NHL Free Agents: Dan Hamhuis – Rumors, Best Fits

NHL Free Agents Dan Hamhuis: Latest Rumors, FA Profile, 5 Best Fits

Dan Hamhuis is hoping to avoid becoming one the many NHL free agents this summer, and intentions all along were for GM Jim Benning to re-sign the veteran.

One might wonder if the acquisition of Erik Gudbranson at all changes their ability to re-sign Hamhuis. A left-handed shot, the 33-year-old vet would be a solid partner for Gudbranson on that second pairing.

If he somehow manages to reach free agency, you can expect a few teams to be vying for his services. Injury concerns and age will limit him to a shorter-term contract, and that debacle at the trade deadline should hopefully be enough for other GMs to negate any potential no-trade clause.

More from Puck Prose

• Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
• This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
• 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
• 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
• This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings

Hamhuis, 33, was originally selected by Nashville 12th overall back in 2001 as a WHL standout defender for the Prince George Cougars.

He spent two more years in junior after being drafted, and represented Team Canada at the World Juniors in both years (2001 and 2002) – winning a Bronze and Silver Medal.

He began his pro career in 2002-03 with AHL Milwaukee, posting 27 points in 68 games as a rookie.

Dan Hamhuis cracked the Preds roster in 2003-04 and had 26 points in his first NHL season.

The 2004-05 lockout forced him back to Milwaukee for another year before almost officially starting his career in 2005-06.

After spending five more years in Nashville (through 2009-10), Dan eventually signed with the Vancouver Canucks in the summer of 2010. He spent the last six of his 12 total NHL seasons in Western Canada.

Dan Hamhuis has 55 goals, 248 assists (303 points) in 872 career regular season games. He also has three goals, 18 assists (21 points) in 62 postseason contests.

Related Story: NHL Draft Trade Scenarios for 8 Different Teams

Dan Hamhuis’ Resume:

– CHL Top Prospects Game, WHL First All-Star Team – 2000-01
– CHL Defenseman of the Year, CHL First All-Star Team, WHL First All-Star Team, WHL Player of the Year, WHL Top Defenseman – 2001-02
– Two World Juniors (Team Canada) Appearances – 2001 and 2002
– AHL Second All-Star Team – 2004-05
– Six World Hockey Championship Appearances – ’06, ’07, ’08, ’09, ’13, ’15
– One Winter Olympic Appearance – 2014
– Bought WHL Prince George Cougars Franchise (Owner) from Rick Brodsky
– Dan Hamhuis is only a Stanley Cup Win short of joining the Triple Gold Club (Olympic Gold, World Championship Gold, Stanley Cup)

NHL Free Agents: Dan Hamhuis Rumors/Speculation

via Sportsnet,

The Canucks dangled Hamhuis at the trade deadline, but the Dallas Stars ended up dealing for Kris Russell instead.

“We’re still talking to Dan. We still have some decisions to make,” GM Jim Benning told Hockey Central on May 27. “We’d still like to have Dan on board, so we’re going to try and figure that out.”

If Dan Hamhuis has any aspirations of winning that elusive Stanley Cup to join the Triple Gold Club, he may need to start considering life beyond Vancouver.

The Canucks might be competitive over the next half decade, but it’s difficult to imagine them challenging for a Cup while Hamhuis’ window quickly closes.

Related Story: NHL Mock Draft - Round 1: Aly's Pre-Draft Day Edition

Potential Contract for Dan Hamhuis

More from Free Agency

• NHL free agents could still get contracts or camp invites
• Why any NHL team would be lucky to add Phil Kessel to their roster
• The New York Islanders made the right move extending Ilya Sorokin
• 2022-23 Recap Weaknesses and UFA Focused: Buffalo Sabres
• Arizona Coyotes Team Additions For 2022-23

Coming off a $5 million dollar annual cap hit, it shouldn’t be surprising if Dan garners a similar salary this summer.

The only difference could be a short-term contract with potential expansion looming and teams reluctance to give veterans those big deals nowadays.

If a bidding war breaks out between teams, it could be the term that is offered which makes the biggest difference.

We know from his comments at the deadline that he’s a family first type of person, and should look for a situation that’s not only beneficial to himself, but his loved ones as well.

Projected Term: 3-5 years
Projected Salary: $4.5 to $5.5 million dollars/year

Next: NHL Mock Draft 6.0: 7 Rounds of Prospect Analysis

5 Best Fits

Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks