Vegas Golden Knights on February 27, 2020, is another forward expected to draw considerable interest.

William Carrier's stats for the 2023-24 season:

• Games Played (GP): 39
• Goals (G): 6
• Assists (A): 2
• Points (PTS): 8
• Plus/Minus (+/-): 3
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): 16

Jordan Martinook and Stefan Noesen, both currently with the Carolina Hurricanes, are also on the radar. Martinook signed a three-year, $5.4 million contract on July 28, 2021, while Noesen agreed to a two-year, $1.525 million deal on July 12, 2022. Their performances have made them attractive options for teams needing experienced, gritty forwards.

Jordan Martinook's stats for the 2023-24 season:

• Games Played (GP): 82
• Goals (G): 14
• Assists (A): 18
• Points (PTS): 32
• Plus/Minus (+/-): -1
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): 36

Stefan Noesen's stats for the 2023-24 season:

• Games Played (GP): 81
• Goals (G): 14
• Assists (A): 23
• Points (PTS): 37
• Plus/Minus (+/-): 13
• Penalty Minutes (PIM): 33

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NHL salary Cap limit increment 2024

Now with the salary cap limit rising to $88 million for the upcoming NHL season, the teams will have more flexibility to make competitive offers. Previously the cap limit was $83.5 million and it's an increase of nearly 5.4%.

As the NHL free agency period nears, these players will be hot assets in the market.