The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing but that doesn’t mean the NHL is devoid of offseason roster news. There has been a steady stream of teams signing prospects, as well as a trickle of extensions for players that should be regular NHLers next season. Let’s take a look at some of the more notable transactions since the end of the regular season.
Chicago Blackhawks – Jarred Tinordi
Date: April 11, 2023
Transaction: Pending UFA Extension, 2 years x $1.25M
This one actually happened during the last week of the regular season but it seems like a clear indicator of the Blackhawk’s intentions going into next year. The Blackhawks successfully dismantled what remained of their NHL roster over the past year and are in full tank mode. Tinordi’s signing suggests they intend to stay there for at least another season (more likely at least two more) to accumulate more high end draft picks. Tinordi is projected as below replacement level in next season’s model and he returns to a very underwhelming Chicago defense corps with a cap hit that will help edge the Blackhawks closer to the cap floor.
Calgary Flames – Walker Duehr
Date: April 24, 2023
Transaction: Pending RFA (Arb eligible) Extension, 2 years x $825k
Walker Duehr injected some energy into the Flames fourth line down the stretch and the 25 year old was rewarded with a 1-way extension. Duehr very effective in his limited minutes and has a strong projected impact in the model. The sample size is still quite small, but early evidence at the NHL level suggests Duehr may be a very capable bottom six forward. At a cap hit just above league minimum, the price was right for the Flames to find out if he can continue his momentum into next season.
New York Islanders – Hudson Fasching
Date: May 1, 2023
Transaction: Pending UFA Extension, 2 years x $775k
Much like Duehr, Hudson Fasching was a late season callup that made the most of his opportunity at the NHL level. He saw middle six minutes minutes and looks like a capable third line forward going into next season. With a league minimum deal, the cap strapped Isles added a useful depth player at a manageable price.
Minnesota Wild – Marcus Johansson
Date: May 2, 2023
Transaction: Pending UFA Extension, 2 years x $2.0M
The Wild acquired Marcus Johansson at the trade deadline, bringing him back for a second stint with the club, and followed it up with a two year extension. Johansson brings a two-way game to the Wild and is projected to have a third line impact next season. While he’s a capable depth player, the $2M cap hit is a bit steep. It’s not egregious, but the Wild are handcuffed with $14.7M in dead cap for each of the next two seasons due to the Suter and Parise buyouts. With roughly 17% of next season’s cap tied up for no impact, the Wild need to spend efficiently wherever they can.
Tampa Bay Lightning – Michael Eyssimont
Date: May 5, 2023
Transaction: Pending UFA (Group 6) Extension, 2 years x $800k
After bouncing around to three teams during the 22/23 season via waivers and trade, Michael Eyssimont seems to have found a home in Tampa Bay. The Lightning have some big cap commitments in the top half of their lineup and they signed the 26 year old to a two year extension as they look to fill out their depth with low cost contracts. Eyssimont looks like a good bet for the Bolts, with a projected impact and projected ice time that suggest he’s a capable third line forward going into next season. In fact, compared to Johansson, Eyssimont looks like a stronger third line forward and he comes in at less than half the cap hit.
More 23/24 Season Projections
For more 23/24 season projections, check out 23/24 Standings Projections based on current 23/24 Team Profiles with all pending UFAs removed. Check back throughout the offseason for updates to the team profiles and projections as teams fill out their rosters. Full sets of player projections are also up on the team pages for members, along with additional team level plots.
