Top NHL Free Agents Still Available: Impact Players Teams Should Consider

Explore the top remaining NHL free agents and their potential impact on teams as the free agency period continues.

The NHL free agency period has seen a flurry of activity, but there are still some impactful players available. Here’s a look at the top unrestricted free agents and how they could benefit teams looking to bolster their rosters.

The Forwards

Jack Roslovic, C

  • Age: 28
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.8 million Jack Roslovic is the most tantalizing player left in free agency. Last season, he played 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring 22 goals and 17 assists. Known for his instant offense, Roslovic could be a valuable addition to teams like the Maple Leafs, Capitals, or Canucks.

Max Pacioretty, LW

  • Age: 36
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $873,770 Max Pacioretty, a seasoned veteran, has played for four teams in the past four seasons. Despite injuries, he showed his worth in the postseason with the Leafs, making him a potential asset for contending teams.

Victor Olofsson, RW

  • Age: 30
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1.075 million Victor Olofsson scored 15 goals last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. His ability to play with top centers and contribute on the power play makes him a valuable free agent.

Robby Fabbri, F

  • Age: 29
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $4 million Robby Fabbri, despite injuries, has shown he can produce offensively. Teams looking for depth scoring might consider him, though his salary expectations are lower than his previous $4.25 million.

Joel Kiviranta, F

  • Age: 29
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $775,000 Joel Kiviranta is a reliable fourth-line forward who generated 16 goals last season. While his postseason performance has been lacking, he remains a solid depth option.

Luke Kunin, F

  • Age: 27
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million Luke Kunin had a solid run with the Sharks but struggled after being traded to Columbus. He could still help a team’s bottom six if he finds the right fit.

The Defensemen

Matt Grzelcyk, D

  • Age: 31
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million Matt Grzelcyk had a standout season with the Penguins, especially on the power play. His ability to move the puck and create offense makes him a valuable asset.

Jan Rutta, D

  • Age: 34
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million Jan Rutta, a two-time Stanley Cup winner, has been steady for the Sharks. His experience and defensive skills could benefit teams looking for a reliable defenseman.

Calvin de Haan, D

  • Age: 34
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $800,000 Calvin de Haan is a depth defenseman with solid defensive metrics. He’s looking for a team to give him the opportunity to prolong his career.

The Wild Card

Evgeny Kuznetsov, C

  • Age: 33
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $7.8 million Evgeny Kuznetsov, once a dynamic offensive talent, is looking to return to the NHL after a stint in the KHL. Teams willing to take a chance on him could find a valuable contributor.

The Buyouts

T.J. Brodie, D

  • Age: 35
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $3.75 million T.J. Brodie, recently bought out by the Blackhawks, might still find a role as a depth defenseman with a playoff contender.

Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D

  • Age: 38
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $7 million Marc-Edouard Vlasic, a former Norris Trophy contender, is hoping to continue his career after being bought out by the Sharks.

The Goalies

Ilya Samsonov, G

  • Age: 28
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1.8 million Ilya Samsonov is an average backup goalie who could provide stability for teams in need of goaltending depth.

James Reimer, G

  • Age: 37
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1 million James Reimer, a reliable journeyman, is hoping to join his sixth NHL team. His experience could be valuable for teams needing a backup goalie.

Alexandar Georgiev, G

  • Age: 29
  • 2024-25 Cap Hit: $3.4 million Alexandar Georgiev, despite a tough season, has shown he can be a starting goalie. Teams might take a chance on him to rediscover his form.

What to Read Next

NHL Teams Embrace Taylor Swift's New Album 'The Life of a Showgirl' in Creative Social Media Tributes
NHL

NHL Teams Embrace Taylor Swift's New Album 'The Life of a Showgirl' in Creative Social Media Tributes

NHL teams creatively celebrate Taylor Swift's new album 'The Life of a Showgirl' with unique social media posts, blending pop culture and hockey.

Buffalo Sabres Secure Conor Timmins with a Two-Year Deal, Avoid Arbitration
NHL

Buffalo Sabres Secure Conor Timmins with a Two-Year Deal, Avoid Arbitration

The Buffalo Sabres have successfully avoided salary arbitration by signing defenseman Conor Timmins to a two-year contract worth $4.4 million.

