The 2019 NHL Free Agent Class shapes up to have some volatility but not in a good way. It could be okay but also could be a bit messy. Presented below are the potential free agent right wingers. These are players who will hit the market for the first time.
Our first choice is a headliner but the other two could go under the radar a bit. This is the kind of free agent class it is, to be honest.
Anyway, the top UFA should get a huge payday if they get to free agency on July 1st.
NHL Free Agents — First Time Right Wingers
3. Joonas Donskoi — San Jose Sharks — 27 years old in 2019
Donskoi’s start has fueled speculation as to where he might wind up. His price tag should still be reasonable. He possesses great metrics on an excellent possession team (right around team average). His playing time fluctuates from first line to third line time, however. Shot volume remains just under two shots per game which is similar to last season.
The good thing is Donskoi is versatile. With a four-goal start, the right winger may come close to 20 goals. Consider the forward is seeing some upward mobility, more opportunities should be available for Donskoi if he can seize them.
He’ll earn $1.9 million for the 2018-19 campaign. What could he make for 2019-20? The projected cap next season allows San Jose to negotiate easily with the forward. If he scored a little more like Ryan Dzingel, then his next contract would be even higher. As it is, expect Donskoi to see a modest raise at least come next season.
2. Jakob Silfverberg — Anaheim Ducks — 28 years old in 2019
Silfverberg scoring at a solid rate bodes well for free agency. Ten points in 15 games with five goals is slightly above his production from the last two seasons. The problem lies in his metrics which have dipped precipitously. He currently ranks at a -7% relative to team average. Is that linemates or is that partly him?
Unfortunately, Silfverberg has regressed some defensively and is shooting at an unsustainable 19.2% on the season. His shot volume is off by almost half a shot a game. Chances are down 15-20% as well. All is not to blame on the winger as Randy Carlyle’s system may be even more of a culprit. That, however, could impact how much he gets paid come July 1st.
Silfverberg earns $3.75 million for the 2018-19 season. What may he get paid for 2019-20? This presents an excellent question. What do you pay a 50 point forward? The going amount is somewhere around $5 million or so. If the forward produces a little more, the salary will go up. Stay tuned.
1. Mark Stone — Ottawa Senators — 27 years old in 2019
Stone should command the biggest payday in 2019 free agency if he tests the market. The Senators and Stone do not seem to be interested in a trade at this time. He scores at or just over a point a game. His 20 points in 18 games is a big reason why Ottawa is not in the basement so far this season.
The good thing is Stone’s numbers could stay the same or improve slightly. He has seven goals on 42 shots (16.7%). His career rate is 15.6% which is not far off. If goaltending improves even marginally, Stone could look even better defensively. His metrics are more than 15% above the team relative. That is how good the first line has been compared to the rest of Ottawa. That demonstrates huge value from the right winger.
He’ll earn $7.35 million for the 2018-19 campaign. What could he make for 2019-20? Stone may see $10 million offers from other teams if he were to test free agency. Stone took off the last couple seasons in a way the New York Islanders were hoping Jordan Eberle would have. The forward topping 30 goals is very plausible which would lead to some very high offers, provided Ottawa does not table an extension.