NHL
*NOTE* This article was written by former TSJ writer, John Lehocki.
Three underrated free agents for teams to consider
The free agency crop in 2018 isn’t the most impressive, but there are always a few big names who get talked about. This season includes John Tavares, James Van Riemsdyk, James Neal, Paul Stastny, and Tyler Bozak. There are a few players who haven’t been highlighted who should be, and could be a great addition to some teams at a low cost.
Nail Yakupov
Yakupov went from to 1st overall pick in 2012 to barely making an NHL roster in 2017-2018. Yakupov played for the Oilers for four seasons from 2012 to 2016. He also spent a season with St. Louis and Colorado afterwards. He will be an unrestricted free agent this season after failing to receive a qualifying offer from the Colorado Avalanche. Yakupov put up a career-high 33 points in 81 games in 2014-2015 with the Edmonton Oilers. He doesn’t have the same WOW factor that he had when he was first drafted, but there is still potential. He can be a great asset on a team’s third line. Teams who should inquire about him include the Pittsburgh Penguins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Anaheim Ducks.
Tobias Rieder
Tobias Rieder is coming off a disappointing season. After starting with the Arizona Coyotes, Rieder was traded to the Los Angeles Kings on February 21st with Scott Wedgewood for goaltender Darcy Kuemper. Rieder is a speedy winger who also has great potential. He did not receive a qualifying offer from the Kings. Rieder put up a career-high 37 points in 2015-2016 and would like an opportunity to improve on that. I would expect Rieder to end up on a Canadian team. Teams that would be interested in the speedy winger include the Ottawa Senators, Edmonton Oilers, and Vancouver Canucks.
Brian Gibbons
Brian Gibbons is the definition of an AHL veteran who finally got his opportunity in the NHL. Gibbons played for the New Jersey Devils this season. He served a great role on the penalty kill and provided a strong veteran presence. At the age of 30, Gibbons has a total of 125 NHL games under his belt, and has put up 17 goals and 48 points. There are a few teams who could use a veteran presence on their fourth line and could benefit from Gibbons. These teams include the Nashville Predators, Dallas Stars, and Calgary Flames.
