NHL Free Agency: 5 Players That Deserve a New Contract, Best Fits
Traditionally, we have a cooling period throughout July into August after NHL free agency frenzy. It’s time for GM’s and other front office personnel to enjoy their summer vacation before gearing up for another competitive season.
It also gives teams some extra time to evaluate how their prospects are progressing during the offseason so they have a better idea of how things might look in the Fall.
For example, Arizona Coyotes new GM John Chayka recently bought out veteran Antoine Vermette to make room up the middle for prospects. It can also work the opposite way with teams being forced to sign a late free agent or PTO (professional tryout offer) to fill a spot that a prospect was expected to fill.
Below we are examining five intriguing free agents that still remain without a contract. Each one has different reasons for still being available, but all of them deserve to sign a new deal before teams start handing out PTOs to UFAs.
NHL Free Agency: 5 FA’s That Deserve a New Contract
RHD James Wisniewski
More from Puck Prose
- Detroit Red Wings 2023 Rookie Camp Has Plenty of Ups and Downs
- This Columbus Blue Jackets rookie doesn’t want to be forgotten
- 2 trades the Boston Bruins must make to secure the Stanley Cup
- 3 reasons the Avalanche won’t win the Stanley Cup in 2024
- This is a big year for Alex Turcotte and the Los Angeles Kings
Heading into July 1st, Jason Demers was the lone quality right-handed defender available. Florida quickly snatched him up, but soon after Carolina bought out James Wisniewski.
Unlike other FAs who likely priced themselves out a new deal early on, Wisniewski might be the only free agent remaining that could ensue a bidding war.
Given his injury history, James Wisniewski will likely garner little more than a one to two-year deal. He was lost to a season-ending injury less than a minute into his first game in Carolina in 2015-16. At the same time, we’re only three seasons removed from a 51-point performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2013-14.
It would be shocking to see Wisniewski signed by any other team than Edmonton or Toronto. Both rank at the top in terms of needing a RHD, and the 32-year-old veteran can bring some experience to a group of younger players.
Best Fits: Toronto Maple Leafs or Edmonton Oilers
Related Story: 2016-17 Breakout Performance Candidates
RW David Jones
Jones earned a hefty $4 million dollar contract while still with the Avalanche after posting 45 points in 2010-11, followed up by 37 points in 2011-12.
Upon joining Calgary in June 2013, David Jones failed to replicate his earlier performance during his two and a half-year tenure. He was eventually traded to Minnesota at the deadline in 2015-16 and remained quiet with three points in 16 regular season games, and one assist in six playoff contests.
On a cheap $1-1.5 million dollar deal (possibly even less), the 31-year-old veteran should be a tempting option for teams. David ideally fits into a third line setting as a bottom six depth scorer, but also has the ability to slide up and down your entire lineup.
Best Fits: Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks
Related Story: Las Vegas Mock Expansion Draft
C Jiri Hudler
After posting a career-high 76 points in 2014-15, Hudler saw his production dip as expected. Prior to being dealt to Florida as a rental at the deadline, Jiri Hudler had 35 points in 53 games for Calgary. He tallied 11 points in 19 games down the stretch for the Panthers, but disappointed in the postseason with one assist in six contests.
The 32-year-old veteran has the same thing going for him as Radim Vrbata; both are snipers in a league starved for goals.
A six-time 15+ goal scorer, there’s bound to be a franchise willing to sign Hudler to a short-term deal.
Best Fits: Anaheim Ducks, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers
Related Story: Offseason Bold Predictions
C Antoine Vermette
More from Free Agency
- NHL free agents could still get contracts or camp invites
- Why any NHL team would be lucky to add Phil Kessel to their roster
- The New York Islanders made the right move extending Ilya Sorokin
- 2022-23 Recap Weaknesses and UFA Focused: Buffalo Sabres
- Arizona Coyotes Team Additions For 2022-23
Vermette re-signed with the Coyotes after being dealt to Chicago late in 2014-15. He had a solid season in 2015-16 with 17 goals, 21 assists (38 points) in 76 games.
To the hockey world’s surprise, Antoine was bought out earlier this week. Talking to media, Vermette made it clear this was strictly a business decision to help open up a spot up the middle (presumably for Dylan Strome or Christian Dvorak).
That leaves the 34-year-old veteran looking for a new team late in the offseason. Rumors have suggested that numerous teams have been in contact with Antoine Vermette’s agent, and he should soon find a new deal.
Best Fits: Columbus Blue Jackets, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators
LHD Kris Russell
Logic would suggest that Kris Russell priced himself out a contract early in free agency. It feels oddly reminiscent of the Cody Franson situation from a year ago. There’s no doubt that teams have shown interest in Russell, he might just need to lower his term/or salary expectations.
Next: 10 NHL Careers Cut Too Early
An underrated two-way defender, no one sacrifices their body for shot blocks as often as Kris Russell. He won’t score many goals, but is a capable puck-moving blue liner who can produce in the 25-30 point range.
Best Fits: Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, New Jersey Devils