The NHL Playoffs are always full of surprises, offensive feats, and players that come out to prove extremely valuable for their respective clubs. Look no further than last season’s heroics from Nazem Kadri, who got hurt in the playoffs and returned early and played through an injury to score an overtime, game-winning goal that would eventually seal the Colorado Avalanche’s fate as Stanley Cup Champions.
His gameplay would be a huge factor in the massive deal he signed with his new club, the Calgary Flames.
This offseason will offer a massive list of unrestricted free agents, many of whom will play postseason hockey. They have more on the line than most, especially if they want to secure massive deals and either remain with their clubs or sign big deals with cup contenders. These are the five NHL free agents with the most to prove in the playoffs.
Scott Mayfield, New York Islanders
With injuries on the Islanders’ blue line, including games missed by reliable duo Adam Pelech and Ryan Pulock, Mayfield stepped in to the top slot to eat big minutes for his club. He became a real defensive force to be reckoned with, notorious for blocking shots and using his big frame to lay hits that erase offensive opportunities.
What’s more, he’s having a career year offensively, with six goals and 18 assists for a total of 24 points, as well as 119 shots, his highest totals ever.
Per CapFriendly, he’s on a very team-friendly deal until the end of the year, which carries an AAV of $1.45 million. His play and the current market for defensemen could secure him, roughly, about $4 million. But could be bolstered if he offers the Islanders a strong playoff performance.
Vladimir Tarasenko, New York Rangers
Questions have surrounded the health of Tarasenko’s shoulder for more than a few seasons. And while he scored 34 goals in the 2021-22 season, he’s quite a few seasons removed from his Stanley Cup victory. The 2010 first-round draft pick could garner less than the $7.5 million he currently earns if he does not have a strong showing in the NHL Playoffs.
He was dealt from the St. Louis Blues to the New York Rangers ahead of the trade deadline, specifically to help with offense as the Rangers make a push in the playoffs. If he doesn’t follow through and the Rangers deal is deemed a failure, Tarasenko could take a huge pay cut. His next salary depends on his performance in the postseason, and he has a ton to prove to show teams he’s worth a big deal.
John Klingberg, Minnesota Wild
At the start of the season, Klingberg seemed doomed to miss the playoffs, as signed with the Anaheim Ducks for a one-year deal worth $7 million. But ahead of the trade deadline, Klingberg was sent to the Minnesota Wild, who have officially claimed third place in the Central Division, with the hopes that he would bolster offense and revive the Wild’s power play, a role he took on so well with his longtime team, the Dallas Stars.
He has a lot on the line in these playoffs because of the interesting nature of his contract negotiations. It took him well into the offseason to sign a deal with the Ducks and, if he’s virtually invisible in the NHL Playoffs, he will likely struggle to find a deal again.
Pierre-Luc Dubois, Winnipeg Jets
Controversy has followed the young centerman wherever he’s gone, from the Columbus Blue Jackets to the Winnipeg Jets. He started the season strong, but his production has dropped off significantly in the second half of the season, tied directly to the Jets’ struggles.
He’s a 25 year old former first round pick that hasn’t necessarily lived up to the hype, and still gets paid $6 million a year. If he doesn’t prove his worth in these playoffs, he could have difficulty finding a job–as his track record precedes him as a player who cannot produce consistently and can’t necessarily be relied on for scoring in high pressure situations. If he doesn’t contribute in the postseason, he’s likely to take a serious pay cut and to have to test the free agent waters.
Tomas Tatar, New Jersey Devils
While the Devils’ winger has been quite the journeyman throughout his NHL career, he has also garnered a reputation for underperforming. With that in mind, Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald only signed him to a 2-year deal that began in the 2021-22 season. He spent time in Detroit, Vegas and Montreal before heading to New Jersey, and the 32-year old hasn’t even reached the 50-point plateau this season (though he did achieve 20 goals).
The Devils surprised everyone with their strong campaign this season, and will look to pull off several upsets if they’re going to make a deep playoff run. Tatar, if he’s going to land a job that sees him collect anywhere close to the $5.25 million salary he currently has, will need to prove himself in the playoffs by scoring consistently and playing a solid, two-way game. He’s still young enough to sign one more multi-year deal that will take him to the end of his career and, if he wants it to be a good one, he’ll need to show his true talent in the playoffs.
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