The 2023-24 NHL season is about to begin.
July 1 marks the official start of the new season in the NHL, and that means that a whole crop of free agents are about to become available.
The 2023 class is undoubtedly underwhelming. The big names on the market are up in age, not once providing the star power they used. Meanwhile, most of the high-end players who had contracts expiring at the end of the just-completed season have already signed extensions, including David Pastrnak, Nathan MacKinnon, Roope Hintz and Mat Barzal.
That doesn't mean there aren't intriguing names out there. There are still a few notable unrestricted free agents to watch for, as well as multiple potential trade options.
So how will the 2023 offseason shake out? The Sporting News provides seven bold predictions for this summer.
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NHL free agency predictions 2023
Erik Karlsson traded to the Hurricanes
An Erik Karlsson trade is coming, it's just a matter of when and where. The now three-time Norris Trophy winner has been working with the Sharks on getting a deal done so that he can be moved to a contender and have a chance at winning a Stanley Cup.
The Hurricanes make almost too much sense for it not to happen. Carolina has ample cap space and can afford to take on part of Karlsson's massive cap hit of $11.5 million if San Jose retains a portion of the salary. In terms of top contenders in the Eastern Conference, the Hurricanes are right there, coming off an Eastern Conference Final loss.
There's familiarity there as well. Karlsson spent four seasons in San Jose with Brent Burns, who was traded to Carolina last offseason. With the Hurricanes letting Shayne Gostibehere walk, the team could use another puck-moving defenseman.
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Tyler Bertuzzi signs with the Panthers
When the Bruins traded Taylor Hall to the Blackhawks, it was viewed as a move to dump salary cap that could be used to re-sign Tyler Bertuzzi. That may no longer happen. Bruins GM Don Sweeney has said repeatedly that Boston is unlikely to re-sign any of its four unrestricted free agents, including Bertuzzi.
Again...Sweeney made clear he is unlikely to sign ANY of his UFAs, including Bertuzzi, Orlov, H'way, et al.
— Kevin Paul Dupont (@GlobeKPD) June 29, 2023
Bertuzzi is going to have plenty of suitors on the open market, and the Panthers have been one of the teams reportedly interested in the wing's services. Florida has roughly $10 million in cap space, but there have been reports about the Panthers moving Anthony Duclair and potentially one of their defensemen.
Considering how the Panthers play, Bertuzzi would be a perfect fit. He's relentless on the forecheck, isn't afraid to get into the dirty areas and also is an exceptional passer. He also knows a thing or two about getting under the opponent's skin. A forward group with Bertuzzi, Matthew Tkachuk and Sam Bennett would bring no joy to opposing defenses.
Patrice Bergeron returns for one more year
Boston fans are going to be holding their breath for most of this offseason, waiting to hear the decision about captain Patrice Bergeron. He's an unrestricted free agent this summer, with the possibility of retirement looming ahead as he is set to turn 38 in July.
He may be up there in age, but Father Time hasn't caught up to Bergeron yet. The Bruins center is coming off his sixth Selke win as the league's best defensive forward, helping Boston during its record regular season.
The herniated disk is a cause for concern, but the bitter way Boston's season ended makes me think Bergeron isn't quite ready to hang up the skates yet. Bringing back Bergeron doesn't help the team's future needs at center, but it does give the Bruins another season where they can go all-in with this core group for a Stanley Cup.
Ryan O'Reilly re-signs with the Maple Leafs
Ryan O'Reilly was the best deadline acquisition for the Maple Leafs in a long time. The dominant two-way center fit in seamlessly with the star power in Toronto's forward group, skating as both a center and a wing, while providing assistance in the faceoff dot and on the power play.
The Maple Leafs aren't working with a ton of cap space, under $7 million in fact. With the pending extensions needed for Auston Matthews and Willam Nylander, GM Brad Treliving has to be cautious when handing out new deals.
With that said, there's no reason why O'Reilly wouldn't take a shorter-term deal. At 32 years old, a two- or three-year deal makes the most sense. If the Leafs can convince O'Reilly to take a slight discount to stay, he would bring a different element to the lineup that the team needs.
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Patrick Kane goes unsigned
It's hard to fathom that Patrick Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup champion, Hart Trophy winner and one of the greatest American skaters of all-time, isn't considered a must-get free agent. However, at 34 years old and coming off a couple seasons of regression, there doesn't seem to be many teams lined up to get his services.
Kane's best days are undoubtedly behind him. With him producing less on offense, his value has dipped, as his defense has always been considered a weakness. His 57 points last season were his lowest since 2012-13, when he put up 55 while only skating in 47 games.
The biggest knock against him right now is his availability. Kane underwent hip resurfacing surgery this offseason and is expected to miss 4-6 months while recovering from the operation. That puts a timetable for a return anywhere between October and December.
Teams have no idea how Kane will be once he returns, which makes him a risky option to sign. Don't be surprised to see the summer go by without a new home for Kane.
Flames lose Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm, Mikael Backlund
Tyler Toffoli was the first domino to fall in Calgary. A summer after losing both Matthew Tkachuk and Johnny Gaudreau, the Flames are facing another offseason where the club could be forced to move on from a number of core pieces.
It's been reported that all three of Noah Hanifin, Elias Lindholm and Mikael Backlund are hesitant to sign extensions. All three have one more year left on their current contracts before hitting free agency in the summer of 2024.
The Flames are sliding in the wrong direction, and it feels like if one goes, they all go. Considering Toffoli was already traded to the Devils, it doesn't look good for the others. It would make sense for Craig Conroy to move these pieces now while they have value, especially if they don't want to be a part of what Calgary is building towards.
Connor Hellebuyck traded to the Senators
Like with Karlsson, a Connor Hellebuyck trade is coming. He has one year left on his deal and has openly admitted that he does not have any interest in signing an extension to stay in Winnipeg.
There are a number of clubs that should be in the market for Hellebuyck's services, and the Senators are one of them. Ottawa made the mistake of moving Filip Gustavsson last season for Cam Talbot, a trade that did not turn out in the Sens' favor. While the club is high on prospect Mads Sogaard, Hellebuyck is not only a sure thing, but one of the top-five goaltenders in the league.
Ottawa has the cap space to bring in Hellebuyck and sign him to an extension. The team also has prospects that can be used in the deal. Winnipeg doesn't have a ton of leverage, so the cost may be less than expected, but regardless, if Ottawa is serious about being a contender, it needs an upgrade in net.