Top 10 remaining NHL free agents
As many of the top options on the NHL free agency market got swooped up on the first day of open signings, including Steven Stamkos, Vladimir Tarasenko & Brandon Montour, many NHL talents still await being signed, and surely will be.
Here are 10 top remaining NHL free agents.
James Van Risemdyk
Van Risemdyk played a big role for the Boston Bruins this season, netting 11 goals, along with 27 assists for 38 points in 71 games. Van Risemdyk, 35, continues to generate offense as he ages, and doesn't show many signs he'll be slowing down next season.
A player who could get a multi-year deal, or at least court offers, Van Riemsdyk is both a mature veteran with just over 1000 games played, and yet continues to be a skilled offensive winger.
Daniel Sprong had a strong season with 18 goals, 25 assists & 43 points in 76 games for the Detroit Red Wings this past season. The 27-year-old Dutch-born forward shows he's a productive middle-six option who gets a lot of 5-on-5 PTS.
Important to note is that Sprong does not play heavy minutes in Detroit, and still manages to come close to 20 goals. He could be a productive player with the right team that can afford him quality time on ice.
Injuries have not been kind to the 35-year-old Pacioretty in recent years, but when he's been healthy, as his very best there's a top-six forward there. He may be more middle-six nowadays, but there's no reason to think Pacioretty couldn't still produce in full health.
He seems too good still for a PTO, but maybe he will settle for one, but he should still be generating interest for at least a one-year deal. He's only two years removed from a near PPG season with 37PTS in 39GP.
Filip Zadina
Consistently still plagues the former sixth overall pick Filip Zadina. Although he looked more comfortable in a larger role with the lowly San Jose Sharks, Zadina still struggles to put it all together each and every night.
He's young and a first round pick, someone will likely want to take a flyer on Zadina as a reclamation project, but he may near his end if he can't prove his talent will always show up.
Tyler Johnson
Johnson, 33, was one of Chicago's better offensive producers on a team that had little going for it besides having Connor Bedard. He's had a slight upward performance the past two seasons after slowing down at the end of his tenure in Tampa.
For a veteran who can still hit double digit goals, there's still teams who will be looking at Johnson if they want someone who can fill the net when needed.
For a time, Tyson Barrie was looking like a very skilled defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers playing alongside Connor McDavid & Leon Draisaitl and being a PP asset. He did benefit points wise, but wasn't just the result of their system, Barrie helped drive a lot of Edmonton's defense.
In a more defensive Nashville Predators team, Barrie hasn't shown the same numbers, but has dealt with injury and being a healthy scratch. Does still show himself worthy of a one-year deal for a team who can afford to give free reign to his offensive play style.
Kevin Shattenkirk
The 35-year-old defenseman still has some life in him, and still looked productive last season on a dominant Bruins team. Shattenkirk continues to be a physical presence who can get offense, having 6 goals and 24 points this season for Boston.
A team will eventually give Shattenkirk money, he probably wants to play for a contender but could succeed as well on a rebuilding team with young talent needing a veteran voice.
Suter's teammate and friend Joe Pavelski recently retired from the NHL, and Suter doesn't seem to have much time left in the game either. The 39-year-old can still deliver, not like he used to, but is still a potential option, and surely wants what could be his last chance to win playing for a contender.
John Klingberg
Last season was far from what John Klingberg could have wanted. After struggling in his first season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Klingberg suffered a hip injury that ended his season after just 14 games.
A team could take a short-term chance on Klingberg yet again if he's healthy for him to potentially regain some of the offensive talent he had in his prime.
The remaining NHL free agent crops for Goalies is a bit lacking, but Lankinen leads as a reliable pro backup who should be able to compete and win a backup spot for most teams.
The 29-year-old did a good job backing up Juuse Saros, with Lankinen having an 11-6-0 record along with a 2.82GAA and .908SV%. He's still too good to go back to his native Finland and still has the juices for the NHL level.
| POLL | ||
Do you still think there's a good player left in the free agent market? | ||
| Yes | 277 | 63.7 % |
| No | 158 | 36.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
