2024 Offseason Watch: Top-5 Free Agents Available

With the NHL's trade deadline in the rear view mirror, let's look ahead to some of the big names who could be available on July 1st, once free agency begins. While there wasn't necessarily a slew of big names traded ahead of the deadline, there could be some significant movement coming during the 2024 offseason.

Sam Reinhart, Florida Panthers

For Reinhart, timing is everything. The right-winger is having a career season with the Panthers, currently sitting with 45 goals and 76 points in 65 games. He's owed $6.5 million this season and could push his AAV upwards of $8.5-9 million, depending on where he signs. Reinhart is beloved in Florida and they'll certainly be making a push for him. Teams to keep an eye on include the New Jersey Devils, Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes.

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

It was a curious start to the season in Tampa for Stamkos, as management never offered him a contract extension and went public over how they were going to wait things out. Stammer's having another fine season, with 55 points in 62 games. While he's not the prolific sniper he once was, Stamkos is still an elite top-line talent who will have a long list of suitors calling in should the Lightning not get an extension done before July 1st. The Red Wings are the team to watch if he does walk.

Jake Guentzel, Carolina Hurricanes

Guentzel wanted to stay in Pittsburgh and Kyle Dubas had other ideas. While it's not out of the question to see Guentzel re-sign back in Pittsburgh, expect to see Carolina monitor things closely down the stretch and into the playoffs to see where their heads at come summer time. Guentzel's 29 and will be looking to cash in big time this offseason. 52 points in 50 games, Stanley Cup winner, playoff performer, the offers will be coming in early and often. Keep an eye on the Canucks and Los Angeles Kings this summer.

Matt Duchene, Dallas Stars

Duchene should win comeback player of the year, joining the Stars after the Nashville Predators essentially gave up on him. Duchene's having a great season, potting 23 goals and 58 points through his first 64 games. He's now 33, and won't land a four-or-five year deal, but he'll be happy with three years at a much higher AAV than the $3 million he's making this season in Big D. With his speed and offensive IQ, they'll be some serious interest.

Noah Hanifin, Vegas Golden Knights

As it stands right now, there's been no extension signed for Hanifin in Vegas, however that could easily change before July 1st. Hanifin was the best defenseman available this season on the trade market and the Tampa Bay Lightning thought they had a deal, before Vegas swooped in. Hanifin's going to get a huge raise from his $4.9 million AAV on his current deal. So far in two games with the Golden Knights, he's recorded two assists as they've quickly become a juggernaut looking to push for back-to-back Cups.

Honorable mentions: Jonathan Marchessault, Elias Lindholm, Tyler Toffoli, Vladimir Tarasenko, Ilya Samsonov, Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, Teuvo Teravainen, Joe Pavelski, Chandler Stephenson, Sean Monahan, Brady Skjei, Jake DeBrusk