NHL Free Agency Rumor: New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens emerge as landing spots for ex $6.95M Seattle Kraken winger | NHL News
Eeli Tolvanen, the former Seattle Kraken’s right winger, recorded 12 goals and 24 assists for 36 points across 78 games in the 2025-26 season before his two year contract expired at the end of the season. The Finnish winger is now an unrestricted free agent and the New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens have been linked to him.
| Category | Details |
| Player | Eeli Tolvanen |
| Current Status | Unrestricted Free Agent (UFA) |
| Rumored Teams | Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, New York Rangers |
| Signing Likelihood | Moderate |
| Latest Insider Update | Eeli Tolvanen remains a top tier depth target in August, with the Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens being heavily linked to him. New York Rangers have also been predicted as a landing spot. |
Which teams are interested in Eeli Tolvanen?
The Detroit Red Wings and Montreal Canadiens are currently the primary teams linked to the popular right winger, Eeli Tolvanen.But as per NHL insiders, the New York Rangers and the Buffalo Sabres have also been rumored to be eyeing him.
What are insiders saying about the rumors?
NHL insider Michael DeRosa noted in a recent report for Heavy Sports as, “When looking at the remaining unrestricted free agents (UFAs) still available, Eeli Tolvanen is one player who the Rangers should strongly consider signing. He would have the potential to be a very solid addition to their forward group, as he chips in offensively and also plays a heavy game. If the Rangers signed Tolvanen, he would certainly have the potential to provide their third line with a nice boost. He could form a solid trio with Bjorkstrand and Noah Laba, as he would give that line a useful two-way forward who also plays with an edge.”In another report for The Hockey News, NHL insider Michael DeRosa added, “If the Canadiens signed Tolvanen, he would provide them with a gritty forward who can also chip in some offense. The 27-year-old winger spent last season with the Seattle Kraken, where he recorded 12 goals, 24 assists, 36 points, and 187 hits. This was after he set career highs with 23 goals and 237 hits during the 2024-25 season with Seattle. With numbers like these, he would have the potential to improve Montreal’s forward depth. If the Canadiens signed Tolvanen, he could be a strong fit in their bottom six. He would also give them another option to work with on their penalty kill because of his solid two-way play.”
How will this impact the teams?
For the New York Rangers, signing Eeli Tolvanen will be a bit expensive but the team gets a low cost forward to maximize their remaining playoff money.For the Montreal Canadiens, signing Eeli Tolvanen will not be that expensive as the team gets an affordable winger to help shelter their younger players.
