Fantasy hockey reaction to 2022 NHL free agency signings, trades and more

The 2022 NHL free agent class had a busy Wednesday, with many players finding new homes around the league. Johnny Gaudreau left the Calgary Flames for the Columbus Blue Jackets, while the Carolina Hurricanes swung some big trades and a handful of goalies, like Darcy Kuemper, Jack Campbell, Cam Talbot, Matt Murray and more, swapped creases.

Will the big defenseman Brent Burns continue to be a top fantasy option in Carolina? What effect will Claude Giroux and Andre Burakovsky have on their new linemates? ESPN Fantasy Hockey analysts Victoria Matiash and Sean Allen sort through the biggest free agent deals to help fantasy managers prepare for the 2022-23 season.

NHL free agent tracker | Trade grades | Free agency winners and losers

Jump ahead: Johnny Gaudreau | Max Pacioretty |Ondrej Palat | Brent Burns | Evander Kane | Claude Giroux | Jack Campbell | Matt Murray | Vincent Trocheck | Rickard Rakell | Evgeni Malkin | Andrew Copp | Darcy Kuemper | David Perron | Ilya Samsonov | Valeri Nichushkin | Andre Burakovsky | Cam Talbot | Max Domi | Pavel Zacha | Ryan Strome | Justin Schultz | Mason Marchment | Eric Comrie

Johnny Gaudreau, W, Columbus Blue Jackets:

Adding superstar wingers without an established superstar center doesn't always work out. That said, it's hard to think of a line that would have more dangerous flanks in the NHL than one with Gaudreau on one side and an inspired Patrik Laine on the other. So maybe this really pays dividends for Gaudreau and Laine in another season or two when Cole Sillinger and/or Kent Johnson are ready for prime time. That said, maybe the kids are ready to go or maybe Jack Roslovic is all the Jackets need given the elite talent on either side. But I think this landing spot drops Gaudreau