Best NHL Free Agents Currently on the Market

Best NHL Free Agents Currently on the Market

13 July, 2023

Nearly two weeks remain in the NHL free agent signing process, and many of the top players already know where they will be playing in 2019.

Those who have switched teams include Dmitry Orlov and Michael Bunting (Hurricanes), Ryan O’Reilly and Luke Schenn (Predators), Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi, and Ryan Reaves (Maple Leafs), as well as Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas (Ducks). Goalies Tristan Jarry (Penguins), Frederik Andersen, and Antti Raanta (Hurricanes) were all renewed by their organizations at the same time.

However, a few players on the Top 25 list of USA TODAY Sports are still looking for a new deal. The top unrestricted free agents who are still available are listed below:

Forward Taras Tarasenko
Several reports claim that after the first few days of free agency, he changed agents, signing with the Creative Artists Agency (J.P. Barry and Pat Brisson), who are now contacting teams. Six times in his career, Tarasenko has scored 30 goals, including 34 in 2021–22 when he recovered from two seasons hampered by injuries. He only managed 18 goals, though, the previous season.

Forward Paddy Kane
Due to hip resurfacing surgery, the three-time Stanley Cup winner will miss the start of the season. Due to the hip injury, he was only able to score 57 points last season, but if he ends up being even remotely like Kane from his prime, he’ll be a fantastic addition. There is no pressing need to close a deal.

Forward Bergeron, Patrice
Either rejoin the Bruins or call it quits. Last week, general manager Don Sweeney informed reporters that Bergeron, whose family just welcomed their fourth child, Felix, had not yet given any hint. Bergeron’s back problem, which troubled him at the end of the regular season and during the playoffs, was not bothering him at all, according to Sweeney.

Forward Tatar Tomas
For the eighth time in his career, the winger reached the 20-goal plateau last season. However, he only scored once and had a -7 record in 12 playoff games.

Forward Justin Toews
The veteran Blackhawks captain has missed time because to lengthy COVID and chronic immune response syndrome. He missed more than two months of the previous season yet still managed to score 31 points in 53 games. His leadership, two-way play, and three championships have earned him respect. Toews asserted that the main thing affecting whether he plays another season is his health.

Forward Krejci, David
He spent a season in his home Czech Republic before returning to Boston and scoring 56 points in 70 games. He appears to have two options: stay in the NHL or return to the Bruins, similar to Bergeron.

Forward Frank Kessel
Even though he no longer scores many important points, you can count on the current NHL Ironman to play a lot of games. He recently helped the Golden Knights win their third Stanley Cup.

Josh Bailey, Pius Suter, Nick Ritchie, Eric Staal, Paul Stastny, and Zach Parise are more available forwards.

Matt Dumba, defenseman
Although he no longer puts up offensive numbers, he is still 28 years old, shoots well, and most importantly, is a highly sought-after right-hand shot.

Ethan Bear, defenseman
He suffered a shoulder injury at the world championships, underwent surgery, and is not expected to return until December. He didn’t receive a qualifying offer from the Canucks. Bear plays roughly 19 minutes per game on average and has a good shooting range.

Defensemen Nick Holden, Patrik Nemeth, Cal Foote, and Caleb Jones are all on hand.

Martin Jones, goalie
In his second season with the Kraken, he made 42 starts and earned 27 victories. But after Philipp Grubauer returned to full health, Jones saw action for just 18 minutes during the postseason.

Jaroslav Halak, Alex Stalock, and Brian Elliott are more available goalies. Because he retired after 14 seasons, Tomas Greiss isn’t.