Signing players in free agency is often a risky business. Sometimes, even great players just don’t fit right in with a new team. On the flip side, sometimes, they fit better than anyone could have imagined. Many of the contracts handed out are multi-year deals, but it’s never too soon to form an overreaction based on 35-ish games. With 2024 coming to an end, let’s look back at the best signings of free agency.
Sean Monahan, Columbus Blue Jackets
After a successful year where he split time between the Montreal Canadiens and the Winnipeg Jets, the Blue Jackets signed 11-year veteran center Sean Monahan to a five year, $5.5 million per year contract on the first day of free agency. Given Monahan’s extensive injury history, the term on this deal was risky, but it has looked incredible so far. He’s been an immediate fit in Columbus, and is third on the team in scoring with 13 goals and 33 points through 37 games played.
Shayne Gostisbehere, Carolina Hurricanes
Shayne Gostisbehere was acquired by the Hurricanes at the 2022-23 NHL trade deadline, but spent the entirety of the 2023-24 season with the Detroit Red Wings. He re-joined Carolina on a three-year, $3.2 million per year contract after a strong year in Detroit. After 35 games played, Gostisbehere has six goals and 27 points. His 18 powerplay points are a big reason why Carolina has the 6th ranked powerplay in the league.
Tyler Toffoli, San Jose Sharks
Last season, Tyler Toffoli recorded the second consecutive– and third of his career– 30+ goal campaign over 79 games split between the New Jersey Devils and the Winnipeg Jets. After a brief postseason run with the Jets, Toffoli signed a four year, $6 million AAV contract with the San Jose Sharks. Through 39 games in a Sharks sweater, Toffoli has 14 goals and 25 points.
Jake DeBrusk, Vancouver Canucks
After spending his whole career with the Boston Bruins, Jake DeBrusk signed a seven year, $5.5 million AAV contract with the Vancouver Canucks. That much term was risky, but DeBrusk has exceeded expectations. He’s on pace for 63 points, which would be a career high. DeBrusk is fourth on the team in scoring, and has 16 goals and 27 points through 35 games played.
Victor Olofsson, Vegas Golden Knights
Sometimes, bargain bin signings turn out to be incredibly rewarding. Victor Olofsson signed a one-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights worth $1.075 million, and is on pace for a career high in points. In 16 games played, Olofsson has eight goals and 13 points. Five of those goals came on the powerplay, and two of them were game-winners.
Brandon Montour, Seattle Kraken
After winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers last season, Brandon Montour signed a seven year, $7.14 million AAV contract with the Seattle Kraken. The Kraken aren’t exactly great this year, but that’s not at all a reflection of Montour’s play. He has eight goals and 21 points through 36 games played.
Warren Foegele, Los Angeles Kings
After the Edmonton Oilers chose not to re-sign Warren Foegele, he signed a three year contract worth $3.5 million per year. Foegele enjoyed a career year with the Oilers last season, and is on pace to set a new high in goals, assists, and points. In 36 games played, Foegele has 11 goals– four of them game winners– and 22 points.
Jason Zucker, Buffalo Sabres
After a six-game postseason run with the Nashville Predators where he was tied for third in scoring, Jason Zucker signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Buffalo Sabres. He hasn’t played a full 82-game season since 2017-18, but if he does, he’s on pace for 22 goals and 55 points. Zucker has 10 goals– five of them on a powerplay that’s ranked 26th in the league– and 25 points through 37 games as a Buffalo Sabre.
Read the full article here