The initial rush of NHL free agency has now subsided, making way for a quieter period as team executives unwind before training camps commence. While the pool of unrestricted free agents has become quite shallow, featuring only a handful of truly impactful players, many teams still possess significant financial flexibility.
According to PuckPedia, nearly every NHL team, all but seven, has at least $1 million available for roster adjustments. Furthermore, eleven teams—ranging from rebuilding franchises like the Chicago Blackhawks to contenders such as the Carolina Hurricanes, and even the unique situation of the Pittsburgh Penguins—boast more than $10 million in cap space. This doesn`t even account for additional salary cap relief that could arise from future trades, similar to the Vancouver Canucks` recent move to send forward Dakota Joshua to the Toronto Maple Leafs, which freed up $3.25 million.
Here`s an overview of some key unrestricted free agents who could still make a notable difference with a new team. All contract details are sourced from PuckPedia.
The Forwards
Jack Roslovic, C
Age: 28 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.8 million
Roslovic stands out as arguably the most enticing player remaining in free agency. Last season, he played 81 games for the Carolina Hurricanes, tallying 22 goals and 17 assists while averaging 13:49 of ice time. His goal total matched a career high previously set with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2020-21.
He`s known for his immediate offensive contributions, though his defensive play is a different story. Evolving Hockey metrics indicate he was among the least effective forwards on the Hurricanes at even strength in terms of goals allowed above average. Despite this, no other player currently available on the UFA market scored more goals than Roslovic last season. He has been rumored as a target for the Maple Leafs, partly due to his past connection with Auston Matthews on the U.S. National Development Team. The Washington Capitals are also reportedly looking to boost their forward lines, and the Vancouver Canucks have engaged in discussions with his representatives.
Max Pacioretty, LW
Age: 36 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $873,770
Max Pacioretty is currently in the “journeyman” phase of his distinguished NHL career, which famously included four consecutive 30-goal seasons with the Montreal Canadiens from 2013-17. After a single season with Carolina was cut short by injuries, he subsequently played for Washington (22 points in 47 games) and Toronto (13 points in 37 games). He now finds himself back on the free agent market, seeking a team that can offer the ice time necessary for him to produce goals.
Pacioretty impressed during the Maple Leafs` postseason run, recording three goals and five assists in 11 games with an impressive 21% shooting percentage. This playoff performance might be enough to convince a contending team to sign him to another contract, where he could play around 13 minutes per night and generate offense. The Edmonton Journal recently suggested he could fill a role similar to Corey Perry within the Oilers` forward group.
Victor Olofsson, RW
Age: 30 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1.075 million
Victor Olofsson scored 15 goals last season with the Vegas Golden Knights. While there was speculation he might connect well with Jack Eichel, his former Buffalo teammate, they only played 189 minutes together at even strength, generating nine goals when on the ice. Interestingly, Olofsson spent more minutes with Tomas Hertl than Eichel last season.
He demonstrated his ability to perform alongside strong centers and also maintained respectable defensive metrics. Given his powerful shot and capability on the power play, it’s somewhat surprising he hasn`t yet found a new team.
Robby Fabbri, F
Age: 29 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $4 million
Robby Fabbri arrived in Anaheim via a trade with Detroit last summer, following his most productive goal-scoring season (18 goals) since his 18-goal campaign with the St. Louis Blues in 2015-16. He was expected to bring energy and offensive depth, potentially being traded at the deadline with salary retention to a contender.
However, injuries limited him to just 44 games last season, during which he accumulated 16 points. His last appearance was on February 25. When healthy, Fabbri is certainly capable of producing offense. Regardless of where he signs next, his salary will likely be significantly less than his $4.25 million base salary from last season, with Evolving Hockey predicting an earning around $1.3 million.
