The Final Push for Players in Playoffs
Now that the regular season has wrapped up, movement among players is largely restricted as teams enter the intense playoff fray. Many athletes with expiring contracts are either done for the season or participating in pivotal games that can significantly impact their market value for the upcoming offseason. The stakes are high: a standout playoff performance could lead to lucrative contracts come summer.
In the coming series, we’ll examine various position groups from the upcoming free agent class, focusing on how these unrestricted free agents have fared over the current season. Who’s positioned themselves for a hefty payday? Who’s taken a hit in perceived value through their play? And, importantly, what do the remaining playoff games mean for their future contracts? Let’s break down the scenarios.
The Headliners
Alex Tuch, Buffalo Sabres
Alex Tuch has become a standout name among the few impending free agents left on the market. With several players securing extensions earlier, Tuch now shines brightly—especially as reports indicate negotiations with the Sabres have hit a standstill. Considering he’s from Central New York, just a stone's throw from Buffalo, there's a palpable tension around whether he'll still be in a Sabres jersey next season.
If he does hit the open market, expect a frenzy. Tuch played a significant role in the Sabres' resurgence following his trade from the Vegas Golden Knights in the
Jack Eichel deal, solidifying himself as a valuable first-line winger. His regular season was impressive, wrapping up with 33 goals and 66 points, and he’s already making an impact in the playoffs with two goals and two assists in the first three games.
With the Sabres eyeing a postseason run against the formidable Boston Bruins, Tuch finds himself in a spotlight that could solidify his future earnings. Importantly, several players have already committed to their teams, decreasing the competition in free agency. Combined with a rising salary cap, Tuch will likely attract a multitude of bidders—an environment that typically drives up contracts for players in his position.
Patrick Kane, Detroit Red Wings
At 37, Kane is past his prime financially, shifting his focus toward finding a compatible team rather than maximizing earnings in free agency. His presence in Detroit has been integral; he rejuvenated the Red Wings spirit and helped end their lengthy playoff drought. He’ll likely be welcomed back as long as he chooses to continue playing, but his contracts will lean heavily on performance bonuses.
Although he’s not as deeply tethered to Detroit as some other veterans are to their teams, such as
Alex Ovechkin with the Capitals, it’s difficult to foresee Kane wanting to navigate the complexities of full-scale free agency again.
The Impact Players
Bobby McMann, Seattle Kraken
Bobby McMann has turned heads since joining the Kraken, a franchise in its developmental phase. Despite the challenges faced by players adjusting to new teams mid-season, McMann hit the ground running with 10 goals and 14 points in just 18 games for Seattle, bringing his total to 29 goals and 46 points for the season.
After being traded from the Maple Leafs due to a contract impasse, McMann set his sights on a deal in the vicinity of $5 million per year, a figure the Leafs couldn’t accommodate. Following his impressive performances, he’s positioning himself for a significant payday. Comparisons to
Kiefer Sherwood, who secured a $5.75 million AAV on a five-year deal, only bolster his case.
McMann's journey from undrafted collegiate player to a potential NHL contributor underscores his hard work and determination. As someone who earned just over $1 million last season, he now stands to gain substantially.
Vladimir Tarasenko, Minnesota Wild
Once a cornerstone of the Blues' offense, Tarasenko's star has dulled but he remains a competent scorer. After a year marked by trades and team changes, he showed up big for the Panthers during their Stanley Cup run but struggled to find his footing in Detroit. After a brief tenure that culminated in 11 goals and a disappointing 33 points, he was traded to Minnesota, where he picked up speed, finishing with 23 goals and 47 points.
At 34, his age may complicate negotiations for a long-term contract, but a strong playoff showing could rejuvenate interest from teams looking for offensive depth, especially if the Wild can push through the postseason.
Mats Zuccarello, Minnesota Wild
When Zuccarello joined the Wild, the deal was mired in skepticism due to its length. However, under Bill Guerin's leadership, he has flourished, especially since connecting with standout Kirill Kaprizov. Despite concerns about aging, Zuccarello's production has only increased, scoring career-highs that cement his role as a significant contributor.
This season was no exception—while battling injuries, he still netted 54 points in 59 games. His return for another season seems likely, especially with performance bonuses allowing flexibility in contract negotiations.
Under Guerin's management, maintaining a solid core is a priority, and letting Zuccarello leave would contradict that strategy.
