Free agency has been open for over two weeks. However, there are still some cheap free agents out there worth taking a chance on. All the big names have been claimed, including Steven Stamkos, Jake Guentzel and Elias Lindholm. Although, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t value or talent left on the board. Not to mention that those free agents that remain will most likely be cheap.
In a league with a hard salary cap, every team is looking for assets that won’t burn a hole in their pockets. Many teams in the NHL haven’t filled up the full 23 roster spots. On top of that, some of those teams have less than $1M left in cap space, or even over the cap. Luckily for them, several players remain on the free agent market that could be a cheap, yet suitable fit.
Free Agents Worth Taking A Chance On
Kailer Yamamoto
Drafted 22nd overall by the Edmonton Oilers, Yamamoto is an exceptional playmaker. During his time in Edmonton, he was playing top-six minutes. He was a player that the Oilers counted on. His best season was in 2021-22 where he scored 20 goals and 41 points in 81 games. He also had a respectable campaign in 2019-20 when he scored 26 points in 27 games, with a plus-17 on the side. That put him on pace for nearly 80 points if he were to pay the full 82 games. More impressively, heading into that season he only had 26 NHL games under his belt, it was his sophomore season.
Despite all this, his offensive production slowed down, specifically in his last two seasons. In his last year with Edmonton, he only scored 25 points in 58 games, a big drop-off from the 41 points in the season prior. Last season, he was a member of the Seattle Kraken as they signed him to a one-year deal at $1.5M AAV. In Seattle, the right winger put up 16 points in 59 games, seeing even more regression.
However, there’s still a lot for the 25-year-old to prove. Yamamoto’s talent is still there and it could be put to good use in the right hands. Given the fat that he under performed to a $1.5M deal, chances are teams could get him close to a league minimum. Maybe Yamamoto thrives with less pressure and a new change of scenery. He may be a cheap free agent worth the risk if you’re running out of cap space.
Tyler Johnson
Johnson is a player that knows how to win. Not only was he a part of the Tampa Bay Lightning team that won back-to-back cups in 2020 and 2021. He has won almost every trophy possible in his career. Beginning in his first year in the WHL with the Spokane Chiefs. The Spokane native won the WHL playoffs and went on to claim the Memorial Cup later. In 2010 he represented the U. S. for the second time at the IIHF World Juniors, where he added a gold medal to his collection of achievements. However, he went undrafted and signed with the Lightning in 2011, and the Bolts did not regret their decision.
He spent his first year in the minors with the Norfolk Admirals and scored 68 points in 75 games. Coached by Jon Cooper, the Admirals went on to win the Calder Cup, another trophy for Johnson. He spent one more year in the AHL and after that he was called up to Tampa and never looked back. He was a huge piece for the Bolts during his time there. In 2015 he had his best offensive season, finishing the season with 72 points in 77 games.
Johnson is the ultimate veteran and knows how to win at every level. He will be 34 years old for the start of next season, but at his price and his experience could be a great recipe for a fourth-line centre. At the very least, he could be a depth asset, specifically for a cup contender who could use that championship pedigree. Given his age and previous contract (seven years at $5M AAV), teams will hope they can sign the free agent for cheap, maybe less than $1.8M AAV.
Tanner Pearson
Pearson is another Stanley Cup champion that is currently without a contract. In his rookie season, 2013-24, he was a champion with the Los Angeles Kings. In his 11-year career, he’s played over 600 regular season games and over 50 playoff games. The 2018-19 season was a busy one for Pearson as he played for three different teams. Traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins in November, then 44 games later he was moved to the Vancouver Canucks. Most recently, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens for Casey DeSmith. It’s safe to say that Pearson would be able to handle playing in a new location just fine.
Throughout the course of his career, he’s averaged just over 15 minutes per game. However, these days, expect a bottom-six role for Pearson as he turns 32 this summer. Although, his playing style suits a third-line or fourth-line winger role. He doesn’t hold an immense amount of offensive skill, but his hockey IQ and responsible game is exceptional. He is a staple to any teams penalty-kill unit and is just an all-around solid player. If a contending team is looking for someone to play the wing on their fourth line, a player of Pearson’s experience and playing style could be the missing piece.
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