NHL free agency began over a week ago, and as is the case every year, there are under-the-radar signings that stand out upon reflection.
Whether it’s a veteran taking a cheap deal, a young player trying to crack an NHL lineup or a good re-signing, some of the smaller deals deserve a closer look.
Here are five of the most under-the-radar signings, in no particular order.
Brent Burns, D, Colorado Avalanche
One year, $1 million, plus $4 million in performance bonuses
It’s not often that an upper-level defenseman for two decades at the NHL level is considered an under-the-radar player, but it’s because the 40-year-old Burns remains one of the oldest active players in the NHL.
Burns’ offensive numbers have fallen off in recent years, but this past season in Carolina, he still got 29 points while averaging 20:57 of ice time. In Colorado, he’ll play considerably less than that, keeping him fresh throughout the year and allowing him to focus on his strengths, including shooting and making solid breakout passes.
Burns will earn a $3-million bonus at 10 games played, but he’ll get another $1 million if he plays 70 games and averages 23 minutes or more, which is unlikely. It’s a good signing for Avalanche GM Chris MacFarland, and we expect he will thrive playing alongside Colorado’s many top-tier talents.
Evgenii Dadonov, RW, New Jersey Devils
One year, $1 million, plus $2.25 million in performance bonuses
Dadonov, 36, has bounced around the NHL since 2020-21, playing on four different teams during that span.
He has performance bonuses that could boost the cap hit of the deal to $3.25 million, including $250,000 every 10 games played until he reaches 50 and $300,000 for making the playoffs and playing at least 40 games. New Jersey will be thrilled to pay out those bonuses if he reaches them, because he can still put up some excellent secondary scoring.
Getting someone who scored 20 goals and 40 points for Dallas last season is the type of depth signing that will likely only look like great business by Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald.
Radek Faksa, C, Dallas Stars
Three years, $2 million AAV
Faksa has produced a maximum of 20 points in each of his past six seasons, so $2 million might seem a bit high at first glance.
Faksa is still only 31 years old, however, and his defensive acumen, faceoff success and mistake-free game are what brought him back to Dallas after a season away from the organization in St. Louis. Faksa’s three-year pact is a wise depth investment from Stars GM Jim Nill. He won’t make many highlight reels, but he’ll be an important bottom-six forward for the cap-strapped Stars, which lost Mikael Granlund in free agency.
Alex Steeves, LW, Boston Bruins
One year, $850,000
After a successful NCAA career at Notre Dame, Steeves has spent the past four years in the Maple Leafs organization, becoming one of the most potent AHL players in that span.
This past season, Steeves was named a second-team AHL all-star after putting up a career-best 36 goals and 62 points in 59 games. But he’s never gotten a long look with the Leafs, playing only 14 NHL games. The 25-year-old could get a much longer look with the retooling Bruins, and at the bargain basement price tag of $850,000, he could prove to be one of the NHL’s best investments this coming year.
Steven Lorentz, LW, Toronto Maple Leafs
Three years, $1.35 million AAV
Despite being an ECHLer in 2018-19, Lorentz won a Calder Cup in the AHL that season and a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers in 2023-24.
This past season in Toronto, Lorentz matched his career high in points, with 19. But it’s Lorentz’s skills as a physical forward and penalty-killer that have earned him a three-year deal with the Leafs.
His 199 hits were the second-most on the Leafs in 2024-25. He also averaged only 10:33 of ice time, but 1:08 of that was on the PK.
As the cap rises in the coming years, Lorentz’s salary will be close to the league minimum, making his contract a savvy move by Buds GM Brad Treliving.
Get the
latest news and trending stories by following The Hockey News on Google News and by
subscribing to The Hockey News newsletter here. And share your thoughts by commenting below
the article on THN.com.
Read the full article here
