Top 3 UFA Left-Shot Defenders This Summer

Around the league, the left shot defender is plentiful, with several teams stacking up at the position. After all, 60-70% of the league IS left-handed. That being said, the past few playoffs have shown the importance of having 6 tough, puck-moving defenders to keep the puck out of your net, because after all, defence wins championships. (if Edmonton wins tonight, just forget I said that).

1. Brady Skjei - Expected salary range: $6,000,000 - $7,500,000

Player Role: a solid NHL defenseman known for his strong skating and reliable defensive play. He effectively combines physicality with mobility, contributing both defensively and offensively when needed.

Coming off of (another) second round exit to the Rangers, the Canes had an early end to their season after putting together a veteran back end, coupled with top goalscorers and playmakers upfront. Unfortunately, the Frederick Andersen/Kochetkov tandem were no match for Igor Shesterkin and his incredible postseason performance. Now, none of this blame can be put on the 30 year old, left-shot Skjei, who posted 9 points through 11 games, with a +6 goal differential while on ice. On top of that, Skjei had a 60% fenwick percentage, displaying how well the Canes played while he was on the ice. This performance set him up for a lot of interest this summer, and likely a longer term deal where he can spend the next 4-6 years competing for the Stanley Cup with a ready-to-go contender. 

2. Nikita Zadorov - Expected Salary Range: $5,500,000 - $6,500,000

Player Role: a skilled NHL defenseman known for his physicality and imposing presence on the ice. He excels in delivering hard hits and using his size to disrupt opponents, while also contributing to some of his team's offensive output.

After being traded in February from the Flames to the Canucks for a 5th and 3rd round pick, Zadorov made sure to have an immediate impact in his return to B.C. With 8 points through 13 playoff games, and 45 hits, Zadorov was able to add more offence to his postseason efforts with the Canucks. In fact, his +3.5 goals-above-expected displays just how much he exceeded his offensive expectations. With a couple clutch goals in the playoffs and bone-crushing hits, Zadorov has risen on people's wishlist come July 1st. At this point, it seems very unlikely he returns to Vancouver, maybe having him reunite in Toronto with General Manager Brad Treliving, or even staying out West to replace Matt Roy, a defensemen that may be on his way out of LA this summer. Without much news as to where the 29-year-old Moscow native might go, it will make for an even more exciting day 1 of free agency. 

 3. Brenden Dillon - Expected Salary Range: $4,000,000-$5,000,000

Player Role: a dependable NHL defenseman recognized for his physical play and defensive reliability. He brings a strong physical presence to the blue line, effectively using his size and strength to protect his zone and support his team's defensive efforts.

The 6’4”, 225 lb defensemen from Surrey chalked up 242 hits in 77 GP this past season, along with a cool +20 in the plus/minus column. His strong defensive play contributed to Winnipeg’s insane defensive performance nearly all season long. Due an unfortunate injury in the postseason, Dillon was only able to play 3 games, despite him putting up 3 assists through these games. This clutch play and physical presence has him on several teams list come day 1 of free agency. 

Honourable Mentions: Shane Gostisbehere, Oliver-Ekman Larsson, Erik Gustafsson, Dmitry Kulikov