Joel Kiviranta, F
Age: 29 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $775,000
Joel Kiviranta finds himself in a peculiar hockey situation. As a fourth-line forward who will turn 30 next March, he averaged 12:31 in ice time last season. This is a roster spot often earmarked for younger prospects on many teams. Yet, those younger players might not match Kiviranta`s consistent production; he scored 16 goals for the Avalanche in a depth role last season, with 15 of those coming at even strength. He also boasts strong per-60 minute metrics and excels at creating high-danger scoring chances.
His primary drawback is his postseason performance. He has only one goal and two assists in his last 20 playoff games, a streak dating back to his time in Dallas. He failed to register a single point in his final 10 postseason games with Colorado. For a player who contributes significantly during the regular season, this playoff disappearing act is notable, and his reduced postseason ice time reflects it.
Luke Kunin, F
Age: 27 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million
Luke Kunin provided solid contributions to the Sharks over the past two seasons, scoring 11 goals in 75 games in 2023-24 and another 11 goals in 63 games last season before being traded to Columbus at the trade deadline for a fourth-round pick. However, Kunin failed to register a point in 12 games with Columbus, saw his ice time drop below 10 minutes four times, and was ultimately a healthy scratch for the final eight games of the season.
Kunin could be an asset to a team`s bottom-six forward group if the fit is right, but there are clear concerns. Even during his productive time in San Jose, he was among the worst forwards in expected goals above replacement (minus-7.7).
The Defensemen
Matt Grzelcyk, D
Age: 31 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million
There`s always a demand for defensemen who excel at creating offense on the power play in the NHL. Grzelcyk demonstrated this last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording one goal and 39 assists, with an impressive 15 of those being power-play assists. This marked his best NHL season on special teams, benefiting from opportunities he didn`t always receive in Boston.
While his even-strength metrics weren`t outstanding, his 48.6 expected goals percentage and near-breakeven shot attempts per 60 minutes can partly be attributed to playing alongside Erik Karlsson and in front of the Penguins` goaltending. Grzelcyk has proven he can be more than competent defensively, despite being primarily known for his offensive contributions.
His agent, Peter Fish, stated that they are seeking the “best fit for Matt” considering money, contract term, and opportunity. Fish added, “He`s coming off his best year as a pro. I think he really distinguished himself on the power play in Pittsburgh.” Grzelcyk`s ability to move the puck and his breakout passing remain valuable assets. This left-shot defenseman should secure a spot on a team`s blue line, especially after his strong power-play performance. Fish also noted that waiting beyond the initial free agency rush can sometimes benefit a player: “Sometimes, it`s not the worst thing to do. It`s a little bit uneasy at times, but when you sit down and you can see exactly what teams have now. When you wait a little bit and can say, `Well, this is definitely going to be a good spot for me.`”
Jan Rutta, D
Age: 34 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $2.75 million
Jan Rutta was a key member of two Stanley Cup-winning teams with the Tampa Bay Lightning before becoming a free agent in 2022 and signing with the Penguins. He was subsequently sent to San Jose as part of the three-team trade that brought Erik Karlsson to Pittsburgh. Rutta had a stronger second season in San Jose than his first, finishing with a minus-3 rating in 54 games for the Sharks while playing with eight different defensive partners. Rutta also dealt with some injuries last season.
Sharks General Manager Mike Grier seemed open to Rutta`s return, stating, “He`s been pretty steady for us here for two years. He`s done a good job helping our young guys out and kind of being a little bit of a stabilizer, especially on the PK. As I told him, he`s on a list with some other guys where it`s a possibility we bring them back.” Despite this, weeks into free agency, Rutta remains on the market.
Calvin de Haan, D
Age: 34 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $800,000
Calvin de Haan played only three games for the Rangers last season after being acquired from Colorado, a situation he openly expressed frustration about. He remarked, “I`m old in hockey. My career could be over this summer for all I know. Not having that opportunity to compete and use that as a tryout for the rest of the NHL was very frustrating, obviously. I`m just trying to prolong my career, trying to keep playing. I love the game and so that part was annoying.”
The 34-year-old defenseman acknowledges he`s “not a top-four or a $10 million guy” at this stage of his career. However, he is a depth defenseman whose defensive metrics have remained consistent, logging just under 15 minutes per game last season with both Colorado and New York.
