NHL Free Agency: 7 Minor Signings That Could Have Big Impact
By Ryan Ritchie
NHL Free Agency: 7 Minor Signings That Could Have an Immediate Impact in 2016-17
NHL free agency opened back on July 1st with a flurry of signings on day one. Most of the major names came off the board immediately, but a few notable players are still available, which include: Kris Russell, James Wisniewski, Matt Carle, Radim Vrbata, etc.
Most of the attention around this time of year focuses around the big name free agents. Can Milan Lucic develop chemistry alongside phenom Connor McDavid? With the addition of Kyle Okposo, is Sabres GM Tim Murray looking to trade Evander Kane? Can Alexander Radulov shake a nasty reputation that calls into question his character?
Numerous story lines exist surrounding the key additions. While these stars help carry the majority of the load, the difference between champions and losers in the NHL nowadays is depth. Teams have to be nine to 12 forwards deep – we saw it this year in the Cup Finals between Pittsburgh and San Jose.
Now that we’re a week into NHL free agency, let’s take a moment to explore seven under the radar signings that could a significant impact in 2016-17 for their respective clubs.
NHL Free Agency: 7 Minor Signings That Could Have a Big Impact
Chris Stewart, Minnesota Wild (two years, $1.15 million dollar cap hit)
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Stewart, 28, joined Minnesota late in 2014-15 as a rental and posted 11 points in the final 20 regular season games. He added a pair of assists in eight postseason contests.
Chris signed with the Ducks in 2015-16, tallying 20 points in 56 games, adding three more in seven playoff contests.
His production has fallen off a cliff in the last half decade, but he’s still young enough to re-establish himself. Stewart has the talent/skill-set to be a productive third line winger, so the 30 point range potential is worth a gamble for a little over a million dollars/year.
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Jonathan Marschessault, Florida Panthers (two years, $750,000 dollar cap hit)
The 25-year-old Quebec-native finally made an NHL impact in 2015-16.
Marshessault was an undrafted player, and is a bit of a AHL journeyman having spent his first couple of years in the Blue Jackets organization. He spent the last three seasons with Tampa Bay, and appeared in 45 games in 2015-16 posting seven goals, 11 assists (18 points). He also had an assist in five playoff appearances.
An undersized forward at 5’9 174lbs, Jonathan is a speedy player with some grit and a decent offensive skill-set. His defensive game could however use some work (getting progressively better), and his size can work against him at times. If the Panthers decide to spread out their scoring and Marchessault plays alongside a player like Nick Bjugstad, it could pay big dividends.
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Lee Stempniak, Carolina Hurricanes (two years, $2.5 million dollar cap hit)
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His game fell off a bit over the past few years leading into 2015-16, which led to a mere PTO (professional tryout offer) from the New Jersey Devils.
The 33-year-old winger had a resurgence in 2015-16 posting 16 goals, 25 assists (41 points) in 63 games before he was dealt to Boston at the trade deadline. Stempniak posted 10 points in 19 games down the final stretch for the Bruins.
This is your classic risk-reward contract. There is risk of Lee Stempniak’s game regressing to previous years. At the same time, Carolina is betting they can get a 40-plus point player at a cheap $2.5 million dollar cap hit. Given the lack of depth on the Canes roster, Lee should have every opportunity to succeed and play big minutes.
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Brett Connolly, Washington Capitals (one year, $850,000 dollar cap hit)
Former 6th overall pick in 2010, Connolly never panned out for the Tampa Bay Lightning. He was eventually traded to the Bruins in late 2014-15, and posted nine goals, 16 assists (25 points) in 75 games for Boston in 2015-16.
He won’t suddenly emerge into that top six forward scouts expected, but in the Nations Capital, Brett Connolly should be able to produce in the 30-point range playing in a bottom six role.
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Patrick Wiercioch, Colorado Avalanche (one year, $800,000 dollar cap hit)
Wiercioch’s game took a step back the past couple of seasons after showing a lot of promise in 2013-14. At 25-years-old, he may still have hope of establishing himself as a top four defender, although it seems a number five or six type defender is most likely.
He was squeezed out in Ottawa following the acquisition for Dion Phaneuf, and this may be a case where a change of scenery is exactly what the player needs to succeed. At $800,000 Wiercioch could prove to be a major bargain.
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P.A. Parenteau, New York Islanders (one year, $1.25 million dollar cap hit)
Fans weren’t sure if either party was left with a sour taste in its mouth following Parenteau’s departure in 2012.
Apparently the relationship was okay behind closed doors, and P.A. signs an affordable one-year contract to go back to where his career first took off. $1.25 million will quickly seem like a bargain for a guy who can slide up and down your lineup.
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Teddy Purcell, Los Angeles Kings (one year, $1.6 million dollar cap hit)
Out is Milan Lucic, in walks Teddy Purcell and top prospect Adrian Kempe to fill the void on the left side.
Kempe just finished his first year of pro with AHL Ontario posting 28 points in 55 regular season games. He also had four goals, one assist (five points) in 13 playoff contests. Long-term the young Swede projects to be a top six two-way winger. He won’t be the type of player who fills the score sheet, but is solid in all three zones.
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Purcell re-joins the Kings organization after he spent a little over two years with them between 2007 and 2010. He was eventually dealt to Tampa Bay in March 2010 and his game immediately took off. Teddy had five productive seasons with the Lightning before joining Edmonton in 2014-15. He was eventually dealt to Florida at this year’s deadline as a rental, posting 11 points in 15 games down the stretch, and a pair of goals in six playoff contests.