It is never too early to peak into what the 2019 NHL Free Agent class could look like.
We’ve already looked at the top tier forwards, and now we’ll take a quick look at the top tier potential 2019 free agent defensemen and goaltenders.
The 2019 Free Agents Top Tier Defensemen
Erik Karlsson — Ottawa Senators
Until Karlsson is traded, he has to be here. Karlsson arguably is the best defenseman on the planet coming off recovery from a nasty surgery last summer. Even in a down season, Karlsson still racked up 62 points. His metrics were nearly +6% over the rest of Ottawa in possession. Without Karlsson, Ottawa would have finished dead last.
Chances he goes UFA: 15 percent. Honestly, Karlsson is way more likely to get traded but when is the big question. Ottawa offered a blanket extension that was never going to be accepted. It seems an extension would have to be agreed upon for Karlsson to move but that is not automatic.
Jake Gardiner — Toronto Maple Leafs
Alas, Gardiner becomes intriguing because of his point potential in a contract year. Toronto is one of the most feared teams in the league offensively. Signing John Tavares only boosts the possibilities. Gardiner suffers his defensive lapses but did have 52 points last year. He was slightly above average on a Toronto team that was a tire fire at times on the back end.
Chances he goes UFA: 50 percent. There lies a chance that Gardiner still gets traded. If he goes UFA, the defenseman will command a good salary that may be too rich for Toronto’s tastes.
The 2019 Free Agents Top Tier Goaltenders
Pekka Rinne — Nashville Predators
Rinne turns 37 before the 2019-20 season starts. He’s coming off two excellent seasons and a Vezina Trophy. He led the league in shutouts and goals saved above average. Rinne won 42 times in just 59 starts. Juuse Saros is on a friendly three-year deal that grooms him to be a starter.
Chances he goes UFA: 5 percent. Nashville will likely extend him at some juncture. Will it be a two- or three-year deal? That is not set in stone. A trade will not happen, period!
Sergei Bobrovsky — Columbus Blue Jackets
Playoffs present the only question mark for Columbus management when it comes to Bobrovsky. The goalie has been a rock for the franchise since coming over from the Philadelphia Flyers. Two Vezina trophies only bolster his chances of seeing a huge payday. Yes, he will be in his 30’s when he hits free agency again. However, $7.425 million (what he makes for 2018-19) certainly will not cut it going forward.
Chances he goes UFA: 60 percent. Bobrovsky may be poised to at least test the market. It does not mean he will sign elsewhere. Some of his situation may be pinned directly or indirectly to Artemi Panarin’s status.
Cam Talbot — Edmonton Oilers
Talbot’s 2017-18 was an unmitigated disaster from the start. He had started 73 games the previous year and early on, it showed. After February 1st, Talbot compiled a .921 save percentage and a 2.76 goals against average. If that Talbot starts off the year, Edmonton should be able to steal some wins early. Team defense remains a major concern in front of the goalie, however.
Chances he goes UFA: 45 percent. It is almost a coin flip. Edmonton looks to be a bubble team at best if all goes right. Does Talbot get traded potentially? That has to be considered too. Improved play increases value — whether it be from UFA or trade.