It took a lot longer than anticipated, but the biggest free agents in the NHL this summer have found homes.
After Johnny Gaudreau left the Calgary Flames for the Columbus Blue Jackets, the NHL world turned its attention to Nazem Kadri, among others, to see which teams would lure in the biggest remaining free agency prizes.
Eventually, Kadri signed with the Flames, and shortly after that, Phil Kessel, the other veteran forward that was on fans’ radars, agreed to join the Vegas Golden Knights.
We are to the point now where the biggest impact players on the market are gone, so for teams that are still trying to plug holes, who’s left?
Which NHL free agents can still make an impact for a team?
Among unrestricted free agent forwards, Sonny Milano is the most appealing name available. No UFA had more points than his 34 (14 goals, 20 assists) last season. Plus, at age 26, he is significantly younger than most of the other unsigned players.
There are plenty of veteran forwards, however, that could be useful if put in the right situation. Brian Boyle scored 11 goals a season ago with the Pittsburgh Penguins and could be a useful bottom-six player.
42-year-old Joe Thornton tallied 10 points (five goals, five assists) in 34 contests last season with the Florida Panthers, so he could be another player whose experience adds value to a third or fourth line.
Defensively, the options may not necessarily be better, but they are definitely more interesting. P.K. Subban, the former Norris Trophy winner, had 22 points with the New Jersey Devils in 2021-2022. While he’s no longer an elite defenseman, there could still be some upside there.
Anton Stralman and Keith Yandle could fill gaps in bottom defensive pairings or as seventh defensemen. Stralman is a right-handed shot, while Yandle is a lefty, so no matter what side of the defense teams are trying to solidify, they will be able to find a solution.
Don’t forget, Zdeno Chara, at age 45, is also still unsigned. Could he make a return for one more season after putting up 14 points last year?
In goal, there’s not much to report, as this summer’s goaltending class was very thin. Braden Holtby is the only UFA goalie to have played ten games a season ago, and his future is anything but certain.
If your team is hoping to fill a depth position, there are still options available. If it is still in need of an impact player, start looking ahead to the trade deadline.