We Asked A.I. About the 3 Biggest NHL Free Agent Signings Ever

Have you ever wondered who the biggest-named NHL free agents ever signed were? So many players are signed every year that it is hard to narrow down the top three free-agent signings.

Today, in a fun exercise similar to a couple we’ve tried, we explored the responses we might get from posing an NHL-related question to A.I., so we tried it. Today, we asked ChatGPT: “Who were the biggest NHL free agents ever signed?”

In response, A.I. provided a list of three names: Zdeno Chara, Scott Niedermayer, and Artemi Panarin. Indeed, these three players made waves in the NHL when they signed with new teams, each leaving a significant mark on their respective franchises.

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Let’s dive in…

Analyzing Chara as a Top Free-Agent Signing

A Big Signing for the Bruins Literally and Metaphorically

We don’t disagree with Chat GPT’s choice of Zdeno Chara’s 2006 signing by the Boston Bruins as one of the best free-agent moves in NHL history. And we wholeheartedly agree with his inclusion on the list of top signings.

The 6-foot-9 Chara was an imposing physical presence, but his impact exceeded his size. His hockey IQ, leadership, and composure on the ice made him invaluable to the Bruins, helping to transform the team into a Stanley Cup contender. His role in the team’s 2011 Stanley Cup victory speaks to his legacy and ability to influence games. He played a physical game that focused on shutdown defense. He was, in short, a Bruins’ game-changer.

Chara’s arrival also reshaped the Bruins’ identity and culture, making his signing a key moment for the franchise. NHL Trade Talk emphasizes that his combination of skill, leadership, and intelligence was integral to the Bruins’ success, making him a natural choice for inclusion as one of the top free-agent signings of all time.

Analyzing Niedermayer as a Top Free-Agent Signing

Niedermayer Helped the Ducks Win the Stanley Cup

NHL Trade Talk agrees with Scott Niedermayer’s inclusion on the list of top free-agent signings, recognizing his significant impact on the Anaheim Ducks. In comparison, his influence wasn’t as overt as someone like Chara. However, Niedermayer’s elite two-way game, leadership, and ability to control play from the blue line gave the Ducks the stability they needed to become legitimate contenders.

His signing in 2005 helped the Ducks win their first Stanley Cup in 2007, with Niedermayer earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. His leadership, experience, and presence were crucial to the franchise’s success, making him a key part of their transformation into champions.

Analyzing Panarin as a Top Free-Agent Signing

The Rangers Pivoted Their Rebuild for Panarin… Did It Work?

NHL Trade Talk acknowledges Artemi Panarin’s skill and impact on the New York Rangers, but we feel his inclusion on the list of top free-agent signings might be overstated. His signing was intriguing, mostly because it came right after the Rangers released a statement to their fans saying they were rebuilding and asked for their patience. It was clear the organization didn’t have that same patience.

While Panarin has elevated the Rangers with his dynamic playmaking and scoring, his signing hasn’t yet led to long-term success or a Stanley Cup that would earn him a place among the best free-agent signings.

While Panarin made the team more competitive, his impact hasn’t been as profound as others on the list, and the Rangers are still searching for a championship with him on the roster.

Ed Belfour Is a Better Choice than Panarin

The Goalie Backstopped the Stars to a Stanley Cup

Instead of Panarin’s signing with the New York Rangers, NHL Trade Talk believes that a better choice might be Ed Belfour’s 1997 signing with the Dallas Stars, which had a more immediate and transformative effect. Belfour’s arrival as a star goaltender helped elevate the Stars to Stanley Cup glory in 1999, solidifying his place as a game-changer for the franchise. If NHL Trade Talk had expanded its list, Belfour would undoubtedly have earned a spot due to his pivotal role in the Stars’ success.

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