Jackson Blake Secures Future with Carolina Hurricanes: A Deep Dive into the $45M Deal
NHL

Jackson Blake Secures Future with Carolina Hurricanes: A Deep Dive into the $45M Deal

Jackson Blake signs a monumental $45 million, 8-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes, highlighting his promising future in the NHL.

Arvid Soderblom Secures Future with Blackhawks: A Deep Dive into the Goaltender's New Contract
NHL

Arvid Soderblom Secures Future with Blackhawks: A Deep Dive into the Goaltender's New Contract

Explore the details of Arvid Soderblom's new two-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks and its impact on the team's future.

NFL Stars Kaepernick and Lynch Champion Diversity in Hockey with Toronto Road Hockey Tournament
NHL

NFL Stars Kaepernick and Lynch Champion Diversity in Hockey with Toronto Road Hockey Tournament

Former NFL players Colin Kaepernick and Marshawn Lynch collaborate with the Hockey Diversity Alliance to promote inclusivity in hockey through a free road hockey tournament in Toronto.

Nicklas Backstrom Returns to Hockey: A New Chapter with Brynas IF in Sweden
NHL

Nicklas Backstrom Returns to Hockey: A New Chapter with Brynas IF in Sweden

After overcoming a persistent hip injury, Nicklas Backstrom resumes his hockey career with Brynas IF in Sweden, marking a new chapter in his storied journey.

From Texas to Pennsylvania: The Ultimate NHL Trivia Challenge
NHL

From Texas to Pennsylvania: The Ultimate NHL Trivia Challenge

Test your NHL knowledge with our ultimate trivia quiz spanning from Texas to Pennsylvania. Can you ace it?

Tkachuk Brothers: From NHL Glory to Olympic Dreams and Beyond
NHL

Tkachuk Brothers: From NHL Glory to Olympic Dreams and Beyond

Matthew and Brady Tkachuk discuss their NHL success, Olympic aspirations, and the impact of their father on their careers.

Devon Levi Secures Future with Buffalo Sabres: A Detailed Look at His New 2-Year Contract
NHL

Devon Levi Secures Future with Buffalo Sabres: A Detailed Look at His New 2-Year Contract

Explore the details of Devon Levi's new 2-year, $1.625M contract with the Buffalo Sabres, including his performance stats and future prospects.

KeyBank Center Secures Decade-Long Naming Rights Deal with Buffalo Sabres
NHL

KeyBank Center Secures Decade-Long Naming Rights Deal with Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres and KeyBank Center announce a 10-year naming rights extension, solidifying their partnership until 2035-36.

Gaudreau Family 5K Raises $500K for Accessible Playground: A Legacy of Love and Community Support
NHL

Gaudreau Family 5K Raises $500K for Accessible Playground: A Legacy of Love and Community Support

The Gaudreau Family 5K raised over $500,000 for an accessible playground at Archbishop Damiano School, honoring the legacy of John and Matthew Gaudreau.

Matthew Tkachuk Stars on NHL 26 Cover: Release Date and Exciting New Features Unveiled
NHL

Matthew Tkachuk Stars on NHL 26 Cover: Release Date and Exciting New Features Unveiled

EA Sports announces Matthew Tkachuk as the cover star for NHL 26, with a release date set for September 12, 2025. Discover the new features and editions available.

Keith Tkachuk: From NHL Legend to Proud Hockey Dad
NHL

Keith Tkachuk: From NHL Legend to Proud Hockey Dad

Keith Tkachuk reflects on his sons' NHL success, the Panthers' Stanley Cup win, and his thoughts on the Hockey Hall of Fame.

NHL Unveils 2025-26 Season Schedule: The Final 82-Game Campaign Before Expansion
NHL

NHL Unveils 2025-26 Season Schedule: The Final 82-Game Campaign Before Expansion

The NHL has released its full 2025-26 schedule, marking the last 82-game season before the new CBA increases it to 84 games. Key highlights include the Olympics break and Alex Ovechkin's milestone chase.

Kaapo Kakko Secures Three-Year Deal with Seattle Kraken: A Game-Changer for the Team
NHL

Kaapo Kakko Secures Three-Year Deal with Seattle Kraken: A Game-Changer for the Team

Kaapo Kakko signs a three-year contract with the Seattle Kraken, promising to elevate the team's performance with his exceptional skills.

Load More

We use essential cookies to make our site work. With your consent, we may also use non-essential cookies to improve user experience and analyze website traffic. By clicking "Accept," you agree to our website's cookie use as described in our Cookie Policy.