For players like
Eeli Tolvanen, changes have sparked fresh opportunities, while wingers like
Oliver Bjorkstrand face uncertainties on their future deals. With a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, this offseason will be telling for many as they chase contracts amid a changing landscape.
For deeper insights on these players and more, you can follow this link for the full analysis.
The Mikheyev Situation
As the Blackhawks look ahead, the future of Ilya Mikheyev remains a key point of discussion. While it’s possible he may not reach free agency, reports suggest the organization holds him in high regard. They’ve been actively seeking to secure an extension for the veteran forward, which indicates they see significant value in his contributions.
Financially, the Blackhawks have the means to offer Mikheyev a raise, potentially on a two- or three-year deal. However, the absence of a signed extension raises eyebrows about the negotiations. Should Mikheyev hit the open market, he stands out as the most sought-after bottom-six forward, which could lead to intense competition for his services.
The Resilience of Corey Perry
When it comes to players reinvigorating their careers later in life, few can compete with Corey Perry. Once bought out by the Anaheim Ducks in 2019, many thought this former Hart Trophy winner's best days were behind him. Fast forward two years, and Perry not only earned a place in the postseason narrative—making it to the Stanley Cup Final five times since—he remains a thorn in the side of opponents.
Though his speed may not match his earlier days, Perry has adapted. He still adds impact with his playmaking abilities, finishing last season with 17 goals and 37 points, alongside a strong playoff showing with ten goals in 22 games. It's clear he’s grown into a seasoned veteran role, where his antics charm home fans while aggravating rivals.
Perry is now at a point where he might only command one-year contracts, yet his staying power and continued performance guarantee he’ll attract interest from teams. The deal he signed with the Kings—a $2MM contract with a chance to double that through performance bonuses—illustrates the kind of contract Perry can look forward to if he continues to play.
Roslovic's Ongoing Struggle
Jack Roslovic's journey throughout the NHL has been more of a rollercoaster than a steady climb. After being traded to the New York Rangers, he found himself back on the market after settling for a one-year deal with the Carolina Hurricanes, where he posted solid numbers. However, after lingering in free agency, he signed a one-year, $1.5MM contract with the Oilers, bringing some stability to his career.
During his time in Edmonton, Roslovic upheld his reputation, nearly matching career averages with 21 goals and 36 points over 69 games. However, it’s hard to say his market value has significantly improved since last season, when he was looking for a multi-year deal. Given next summer’s free agent pool lacks offensive depth, Roslovic's versatility as a forward capable of playing multiple roles could play in his favor.
Brandon Duhaime's Unfortunate Step Back
Last season was a breakout for Brandon Duhaime, showcasing why he belongs in an NHL lineup despite his limitations. A reliable defensive forward, he produced nine goals and 21 points while contributing significantly on the penalty kill. However, this season told a different story. The Capitals’ unexpected downturn mirrored Duhaime's decline, as he managed only four goals and nine points, with diminished ice time on special teams.
Hitting free agency amidst a dip in performance complicates his situation. While teams won’t forget his past contributions, this year's struggles have likely cost him financially. Had he built on his trajectory from 2024-25, Duhaime could have commanded more respect in negotiations.
Yamamoto's Redemption Year
Kailer Yamamoto faced a critical juncture this season. After a streak of inconsistency that saw him cycle out of the Edmonton lineup, he transitioned to the Seattle Kraken on a one-year deal. Despite failing to reclaim his scoring touch, Yamamoto found a second chance, signing with the Utah Mammoth. There, he turned things around, scoring 56 points in the AHL, addressing earlier concerns about his long-term NHL viability.
Moving up to the NHL level, Yamamoto proved his worth once more. With 13 goals and 23 points in 59 games, he earned a roster spot in the playoffs, displaying an impressive uptick in performance. If he secures a one-way contract in the off-season, it could signal a solid rebound in his career.
Nyquist and His Diminishing Returns
As a veteran with over 1,000 games played, Gustav Nyquist had built a reputation that once commanded respect. After a promising 2023-24 campaign scoring 75 points, this current season has been a struggle, marred by health issues. With only 12 points in 51 games for the Jets, he seemed emblematic of both his personal decline and that of the team.
With a rich history, Nyquist could still attract interest, but not at the same rate he once did. The market may favor younger players who can bring both speed and skill, placing Nyquist in a challenging position as he looks for his next contract.
