NHL free agents to watch: Alex Killorn, JT Compher, Ivan Barbashev lead intriguing class

Stanley Cup rings have primed a handful of players for big payouts when NHL free desk opens Saturday.

Recent champions Alex Killorn, JT Compher and Ivan Barbashev, as well as three-time winner Patrick Kane, are among the players available on the free agent market. It features a handful of intriguing veteran goalkeepers and not many top defenders.

Here’s a rundown of some of the best free agents:

ALEX KILLORN

With 27 goals, 37 assists and 65 points, Killorn could earn the highest salary of any player who achieves unrestricted free pick. He helped the Tampa Bay Lightning win the Cup back-to-back in 2020 and ’21 and reach the Finals in 2022, playing a key role during each run.

Killorn also turns 34 for opening night and plays a heavy game style. Still, he’s a proven winner, much like former teammate Ondrej Palat, who cashed in last summer on a five-year, $30 million contract.

JT COMPHER

The Avalanche would like to bring back Compher, a versatile 28-year-old forward who can play both center and wing and also has a career year with 52 points behind him. They have some extra cap space to use as captain Gabriel Landeskog will likely spend the entire season on long-term injured reserve following knee cartilage replacement surgery.

In addition, Colorado traded Alex Newhook, a restricted free agent, to Montreal on Tuesday, so there may be a way back for Compher. If not, he will be well compensated in the open market.

IVAN BARBASHEV

The most recent Cup champion also has two rings. He played a key role in the Vegas Golden Knights’ title fight last season, four years after helping St. Louis win it all.

Barbashev is the perfect playoff player: big, heavy, durable and also able to contribute offensively at key moments. He had 18 points in 22 playoff games this year.

PATRICK CAN

The second most prolific scorer among US-born players is the most accomplished star alive. With Chicago he won the cup three times.

But Kane is 34 and may miss several months to recover from hip resurfacing surgery, which only Washington’s Nick Backstrom and one other player have recovered from. Kane is the perfect veteran addition to a growing team ready to take that next step.

DMITRY ORLOV

Another Cup winner (from the Capitals in 2018), Orlov made real money with an impressive number of months in Boston after a trade from Washington. After 19 points in 43 games with the Capitals, Orlov had 17 in 23 the remainder of the regular season with the Bruins.

He will soon be 32, so he may not get the maximum eight-year contract. But it’s not inconceivable to propose $36 million for Orlov over six seasons.

OLIVER EKMAN-LARSSON

The 31-year-old Swede was not supposed to be transfer-free for another four summers. Then the Vancouver Canucks bought him out and put an intriguing player in the pool.

Ekman-Larsson has not been at his best in recent years, but the right opportunity could allow him to recapture some of his previous successes.

FREDERIK ANDERSEN

On the verge of turning 33, Andersen has taken three different organizations to the playoffs during his long career. He also was good for Carolina last spring, going 5-3 with an average of 1.83 goals against and a .927 save percentage.

Andersen could return to the Hurricanes, but they may be in the market for a change of net. Pyotr Kochetkov is 24 and the future. Andersen can still help a contender to victory.

TRISTAN JARRY

A 2022 All-Star with Pittsburgh, Jarry is only 28 and may still have the potential to become an above-average NHL starter. The Penguins are firmly in win-now mode with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang under contract, so they could go big for a goalie via a trade.

Jarry is younger than Andersen and Antti Raanta and may be lining up elsewhere for a nice payday.