NHL’s Top 10 UFAs still available: Latest buzz
Whew.
NHL general managers dished out a record-setting $1.2 billion in player contracts and ravaged our list of top UFA talent on July 1. (And we thought business was closed on Canada Day. Hey!)
After the Day 1 dust settled, a few familiar names — and plenty of intriguing second- or third-tier ones — remain team-less.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most intriguing UFAs still hanging around the open market, with the latest on their situations.
Bargains, wily veterans, and low-risk gambles are still there to be found.
1. Vladimir Tarasenko
Age: 32
Position: RW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $5 million
The latest: The 23-goal, 55-point winger may have shifted from a top-six to a middle-six threat into his 30s, but Tarasenko is still a shooting threat with a better defensive conscience than he gets credit for.
Surely, the Russian would be amenable to remaining in Florida, where he hoisted a second Stanley Cup skating on the third line, but GM Bill Zito is being prudent with his budget.
The Penguins are reportedly one of the clubs to make the UFA an offer, as Tarasenko should be prepared to accept a pay cut from the $5 million Ottawa Senators gave him last summer… on July 27.
2. Daniel Sprong
Age: 27
Position: RW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $2 million
The latest: Making the most of his 12 minutes per night, this analytics darling put up 18 goals and 43 points for the Detroit Red Wings — yet still finds himself on the move again.
As Sprong searches for a sixth NHL team, the Rangers and Maple Leafs — who lost some scoring off their wings to free agency — may poke around for a bargain.
3. Jack Roslovic
Age: 27
Position: C / RW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $4 million
The latest: Rented from Columbus by the Rangers for their run to the Eastern Conference final, Roslovic put up eight points in 16 playoff games, despite limited ice time, and proved a worthy role player.
Not many useful forwards in their 20s are still hanging around on the open market, so Roslovic would make sense for teams such as the Flames, Ducks, and Sabres — who didn’t make a ton of noise on July 1 and need bona fide NHLers.
4. Tyler Johnson
Age: 32
Position: C
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $5 million
The latest: Battling injury and playing for a tanking team, Johnson still put up 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games for the Blackhawks.
The two-time Cup champ will need to accept a reduced salary on his next team, but he brings character, experience and the versatility of playing wing or centre.
We can see him playing third-line centre on a playoff team.
5. Nate Schmidt
Age: 32
Position: D
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $5.95 million
The latest: The good-natured Schmidt fell out of favour in Winnipeg. He’s not a $5 million defenceman anymore and got bought out.
He’s still an NHL-level defenceman and strong skater who can playing some second- or third-pair minutes. The Blue Jackets are one team that could have interest.
6. Victor Olofsson
Age: 28
Position: RW / LW
2023-24 salary cap hit: $4.75 million
The latest: Buffalo’s 2014 seventh-round pick exceeded expectations by posting three 20-goal campaigns, his numbers juiced by power-play strikes and a high shooting percentage.
Olofsson’s frustrating 2023-24 saw him play just 51 games and score only seven goals. But he’s vowed to rebound.
The Canadiens, Capitals, Kraken, and Blackhawks may want to take a short-term look at the talented scorer as a reclamation project.
7. Filip Zadina
Age: 26
Position: RW / LW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $775,000
The latest: When the worst team in the NHL doesn’t qualify you, that’s a red flag.
Despite Zadina’s unceremonious exit from San Jose, the player has pedigree. The sixth-overall pick scored 13 goals for a bad Sharks club. (Just ignore the minus-44 rating.)
Does a third NHL team see the talent and the youth and take a flyer here?
8. Calen Addison
Age: 24
Position: RD
2023-24 salary cap hit: $825,000
The latest: Addison is a 24-year-old right shot who logs 17 minutes a night and once earned All-Rookie Team votes and costs less than a million bucks.
So, why have two teams (Minnesota, San Jose) given up on him?
Addison doesn’t tilt the ice, nor produces a ton at even strength. But with the lack of available young D-men, we imagine a team will bet his best hockey still lies ahead.
9. John Klingberg
Age: 31
Position: RD
2023-24 salary cap hit: $4.15 million
The latest: Quick. Of all the remaining UFAs, who averaged the most minutes?
It’s Klingberg, who was skating 20:33 for the Maple Leafs until the hips gave out. The right-shot power-play quarterback has been so hampered by injury, one wonders if surgery and a diligent rehabilitation can resurrect his career.
No rush on the player or teams to sign, but heading into camp, Klingberg could land a tryout or a short-term deal.
He’s only 31.
10. Tyler Motte
Age: 29
Position: LW / RW
2023-24 salary cap hit: $800,000
The latest: For the price and the very specific role (checking winger who kills penalties), Motte could inject energy and experience into a club’s fourth line at a reasonable.
Hey, he’s still beloved in Vancouver.
More Notable UFAs: Tomas Tatar, Joe Pavelski, Max Pacioretty, Kyle Okposo, Tyson Barrie, Mark Giordano, Cam Atkinson, Adam Boqvist, Oliver Kylington, Erik Brannstrom, Alex Nylander, Nikita Zaitsev, Alexander Barabanov, Kevin Shattenkirk, Antti Raanta, Martin Jones, Kevin Lankinen, Pierre-Olivier Joseph, Anthony DeAngelo, Mike Hoffman, James van Riemsdyk, Tanner Pearson, Blake Wheeler, Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin, Nick Cousins
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