Top UFA Defenseman Now That Pionk Re-Signed With Jets

The free agency market for top-4 defensemen isn't great this year, but it also isn't bad. With Neal Pionk re-signing long-term with the Winnipeg Jets, it does take a top name off the market that many teams were surely going to go after. That being said, here's a look at some of the top talent remaining as of now for teams in need to target in free agency.

Aaron Ekblad

Aaron Ekblad was suspended 20 games to close out the regular season for the Florida Panthers, but I don't really think that is something that was going to determine the team's decision on the former number one overall pick. He has gone from offensive threat to more of an overall role on the back-end and isn't as effective offensively as he once was. He has been on a big contract and will want another big one. I don't expect the Panthers to go long-term with him again. As Ekblad is still without a contract and things are quiet, I think he may test the market and see what's out there.

Matt Grzelcyk

Matt Grzelcyk had a surprising and underappreciated season for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He quietly put up 40 points on a team that has both Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang. That ties him for the 16th most points among pending UFAs, not just defensemen. He likely isn't going to be as costly as any other top option on defense and some team is going to get a bargain on an effective player.

Ivan Provorov

Ivan Provorov is just a solid player all around and maybe in the right situation, can be the guy who can score over 10 goals and finish at a 0.5 points per game in a season. He put together seven goals and 33 points this season and is extremely durable for the role he plays, missing three total games in his nine year career. He can play both sides, which is a nice bonus to whichever team lands him. There is still a possibility he gets extended with the Columbus Blue Jackets though.

Vladislav Gavrikov

Vladislav Gavrikov did a great job this season for the LA Kings and played a big role. The Kings will not want to lose him in free agency as the left side of their defense is pretty questionable. They should be able to keep him if he wants to stay, but it is a matter of if Gavrikov wants to remain in that situation or there's other potential options that he also likes. He won't be that cheap, but has a sneaky offensive upside as well since he put up 30 points this season.

Dmitry Orlov

Dmitry Orlov is past his prime, but is still a solid defenseman and has been for a long time. It was a shock to see him pop off offensively when he was traded to the Boston Bruins, but settled in on Carolina for a couple of seasons after that. He is the oldest of the top likely defensemen headed to free agency, which means he won't have to be signed for as long and his price might drop as well. I think he is still a solid second pairing d-man that can complement someone on either side of the ice since he can play both sides.