5 pending UFAs who should re-sign with their current teams

There's no place like home.

While several pending unrestricted free agents have already re-upped with their current clubs, we identify five more players who shouldn't bother finding a new home this summer.

Ryan O'Reilly, Maple Leafs Claus Andersen / Getty Images Sport / Getty

As one of the best centers available in a UFA class that's weak down the middle, O'Reilly could likely get more money elsewhere. But with already $76.7 million in estimated career earnings, he's pretty set financially.

The Leafs have enough cap flexibility to make O'Reilly a fair offer, but if he's willing to take a slight discount to stay, it could do wonders for the team and his own legacy. A diehard fanbase that has seen its star players pinch the team for every dollar will adore a player who takes less to stay.

O'Reilly has already won a Stanley Cup, a Conn Smythe Trophy, and a Selke Trophy with the St. Louis Blues, but if he were able to help deliver a championship to Toronto, he'd forever be considered a legend in hockey's biggest market.

The Leafs very well might be forever cursed, but on paper, they still have a team good enough to contend moving forward. In Toronto, O'Reilly would get to play alongside great players - potentially as the club's No. 2 center if John Tavares is moved to the wing - and the Clinton, Ontario, native would get to stay close to home.

Frederik Andersen, Hurricanes Gregg Forwerck / National Hockey League / Getty

Andersen finished fourth in Vezina Trophy voting during his first year in Carolina. But in Year 2, he battled injuries and inconsistent play when he was healthy. Because of the down season, the 33-year-old is likely looking at another modest deal in free agency.

But staying with the defensively strong Hurricanes on a one-year deal gives Andersen his best chance at rebuilding his value and cashing in next offseason when the salary cap is set to go up. Carolina is one of the league's most goalie-friendly teams, as the team finished first in the NHL in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five in 2022-23, per Natural Stat Trick.

Andersen would have to split the crease with 24-year-old Pyotr Kochetkov. But as the more proven and experienced netminder between the two, the Danish veteran would more likely be the 1A in the platoon.

Evan Rodrigues, Avalanche Michael Martin / National Hockey League / Getty

Rodrigues was appreciated more in Colorado this past season than he ever has been throughout his eight-year NHL career. He was a bona fide top-six forward for the first time, logging 17:51 per game - over two minutes more than he's ever averaged in a single season. He made it count, too, producing 16 goals and 23 assists in 69 games for a personal-best 0.57 points per contest.

So, not only do the Avalanche properly value Rodrigues - whose terrific underlying numbers have long warranted a more prominent role - but they also offer a great chance to win. Rodrigues wasn't part of Colorado's Stanley Cup in 2022, so he's still chasing a ring. But with some savvy moves already made by a smart front office with the additions of Ryan Johansen and Ross Colton, the Avs are gearing up for another run in 2024.

As long as Colorado is willing to properly compensate Rodrigues with a market-value contract, there's no reason he shouldn't stay.

Joonas Korpisalo, Kings Harry How / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Most of Korpisalo's eight-year career has been spent as a backup or the 1B in a platoon, but he finally got his chance to be the true No. 1 after he was traded to Los Angeles at the deadline. He made it count, posting a sparkling .921 save percentage and 2.13 goals against average in 11 regular-season games with the Kings.

If Korpisalo re-signs in L.A., his main competition for starts would be 31-year-old journeyman Pheonix Copley. The Kings are an excellent defensive team, too, finishing second in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes at five-on-five last season. So, Korpisalo would have a lot of light nights, unlike when he was getting pelted by shots with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

The Kings have a lot of young talent and an excellent farm system, so they project to be a good team even when franchise icons like Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty move on. They also still have enough cap space to give Korpisalo the contract he deserves. Plus, who wouldn't want to live in sunny L.A.?

Radko Gudas, Panthers Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty

Every team could use a mean, nasty, defenseman on their team like Gudas, which is why his market will likely be large - especially as a right shot. But staying in Florida would allow the well-traveled veteran to settle down on a team that should remain competitive moving forward.

It could also represent an opportunity for extra playing time. Aaron Ekblad and Brandon Montour are in jeopardy of missing the start of the 2023-24 season due to injuries, meaning Gudas could be in line for an expanded role until his fellow right D-men are back up to speed.

Additionally, it's hard to beat the Florida weather. No state income tax is a nice bonus, too.

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