Dadonov's Nightmare Season
Evgenii Dadonov's 2025-26 campaign could serve as a cautionary tale. Signing a modest one-year contract with the New Jersey Devils, his season was plagued by injuries. Missing significant time undermined his capacity to leave a mark, with only one point accumulated in 24 games. Simply put, it couldn't have gone much worse for a player who had previously posted respectable numbers with the Stars.
His prospects in free agency now look bleak. Teams will be wary, given his injury history and lack of production. He’s likely to find himself in the medical ward of free agency, having to prove he can stay healthy to garner another opportunity.
Joseph's Climb Back
Mathieu Joseph attempted to stabilize his career by signing with the Los Angeles Kings after terminating his contract. Unfortunately, despite the opportunity, he struggled to reestablish himself, remaining without a point since making the switch. His past performance suggests he can be effective, but the current momentum is sorely lacking.
As he heads into free agency, Joseph’s previous contract of nearly $3 million seems more out of reach than ever. Without a breakout performance, he’s now expected to settle for a deal that reflects his recent struggles.
Leason's Rollercoaster Journey
Brett Leason's recent journey underscores the volatility of securing a foothold in the NHL. After a promising tenure resulted in a lucrative one-year deal with the Ducks, his subsequent drop-off prompted a lengthy stay on the open market. Skipping a chance to join the KHL, he eventually found a spot with the Capitals, yet despite solid AHL statistics, he hasn’t made a significant re-entry.
This season brought about questions concerning his future. Will he change teams again, or can he leverage his AHL success into a more permanent NHL home? Without additional opportunities in the league, his journey may circle back to uncertainty just as he was beginning to find his footing.
Aube-Kubel's Shifting Position
For Nicolas Aube-Kubel, the past year has been an exercise in navigating decline. Once a reliable fourth-line winger, his move to the Buffalo Sabres didn’t pan out as intended, leading to a trade and limited opportunity afterward. Now with the Minnesota Wild, Aube-Kubel faces scrutiny as he rarely sees ice time.
The team’s strategy of acquiring outside veterans instead of utilizing his services suggests his hold on an NHL spot is tenuous at best. If the playoffs come and go without him making an impact, it could leave him scrambling to find a new opportunity in the off-season.
Looking Ahead: The Road for Aube-Kubel, Blumel, and Sabourin
As the season winds down, players like Aube-Kubel, Blumel, and Sabourin find themselves in critical moments of their careers—each facing unique challenges and opportunities. Aube-Kubel’s season in the AHL may not have catapulted him to the NHL spotlight, but his 37 points in 62 games demonstrate he still possesses the skills to contribute effectively. Despite the struggles of AHL Iowa, his performance lays the groundwork for a solid chance at a two-way contract this summer. It’s a reminder that individual talent can persist even in tough team circumstances. For him, the next few months will be pivotal.
Blumel’s trajectory is particularly interesting. After an impressive stint in the AHL last year, scoring 39 goals and leading his team in offensive output, he entered the NHL season with high hopes. Boston’s decision to offer him a one-way contract worth $875K underscored their expectations. Yet, even with opportunities during training camp and preseason, Blumel didn’t secure a regular spot in the NHL lineup. His continued production in the AHL, scoring 52 points in 58 games, begs the question: can he convert that prolific scoring into a more stable NHL presence? At nearly 26, he should still have time to develop, but doubt lingers about whether he’ll ever make a significant impact at the NHL level. This situation could lead him to seek opportunities elsewhere if Boston isn’t willing to invest in him down the road.
On the other hand, Sabourin’s case is one of resilience. Though his scoring numbers are unimpressive, the Tampa Bay forward has carved out a niche with his physical style of play. Playing 26 NHL games this season—his most in years—and even seeing ice time in the playoffs highlights a resurgence for the 33-year-old. His physicality and ability to contribute when it matters can’t be overlooked, and the Lightning seem to appreciate his value. If Sabourin continues to earn trust on the playoff stage, he’s likely to secure another two-way deal, potentially solidifying his role as a reliable depth player.
In summary, each of these players stands at a crossroads. Aube-Kubel has a chance to solidify his standing, Blumel is under pressure to prove his evolution into an NHL scorer, and Sabourin embodies the grind-it-out mentality that teams value in tough playoff situations. For franchises, the decisions made regarding their contracts will reflect broader strategies and the balancing act between securing offensive talent and valuing grit. The next season could tell us a lot about what these players, and their teams, are truly made of.
