This series has fallen under the radar, but I’m back writing a Bargain Bin. Buckle up for a lengthier piece. Otherwise, this Bargain Bin is jam-packed with news, rumors, opinions, and more. Let’s get into today’s edition of the Bargain Bin.
Players Signing Overseas:
I should mention that this list doesn’t include every single player to sign overseas this offseason. I will provide you with the most recent players from the NHL to sign with an overseas team.
Anton Stralman was formerly with the Boston Bruins and is now signed with HV71 in the SHL.
Ondrej Kase was formerly with the Carolina Hurricanes and is now signed with HC Litvinov in Czechia.
Denis Malgin was formerly with the Colorado Avalanche and is now signed with the ZSC Lions in the NL/CHL.
Derek Grant was formerly with the Anaheim Ducks and is now signed with the ZSC Lions in the NL/CHL.
Gabriel Carlsson was formerly with the Washington Capitals and is now signed with Vaxjo Lakers HC in the SHL.
Dylan Ferguson was formerly with the Ottawa Senators and is now signed with Dinamo Minsk in the KHL.
Patrik Nemeth was formerly with the Arizona Coyotes and is now signed with SC Bern in the NL.
While there are certainly more names on this list, these are the most recent, dating back to July 20th, 2023. It will be interesting to see if one or more players on this list make a return to the NHL level once their overseas contracts expire.
First-Round 2023 NHL Entry Draft Players Who Signed Their Entry-Level Contracts
Connor Bedard – Chicago Blackhawks
Bedard signed his entry-level contract on July 17th. He is expected that he will play in the NHL for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Connor Bedard Draft Prospect Profile
“One of the aspects of Connor’s game that sticks out the most and is often talked about is his shot. Bedard has an NHL level shot and has the potential to have one of the best shots in hockey.”
Nathan Bondy – Inside The Rink – June 2, 2023
Leo Carlsson – Anaheim Ducks
Carlsson signed his entry-level contract on July 12th. He might play in the NHL or for Orebro in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Leo Carlsson Draft Prospect Profile
“Carlsson is a dominant two-way forward with an incredibly high ceiling, as shown by his consistent development and his quest to play at a higher level.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – May 14, 2023
Adam Fantilli – Columbus Blue Jackets
Fantilli signed his entry-level contract on July 1st. He is expected t play in the NHL for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Adam Fantilli Draft Prospect Profile
“With one of the strongest developed games in this draft class, Fantilli could excel early on alongside Bedard as a solid draft pick. Fantilli has the drive and the dedication to be a hardworking power forward in the NHL.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – May 13, 2023
David Reinbacher – Montreal Canadiens
Reinbacher signed his entry-level contract on July 5th. He could play in the NHL, the AHL, or for Kloten in the National League in Switzerland.
Nate Danielson – Detroit Red Wings
Danielson signed his entry-level on July 12th. He is expected that he will return to the Brandon Wheat Kings in the Western Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Nate Danielson Draft Prospect Profile
“Danielson is gifted offensively and looks like he is miles ahead of his competition at times. The 6’1″ 185-pound center is a true leader on the ice, using his intelligence and his speed to leverage the advantage for his team.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – May 13, 2023
Dalibor Dvorsky – St. Louis Blues
Dvorsky signed his entry-level contract on July 14th. He will play for Oskarshamn in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Dalibor Dvorsky Draft Prospect Profile
“Dvorsky has played a crucial role since his debut with the men’s team, solidifying him as a middle-six defensive forward. On top of the consistent development path, Dalibor Dvorsky is signed to play with AIK of HockeyAllsvenskan for the 2023-24 season. This will be incredibly lucrative for teams who are looking to build toward the future.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – May 6, 2023
Zach Benson – Buffalo Sabres
Benson signed his entry-level contract on July 28th. He is expected to play for Wenatchee of the Western Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Zach Benson Draft Prospect Profile
“Benson has infectious energy on the ice, and his teammates are elevated to how Benson plays. Benson works hard and will push himself to the absolute limits for his teammates, and this is the kind of guy you don’t typically find going outside of the top five.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – June 9, 2023
Samuel Honzek – Calgary Flames
Honzek signed his entry-level contract on July 26th. He is expected to play for Vancouver in the Western Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Samuel Honzek Draft Prospect Profile
“I think Honzek will add strength, skilled skating, great puck and stick handling, as well as good leadership to whichever team drafts him. Hopefully we’ll see him as a future NHL star.”
Gabrielle Klempner – Inside The Rink – June 28, 2023
Eduard Sale – Seattle Kraken
Sale signed his entry-level contract on July 16th. He is expected to play for Brno in Extraliga for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Eduard Sale Draft Prospect Profile
“Sale is dominant in controlling the speed of the play and uses the positioning of his opponents as his weapon to impact the game.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – April 30, 2023
Tanner Molendyk – Nashville Predators
Molendyk signed his entry-level contract on July 6th. He is expected to play for the Saskatoon Blades of the WHL for the 2023-24 season.
Related: Tanner Molendyk Draft Prospect Profile
“Tanner Molendyk has the ability to be a force in the NHL, and he likes to shoot the puck and make sure the puck is being moved, which could be a valuable asset of Molendyk’s come draft day.”
Conrad Jack – Inside The Rink – May 4, 2023
David Edstrom – Vegas Golden Knights
Edstrom signed his entry-level contract on July 15th. He is expected to play for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League for the 2023-24 season.
Grading Three Notable Free Agent Signings & Contract Extensions:
I say notable because there has been some rather interesting free agent signings throughout the month of July and early August.
Matt Dumba – Arizona Coyotes
On August 6th, the Arizona Coyotes announced that they have signed Matt Dumba to a one year deal worth $3.9 million. While it was rumoured earlier in July that Dumba may sign with the Coyotes, and it actually happened.
I like this deal because its a low one year show me contract, Dumba gets an opportunity to be a star in a market that wants to be competitive now. I’d grade this deal an 8/10.
Vince Dunn – Seattle Kraken
On July 21st, the Seattle Kraken announced that they signed Vince Dunn to a four-year pre-arbitration contract settlement worth $7.35 million annually.
I wasn’t too sure what to think about this contract at first, especially since Dunn exploded in points this past season. However, the cap is expected to go up significantly in the next few years and this could become a steal of a deal. I’d grade this deal an 8.75/10.
Sebastian Aho – Carolina Hurricanes
On July 26th, the Carolina Hurricanes announced that they had signed Sebastian Aho to an eight-year contract extension worth $9.75 million annually. This contract will have a full no-novement clause throughout the entirety of the contract and a modified no-trade clause in the final year of the contract.
I like this contract, it is really friendly for the Hurricanes, especially with the likely cap going up significantly in the next few years. It’s under an average-annual value of $10 million and Carolina gets the max length possible on the contract. I’d grade this deal a 9.5/10.
