Must-See NHL Free Agent Forwards: Marner, Ehlers, and Boeser Awaiting New Teams!

In the NHL, player performances can really shape a team’s season. Let’s take a closer look at some recent stats and stories that highlight a few notable players.

First up is Mikael Granlund. This 33-year-old center played for both the Dallas Stars and the San Jose Sharks this season. He racked up 66 points with 22 goals and 44 assists across 83 games. After joining the Stars through a trade on February 1, he contributed 21 points—seven goals and 14 assists—in just 31 games. In the playoffs, Granlund added 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 18 games. Over his career, which began with the Minnesota Wild after being drafted No. 9 overall in 2010, he’s amassed 610 points in 902 regular-season games and has been a solid playmaker during the postseason with 42 points in 77 games.

Next, we have the veteran Patrick Kane, now 36 years old. This right winger had 59 points (21 goals, 38 assists) in 72 games with the Detroit Red Wings. Kane was the first overall pick in the 2007 NHL Draft, and his career is nothing short of legendary. He boasts 1,343 points (492 goals, 851 assists) over 18 seasons split between the Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers, and Red Wings. Kane has won various awards, including the prestigious Hart Trophy for MVP and three Stanley Cups. In playoffs, he’s scored 138 points in 143 games, proving that he shines on the big stage. In 2017, he was celebrated as one of the NHL’s 100 Greatest Players, marking his enduring legacy in the sport.

Then there’s Andrey Kuzmenko, a 29-year-old left winger who had a notable season. He collected 37 points (11 goals, 26 assists) in 56 games, playing for the Los Angeles Kings, Philadelphia Flyers, and Calgary Flames. Kuzmenko, who went undrafted, signed with the Vancouver Canucks in 2022 and has made a name for himself swiftly, gathering 157 points (72 goals, 85 assists) in 219 games. He even scored six points in six playoff games, showing he can contribute when it counts.

Finally, let’s not forget Brad Marchand. At 37, this left winger had an impressive season, accumulating 51 points (23 goals, 28 assists) in 71 games for both the Florida Panthers and the Boston Bruins. After joining Florida in a late-season trade, he made an impact, particularly in the playoffs, putting up 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) in 23 games to help secure the championship. Marchand was picked in the third round of the 2006 NHL Draft by Boston and has since become a key player, boasting nearly 1,000 career points in the regular season and another 158 in the playoffs. Plus, he was part of the Bruins’ Stanley Cup win in 2011.

These players illustrate how talent and experience intertwine in the NHL. As seasons progress, their stats tell a story—not just about individual achievements but also about the teamwork and strategy that define the league. For more insights on sports statistics and player performances, you can check out resources from the NHL’s official statistics page.

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