NHL Free Agents 2024: Rumors, Predictions for Oliver Kylington, Tyler Johnson, More

The 2024 edition of NHL free agency kicked off on Monday and was quickly followed by a flood of activities. Most of the market’s biggest names were off the board within the first couple of days, though some notable transactions have continued to trickle through.

On Wednesday, for example, newly crowned champion Vladimir Tarasenko signed a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings.

The activity has slowed a bit, but some quality free agents are still available entering Day 5. Here, you’ll find a look at some of the latest buzz and a few predictions for some of the most intriguing players left on the market.

Defenseman Oliver Kylington had an impressive NHL return this past season. After taking roughly a year-and-a-half away from the game to focus on his mental health, Kylington came back to appear in 33 games and was a finalist for The Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy.

However, Kylington entered free agency without a new contract, and according to Calgary Flames general manager Craig Conroy, Kylington and the Flames could be close to parting ways.

“The door is closing, but it’s not closed,” Conroy told Sportsnet 960 on Wednesday.

It seems that the disconnect between Calgary and Kylington comes down to contract length.

“Calgary desired a one-year extension with Oliver Kylington, but the player is seeking a second year—likely in the mold of Toronto’s new two-year, $3M AAV extension with Timothy Liljegren, a very fair comparable,” Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman wrote on Monday.

Kylington scored 31 points in 73 games during the 2021-22 season and is still only 27 years old. If the Flames aren’t willing to offer a second year of contract security, another team likely will.

Prediction: Kylington leaves Calgary and signs a two-year deal with a fringe contender like the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Center Tyler Johnson is one of the most notable names remaining on the market, having won back-to-back championships with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2020 and 2021.

Johnson has spent the last three seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. While Johnson’s profile declined while playing for the rebuilding Chicago franchise, he’s remained a dependable contributor when healthy.

In 67 games this past season, Johnson recorded 17 goals and 14 assists. He’s coming off of a seven-year, $35 million contract and isn’t likely to see a significant payday at 33 years old. However, he should still draw a good amount of interest based on his recent production and postseason experience.

A return to Chicago is technically possible, but it certainly feels like Johnson will set his sights on a playoff contender.

“I’m obviously thankful for being here,” Johnson said in April, per Rob Couch of The Hockey News. “I’ve met a lot of good people, but it wasn’t exactly what I envisioned or wanted.”

Expect Johnson to sign a team-friendly contract with a team that made the postseason or came close this past season.

Prediction: Johnson signs with a legitimate playoff contender like the Colorado Avalanche

Forward Daniel Sprong is an interesting free agent because of his career arc. A 2015 draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Sprong went on to play for five different franchises, most recently with the Red Wings.

The 27-year-old journeyman has emerged as a bit of a scoring specialist over the past two seasons, racking up 39 goals and 89 points during that span. He might not offer much defensively, but Sprong should provide value as an additional offensive option.

A return to Detroit feels unlikely after the Tarasenko signing, though he could still be back as a budget role player.

The Red Wings rank second in available cap space behind only te Anaheim Ducks, according to Spotrac. However, Sprong’s scoring potential and ability to play ether wing could land him a more lucrative offer elsewhere.

“His scoring gives him bargaining power for a pay raise, but his prioritization of scoring is antithetical to the defensive responsibility that Detroit wants to emphasize in the future,” Connor Earegood of The Hockey News wrote on June 30.

Sprong could linger on the market for a bit, given his relatively one-dimensional style of play, but he should he should eventually land a respectable contract outside of Detroit.

Prediction: Sprong signs with a team in need of scoring assistance, like the St. Louis Blues

While most franchises are busy digging through the list of available big names, another interesting free-agent option appears to have emerged. According to The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline, 3-year-old defenseman Ryan Murray is angling for a comeback.

“Ryan Murray, the No. 2 overall pick in 2012, hopes to sign a PTO w an #NHL club this summer,” Portzline posted on X. ”
He had surgery that, he believes, has found the answer to his chronic back injuries. Last played 13 games w Oilers in ’23. Won a Cup w Avs in ’22.”

Murray was selected second overall in 2012 by the Columbus Blue Jackets and spent seven seasons with the franchise before being traded to the New Jersey Devils. He spent the 2022-23 season with the Edmonton Oilers, though he only appeared in 13 games that year.

While Murray’s production has never matched his draft status, injuries have largely been to blame. He fleshed plenty of his potential early in his career—he played 82 games and scored 25 points in his third season—and if he is indeed healthy, he should get some consideration for a tryout contract.

Prediction: Murray gets an opportunity with a rebuilding team like the Columbus Blue Jackets or San Jose Sharks