![]() There isn’t a big difference between Suter and Compher’s play-driving ability when you look at Evolving-Hockey’s RAPM model, which isolates a player’s two-way impact after accounting for factors such as teammate quality, zone starts, competition and more. Suter’s defensive profile is also quite impressive he’s driven robust underlying results at five-on-five and can kill penalties. Offensively, Suter’s scored five-on-five offensive production is practically identical to Compher’s over the last three seasons. Pius Suter obviously isn’t as good of a player as Compher, but he’s going to clock in at a fraction of the cost and is a genuine two-way, top-nine center. In that series, Compher scored just two points in seven games, was anemic at driving play (controlled just 39.5 percent of five-on-five scoring chances) and his typically excellent defensive results did a 180, with the Avs outscored 5-2 during his five-on-five minutes. The 28-year-old’s previous career high was only 33 points and he was overmatched as a 2C in Colorado’s first-round series loss to Seattle. The problem? Compher’s best suited as a third-line center on a contender. Compher’s breakout season - he took off with 52 points, delivered elite defensive results and averaged north of 20 minutes per game - will likely put him in a position to command the money of a bona fide top-six pivot. Value Buy Target (projected contract): Pius Suter (2 years, $2.2M AAV). Name Brand Target (projected contract): J.T. The top 50 NHL unrestricted free agents: Ryan O'Reilly, Tyler Bertuzzi and more When you factor in salary cap considerations and the far lower risk profile of the value buy options, however, it’s so often the imperfect piece, the lesser player, that is the better fit on a great team.Īs we look ahead to free agency, The Athletic wanted to spotlight 10 of the top available name-brand unrestricted free agents, and produce a list of more affordable alternative options for teams to consider this offseason. ![]() The top unrestricted free agents are great players, they are name brands for the marquee, they can juke season ticket sales and they can excite a fan base. It might be fun to sow on July 1, but it’s a drag to reap when the consequences become apparent down the road. ![]() Read more: NHL free agency: 10 best contracts signed so far In a hard cap league with guaranteed player contracts and a restricted free agent system that prevents players from selling their services openly until the age of 26 (at least), a competitive bidding environment for older players bloats the term and dollar figures paid out to players and teams have little recourse to eliminate the mistakes they make down the line. The dangers of free agency are significant, however. Beyond the player’s negotiated salary: no draft picks are used, no trade returns negotiated. Signing unrestricted free agents is the one method of acquiring players that permits teams to add to their roster without any additional acquisition cost. The allure of the free agent frenzy is simple. ![]() Read more: NHL free agency grades for every team The relevant question during the free agent frenzy isn’t whether or not teams will overspend on the players they sign, it’s by how much and for how long. Every July 1 hockey operations departments huddle together in boardrooms across North America for the purpose of indulging in the bacchanal tradition of making irresponsible commitments of term and money to aging unrestricted free agents. ![]()
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