NHL Free Agency: 5 Players That Deserve a New Contract

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

Sept 18, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes defensemen James Wisniewski (21) skates during training camp at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

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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

RW David Jones

Apr 22, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Minnesota Wild right wing David Jones (12) skates against the Dallas Stars in game five of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the American Airlines Center. The Wild defeat the Stars 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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

C Jiri Hudler

Mar 29, 2016; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Jiri Hudler (24) skates in the second period of a game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

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

C Antoine Vermette

Mar 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes center Antoine Vermette (50) looks to pass during the second period against the San Jose Sharks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

LHD Kris Russell

Mar 4, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Newly signed Dallas Stars defenseman Kris Russell (2) skates against the New Jersey Devils during the game at the American Airlines Center. The Stars defeat the Devils 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

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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

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