It's been nearly two weeks since the start of NHL free agency and the majority of the buzz has died down, but there are still a number of talented players waiting to be signed to new contracts. Right now, 24 different teams have at least $1 million in cap space and there are some viable candidates to spend that money on.
These skaters could come with a team-friendly price tag while offering plenty of value to potential suitors, and will likely find a landing spot before the summer is over.
Max Pacioretty
The 36-year-old has been plagued by some significant injuries over the last few seasons, incuding an Achilles tear that flared up three separate times and caused him to miss almost all of the 2022-23 season. After missing more time late in this past season, Pacioretty proved what he is still capable of by putting up eight points in 11 playoff games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, including the first round's series-clinching goal, in under 13 minutes of ice time per game.
He's no longer the player he once was, but Pacioretty is a six-time 30-goal scorer and was producing at a point-per-game pace prior to his Achilles injury. He is still capable of providing offense in a more limited role as he proved with the Leafs, and will likely only be seeking a one-year, $1 million deal. Any team looking for secondary scoring and tremendous veteran leadership should be taking a second look at Pacioretty.
Matt Grzelcyk
With all of the big names already inked to new deals, Grzelcyk is one of the best blueliners still on the market. The 31-year-old enjoyed a career-best season with the Pittsburgh Penguins this year, tallying 40 points in 82 games. He moves the puck well by executing clean zone exits and entries, and can even be effective on a second power play unit.
Grzelcyk is expected to get a slight pay raise on his next contract, which could carry a cap hit of around $3.5 million across three years. He could be a bargain for a team in need of a two-way defender that can play second- or third-pairing minutes in all situations.
Victor Olofsson
After a much-improved season with the Vegas Golden Knights, Olofsson is the odd man out as Vegas battles against the salary cap. But his bottom-six contributions were a big part of the team's secondary scoring as he scored 15 goals and 29 points in 56 games. At age 29, he has three 20-goal seasons under his belt, and his greatest weapon is easily his shot.
Olofsson could be looking at a contract worth $3.5 million annually, which is worth it for a guy that can skate on a third-line and still contribute on the power play as well. Averaging 3.77 shot attempts per game and shooting at 13.8 percent, Olofsson can provide a boost in the depth scoring department and is capable of scoring 15 or more goals while skating around 14 minutes per night.
Jack Roslovic
This 28-year-old fell victim to a stacked Carolina Hurricanes team and watched a handful of playoff games from the press box, but Roslovic has an offensive upside that could be very valuable for a middle-six skater. He recorded 22 goals and 39 points in 81 games, plus four points in nine outings during the postseason. Roslovic does sometimes struggle to remain consistent, but he can offer a strong netfront presence and is capable of generating scoring chances on a regular basis even if he doesn't always convert.
Roslovic has the versatility to play either center or wing, making him an asset as a depth scorer. He is projected to sign a contract worth around $4 million across three years and that is a solid rate for a player that has averaged 41 points in 82 games across his career.
There are still very reliable options on the market when it comes to secondary scoring, and it's only a matter of time before these skaters find a landing spot.