NHL Rumors ranking Tier 2 NHL Free Agents and their likely destinations
Anthony Scultore
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Today I continue my series on ranking NHL Free Agents. This time we focus on those that are in tier 2 and their potential destination.
Before we dive in, you can review tier 1 here.
NHL Free Agents Tier 2
- Robin Lehner, G, 29 years-old, last contract: $5M AAV
Has Robin Lehner wrestled away the #1 job from Marc-Andre Fleury in Vegas? Some believe he has, but regardless he will be one of the top UFA goalies behind Braden Holtby if he hits the marker.
Potential Destinations: Vegas, Oilers, Hurricanes, Avalanche
2. Tyler Toffoli, RW, 28 years-old, last contract: $4.6M AAV
Tyler Toffoli was a hot commodity last season and it was the Vancouver Canucks who eventually landed him. In the 10 regular season games he played with the Canucks he scored 10 points. Unfortunately he has been out since the St. Blues series and it is hurting Vancouver against Vegas. Teams looking for a power forward will be after Toffoli.
Potential Destinations: Islanders, Panthers, Coyotes, Devils, Wild
3. Tyson Barrie, D, 29 years-old, last contract: $5.5M AAV
While the Leafs are looking for more rugged defensive minded blue-liners, other teams will be shopping for guys like Barrie to help their power play. Sadly for Barrie, if he wants to get paid, he may have to go to a non-contender.
Potential Destinations: Red Wings, Ducks, Senators, Kings, Devils
4. Evgeni Dadonov, RW, 31 years-old, last contract: $4M AAV
Evgeni Dadonov is an interesting UFA, mostly due to his age and what kind of term he will get. I don’t see anyone going over 5 years for a 20 goal scorer.
Potential Destinations: Blue Jackets, Sabres, Canadiens, Predators
5. Sami Vatanen, D, 29 years-old, last contract: $4.8M AAV
Vatanen isn’t flashy, he’s just solid. There will be a lot of teams looking his way but no one is going to give him a 7 year deal. Still, he could find himself on any team that misses out on Alex Pietrangelo (a fellow right-handed d-man).
Potential Destinations: Maple Leafs, Oilers, Blackhawks, Jets, Penguins
NHL Free Agents Tier 2B
6. TJ Brodie, D, 30 years-old, last contract: $4.6M AAV
Brodie is a solid blue-liner who can join the a club and play in their top four. He is a left-handed shot and will be the next man up after Torey Krug comes off the board. At 30 years old, he will get a pay increase, but if he wants term, it won’t be with a contender.
Potential Destinations: Rangers, Maple Leafs, Oilers, Red Wings, Sabres
7. Mikael Granlund, LW, 28 years-old, last contract: $5.75M AAV
I struggled if he should be here or in tier 3 for tomorrow. Granlund is borderline because he has the ability to score but has struggled. This is one where teams will be taking a chance on him, but I can see some teams ready to do so.
Potential Destinations: Sabres, Red Wings, Senators, Devils, Blue Jackets
Come back tomorrow for Tier 3!
See which free agents will make the cut and where they may land.