NHL: Notable Free Agents, Who's Left? Analysis

Analysis of the Most Notable NHL Free Agents

After the frenetic NHL free agency, calm has come to the Canadian lakes, where team executives clear their minds as training camps approach. Although the unrestricted free agent market is limited, with few impact players, several teams still have salary cap space to make significant signings. According to PuckPedia, almost all NHL teams, except seven, have at least $1 million available to spend on their rosters. In addition, eleven teams, from the Chicago Blackhawks to the Carolina Hurricanes, passing through the Pittsburgh Penguins, have more than $10 million in salary cap space. This scenario does not include the space that could be generated through trades, such as the recent move by the Vancouver Canucks, who sent Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs, freeing up $3.25 million of their salary cap.

Featured Forwards

Jack Roslovic, C
Age: 28 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $2.8 million

Roslovic is the most attractive player in free agency. Last season, he played 81 games with the Hurricanes, scoring 22 goals and 17 assists. He is an immediate offensive player, although his defense is questionable. He has been linked to the Maple Leafs, the Washington Capitals, and the Vancouver Canucks.

Max Pacioretty, LW
Age: 36 years old | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $873,770

NHL: Notable Free Agents, Who's Left? Analysis

Pacioretty is in the veteran stage of his career, looking for a team that offers him playing time to score goals. His performance in the playoffs with the Leafs could attract a contending team.

Victor Olofsson, RW
Age: 30 years old | Cap hit in 2024-25: $1.075 million

Olofsson scored 15 goals last season with the Golden Knights. He has a good shot and can contribute on the power play. It’s surprising that he hasn’t found a new team yet, given his skill.

Robby Fabbri, F
Age: 29 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $4 million

Fabbri arrived in Anaheim after his best goal-scoring season. Injuries limited his participation to only 44 games last season. His salary is expected to be lower in his next contract.

Joel Kiviranta, F
Age: 29 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $775,000

Kiviranta is a fourth-line player who averages good playing time. He generated 16 goals for the Avalanche last season. His performance in the playoffs is a weak point.

Luke Kunin, F
Age: 27 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million

Kunin had a solid performance with the Sharks, but there are concerns about his expected goals above replacement performance.

Defenses in the Market

Matt Grzelcyk, D
Age: 31 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million

Grzelcyk is a power play creator. He had a great season with the Penguins, with a good number of assists. He is a defenseman with good puck movement. His agent is looking for the best fit for him.

Jan Rutta, D
Age: 34 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $2.75 million

Rutta has played on Stanley Cup-winning teams. He is still on the free agent market.

Calvin de Haan, D
Age: 34 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $800,000

De Haan seeks to prolong his career as a depth defender.

The Joker

Evgeny Kuznetsov, C
Age: 33 years old | Cap hit 2024-25: $7.8 million

Kuznetsov, after terminating his contract with the Hurricanes, seeks to return to the NHL. His agent is not focused on finances, but on finding a team.