As the excitement of NHL free agency calms down, teams take the opportunity to analyze their options and prepare for the season. Although the unrestricted free agent market seems limited, with few impact players available, there are still opportunities to strengthen the rosters.
According to PuckPedia, most teams have at least one million dollars available in salary cap space, and several exceed 10 million. This, without considering possible movements through trades, such as the recent one by the Vancouver Canucks who freed up space by sending Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Forwards in the Market
Jack Roslovic, C Age: 28 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $2.8 million
Roslovic is perhaps the most attractive player available. Last season, he played 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, scoring 22 goals and 17 assists. He is a player with the ability to generate offense, although his defense is an aspect to improve. He has been linked to the Maple Leafs, the Washington Capitals, and the Vancouver Canucks.
Max Pacioretty, LW Age: 36 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $873,770
Max Pacioretty ha jugado en cuatro equipos en las últimas cuatro temporadas.Pacioretty, a veteran with a distinguished career, is looking for a team that offers him playing time to score goals. His performance in the playoffs with the Leafs could attract a contender. Recently, it was suggested that he could be the new Corey Perry on the Oilers.
Victor Olofsson, RW Age: 30 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $1.075 million
Olofsson scored 15 goals last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. He is a player with a good shot and can contribute on the power play. Given his skill, it’s surprising that he hasn’t found a new team yet.
Robby Fabbri, F Age: 29 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $4 million
Fabbri arrived in Anaheim after a standout season in Detroit. However, injuries limited him to only 44 games. When he’s healthy, he can produce offensively, but his base salary will be lower.
Joel Kiviranta, F Age: 29 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $775,000
Kiviranta is a fourth-line player who averaged 12:31 minutes of ice time last season. He is a player who generates scoring chances, but his playoff performance has been less consistent.
Luke Kunin, F Age: 27 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million
Kunin had a solid performance with the Sharks, but generated concerns regarding expected goals above replacement.
Featured Defenses
Matt Grzelcyk, D Age: 31 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million
Matt Grzelcyk tuvo 40 puntos la temporada pasada con los Pittsburgh Penguins.Grzelcyk is a playmaker on the power play with 39 assists last season. His agent is looking for the best option for him in terms of money, contract length, and opportunities. He is a defenseman who can move the puck effectively.
Jan Rutta, D Age: 34 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million
Rutta, Stanley Cup champion with the Tampa Bay Lightning, is looking for a team. His performance in San Jose was better in his second season, but he is still on the market.
Calvin de Haan, D Age: 34 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $800,000
De Haan, who played few matches with the Rangers, is a depth defender with solid defensive metrics.
The Unknown
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C Age: 33 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $7.8 million
Kuznetsov, whose contract was terminated by the Hurricanes, is looking to return to the NHL after a season in the KHL. He was a dynamic offensive player in the past, but his performance has declined recently. His agent has indicated that they are not demanding in terms of team and finances.
Purchased Players
T.J. Brodie, D Age: 35 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $3.75 million
Brodie was acquired by the Blackhawks. Despite underperforming, he could be an option for a team needing to bolster their defense.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D Age: 38 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $7 million
Vlasic, after a distinguished career with the Sharks, was bought by the team. His agent expects clarity about his future in August, and he is not yet considering the option of a professional tryout contract.
The Goalkeepers
Ilya Samsonov, G Age: 28 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $1.8 million
Samsonov, an average goalie, is looking for a team after playing with the Golden Knights. His performance has been at a replacement level.
James Reimer, G Age: 37 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $1 million
Reimer, a veteran goalkeeper, is looking for his sixth team in six seasons. His save percentage was around .900 last season.
Alexandar Georgiev, G Age: 29 years old Cap hit 2024-25: $3.4 million
Georgiev, after a good performance in the past, had a difficult season with the Sharks. Perhaps a new system will help him regain his level.
