Free Agent Rapid Review: Immediately Impactful Signings from the Offseason
Taking a closer look at players who are in new jerseys this season and who has made a strong first impression for their new team
When a new contract is signed, it's hoped the player will hit their stride right away and be on the stat sheet as soon as possible. Whether that comes in the form of points, defensive effectiveness, or just team chemistry in general. 10 games is often not enough for the impact to be made: new city, new system, and many other adjustment factors often require longer periods for a player to catch their stride. But, there are players this season, such as Vladimir Tarasenko, Evan Rodrigues, and others who have displayed their contract's value immediately.
Vladimir Tarasenko
With 9 points in 8 games played, Tarasenko has been a major producer for the Senators, 2nd on the team in points (3G/6A) behind Tim Stutzle, and 2nd on the team in Points per 60 with 4.47 (4.47 Points/60 is also 8th in the league for players who have played 4+ games). 6 of his points came in the first 4 games, finding a connection right away with linemates Josh Norris and Drake Batherson. Averaging just over 15 minutes of ice time per game, Tarasenko has been on the ice for 10 of the 32 goals the Senators have scored so far, 8th on the team.
Tyler Toffoli
As a top 5 scoring team in the NHL, the Devils' top lines are producing in all situations, led by top talent of Jack Hughes, Timo Meier and Nico Hischier. But inserting Tyler Toffoli into the lineup this year has boosted the scoring to another level, complementing the skill of Hughes and Meier. The Devils have scored 35 goals this year (5th in the league), 7 of which came from Toffoli and all at even strength and leads the team in Even Strength Points per 60 (3.43), with 13.1 minutes of even strength ice time. It is obvious how dangerous this line is at even strength, as Toffoli's Even Strength Shots on Goal per 60 is 1st on the Devils and top 30 in the league amongst players who have played 4+ games.
Evan Rodrigues
As the first line LW, it's expected that a player is producing for on the scoreboard. But Rodrigues' 9 points in 8 games has proven to vital for the Panthers' success. Evan Rodrigues has been on the ice for 54.5% of the team's goals, highest on the team. While he has been on the ice for 12 opposing goals, his net offense (corsi - giveaway + takeaways) comes out to 2nd on the team, and 18th in the league. Rodrigues was signed for $3,000,000 AAV for 4 years this offseason, and for active Left Wing or Right Wing contracts similar to Rodrigues', he is among the top producers, only behind Erik Haula and Mathieu Joseph in Points per 60. To include centers, as Rodrigues' primary position is Center, he ranks 7th in the league in Points per 60 (for players with similar contracts).
Erik Gustafsson
Erik Gustafsson signed with the Rangers as a third line defenseman, and providing an option for matchups that require a less offensive pairing. Signed for $825,000, Gustafsson has proven his reliability quickly, averaging 17.7 minutes per game. For defensemen who average 17+ minutes per game this season, Gustafsson ranks 4th in fewest On-Ice Shot Attempts Against per Game (including goals), behind Luke Hughes, Dmitry Orlov and Calen Addison. For defensemen at or under $1,000,000 AAV and have played 3+ games, Erik Gustafsson 5th in average time on ice and has been on the ice for 3rd most takeaways (15).
