Open Extended Reactions: 2024 NHL Free Agency Signings

The 2024 NHL free agency signing period is officially underway. As the deals continue to roll in, ESPN NHL reporters Kristen Shilton, Greg Wyshynski and Ryan Clark will be grading the big-name signings, including the player’s fit with his new team, terms of the deal, and more.

We’ll continue to grade the most notable moves through the offseason, so check back for fresh grades as deals are consummated; the newest grades will be listed first. Contract terms are per year.

July 3

Vladimir Tarasenko, LW, Red Wings

The terms: Two years, $9.5 million

Grade: B+

Where does he fit?

Tarasenko was attractive given his ability to play a top-six role, and it appears that’s the part he will play for the Red Wings. Tarasenko’s arrival adds to a group that already had Alex DeBrincat, Patrick Kane and Lucas Raymond on the roster.

Does it make sense?

The Red Wings had 13 players who finished with more than 10 goals during the 2023-24 season; however, they lost three of those players this offseason. Perron and defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere left in free agency while Jake Walman was traded to the San Jose Sharks.

It left an opening for a proven goal scorer for a team just barely missed the playoffs. So who better to call, or sign, than a two-time Stanley Cup winner who not only gives the Red Wings another top-six option but adds another figure to a power play that was ninth in the NHL with a 23.1% success rate?

Jeff Skinner, LW, Oilers

The terms: One year, $3 million

Grade: B+

Where does he fit?

Edmonton is giving Jeff Skinner a chance to prove himself after the Buffalo Sabres bought out the remainder of his previous deal. If all goes well, Skinner will be a top-six fixture for the Oilers’ offense. The 32-year-old winger produced 24 goals and 46 points in 74 games last season for an underperforming Sabres squad, but Skinner is just one year removed from an 82-point campaign that showcased how much of a difference-maker he can still be.

Does it make sense?

This has the potential to be a win-win for both team and player. Skinner hasn’t experienced a single playoff game in his 14-year, 1,006-game career. Now there’s a decent chance he could be competing for a Stanley Cup with Edmonton this upcoming season.

Jacob Skjei, D, Predators

The terms: Seven years, $49 million

Grade: B

Where does he fit?

Nashville needed to retool its blue line after sending veteran Ryan McDonagh back to Tampa Bay in May. Skjei is McDonagh’s heir apparent on the Predators’ blue line, and just produced a career-best season with the Carolina Hurricanes, punching in 13 goals and 47 points in 80 games while bearing a heavy workload at over 21 minutes per night. Like McDonagh before him, Skjei is a jack-of-all-trades for Predators’ coach Andrew Brunette to unleash in every situation — including both the power play and the penalty kill. In theory, Skjei should be able to lead a strong second pairing and potentially fill a slot with Roman Josi on Nashville’s top pairing, too.

Does it make sense?

The Predators weren’t playing around to open free agency. It was Steven Stamkos. It was Jonathan Marchessault. And it was Skjei. Nashville aspires to be better in every facet and Skjei is going to provide serious punch from the blue line and help take some pressure off Josi. When the Predators are pushing to be in a win-now mode, it’s worth the price (in money and term) to invest in Skjei for the bulk of his remaining career. Given his age (30), the latter years of this deal might look bad, but if Nashville earns its coveted postseason success in the process that’ll be a cost of doing business.

Paul Stastny, C, Kraken

The terms: Seven years, $43.75 million

Grade: C

Where does he fit?

In the middle, where the Kraken have young standouts (Matty Beniers, Shane Wright) and dependable veterans (Yanni Gourde, occasionally Jared McCann). He’s a solid offensive player, but not one who brings a lot of defense or physicality. The key for Stephenson is who plays on his wing, as he’s not really a play-driver on his own. That’s where you find the strength of the Kraken in McCann, Jordan Eberle, Jaden Schwartz and others. As in Vegas, Stephenson is going to be only as good as what surrounds him.

Does it make sense?

Logistically, it makes sense if the Kraken are walking away from Gourde after next season. Stephenson can slide into that role behind the two young centers, in theory. But the issue here is that Stephenson might not be worth this investment. Last season was a dud for him, with his lowest points per 60 minutes output in the past four seasons and terrible defensive metrics. While he saw time with usual linemate Mark Stone, he didn’t play much with Jack Eichel, who had helped boost his numbers in the previous two seasons. It seems like the Kraken are getting Stephenson on the way down, and getting him for the next seven years of that.

Sean Monahan, C, Hurricanes

The terms: Five years, $27.5 million

Grade: B-

Where does he fit?

In the small world of the NHL, reunions happen all the time. Here’s an unexpected one, potentially: Monahan skating with Johnny Gaudreau again, years after they played their last game together with the Calgary Flames. Gaudreau hasn’t lived up to his contract but also hasn’t been a disaster for the Jackets, with 134 points in 161 games. Monahan adds a solid center to the Jackets’ depth chart, which skews a bit young.

Does it make sense?

It does in the short term, but maybe not for the duration of the contract. Monahan gives the Jackets the solid veteran pivot that they needed. He had 26 goals and 33 assists between Montreal and Winnipeg last season. He can play the bumper on the power play. But he was a nonfactor in the playoffs for Winnipeg. While he’s not known for his defense, he’s not a liability either. But the Jackets have a lot of rising stars in the middle: Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger and Kent Johnson among them. How much will they need Monahan, 29, by the end of this deal?

David Roy, D, Capitals

The terms: Six years, $34.5 million

Grade: A-

Where does he fit?

Washington is giving its blue line a makeover and Roy should be a significant factor in getting the Capitals back to contender status. The 29-year-old produced the best seasons of his career in Los Angeles from 2022 to ’24 as a second-pairing stalwart. A defensive defensemen, Roy has impressive details to his game that have been highly underrated. He should be an excellent addition to the Capitals top-four rotation with an expanded game that has included more offensive output — he hit a personal-best nine goals last season. He will be a fine addition to both Washington’s power play and its penalty kill. Basically, there’s not much Roy can’t offer and with all the turnover the Capitals have had on defense in recent years, they will benefit from the stability he will provide.

Does it make sense?

The Roy signing is superb all around. It’s a great value for a player who could be a genuine difference-maker. The term is longer than GM Brian MacLellan probably wanted — Roy will be in his mid-30s when the contract expires — but the cap hit at $5.75 million per season is excellent for what he is going to provide in the short term. Washington also nab