The Wild Card
Evgeny Kuznetsov, C
Age: 33 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $7.8 million (terminated)
Evgeny Kuznetsov`s cap hit would have been $7.8 million last season had the Carolina Hurricanes not terminated his contract after the 2023-24 season. Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky stated, “Ultimately, both sides agreed this was the best course of action for both the player and the team,” as the team avoided the $6 million in salary owed to him for the current season. Kuznetsov then signed a four-year deal with SKA St. Petersburg in the KHL.
However, Kuznetsov`s KHL contract was terminated in April, opening the door for the 33-year-old forward to potentially return to the NHL after just one year in Russia. His time in Russia was reportedly challenging, partly due to health issues linked to multiple concussions, according to Match TV`s Pavel Lysenkov.
Once considered one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the NHL during his tenure with the Washington Capitals, Kuznetsov`s play began to decline in 2022-23. He recorded only two goals and seven assists in 20 games for Carolina after the 2024 trade deadline, though he did manage four goals in 10 playoff games for the Hurricanes.
He was the leading scorer and Conn Smythe Trophy runner-up on the Capitals` 2018 Stanley Cup-winning team. In September 2019, the NHL suspended Kuznetsov three games without pay for “inappropriate conduct,” following a four-year ban from playing for Russia due to a positive cocaine test. Kuznetsov also entered the NHL/NHLPA player assistance program in February 2024, prior to his trade to Carolina.
Kuznetsov`s agent has indicated that they are not being particular about team selection or financial terms as he seeks an NHL comeback. The question remains: is there a team willing to take a chance on him this season?
The Buyouts
T.J. Brodie, D
Age: 35 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $3.75 million
T.J. Brodie was brought to the Blackhawks last summer as a two-year veteran presence, intended to allow their young defensemen to develop in the AHL. Unfortunately, the fit proved disastrous for both Brodie and the team. He performed at below-replacement levels, finished with a minus-18 rating, and Chicago was outscored by nearly 20 goals when he was on the ice. Brodie averaged just 15:38 per game, the lowest ice time of his career. He was a healthy scratch for the last two dozen games of the season and didn`t even travel with the team.
The Blackhawks bought out the final year of his two-year deal. Despite his recent struggles, Brodie might still garner interest as a depth defenseman given his extensive experience. Ideally, he will find a new home with a playoff contender, rather than another rebuilding squad.
Marc-Edouard Vlasic, D
Age: 38 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $7 million
It`s somewhat poetic that Mike Grier, now the General Manager of the San Jose Sharks, was still playing for the team when Marc-Edouard Vlasic made his NHL debut, and it was Grier who ultimately ended Vlasic`s long tenure with the Sharks. Grier stated, “He will go down not only as one of the best defensemen in franchise history, but one of the best players,” when announcing the team`s buyout of the final year of Vlasic`s contract ($7 million AAV).
Vlasic was once considered a Norris Trophy candidate for his exceptional defensive play. However, he will turn 39 next March, was limited to just 27 games last season due to injury, and was paid by the Sharks not to play. He had a stellar career in San Jose, but it was followed by a steady decline and a contract that made him unmovable until the buyout. The question remains: is there another chapter for Vlasic`s career?
Vlasic`s agent, Robert Sauve, informed ESPN that the defenseman hopes to play in the 2025-26 season and anticipates more clarity on potential next destinations in August. As for the possibility of a professional tryout (PTO) contract with a team, Sauve mentioned that Vlasic “isn`t there yet” in his decision-making process.
The Goalies
Ilya Samsonov, G
Age: 28 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1.8 million
Ilya Samsonov appeared in 29 games for the Vegas Golden Knights last season, following three consecutive seasons of playing 40-plus games with the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs. He concluded the season with a 16-9-4 record and an .891 save percentage, performing essentially at a replacement level behind Adin Hill. Samsonov is now considered an average backup, having peaked as an adequate tandem goalie.
James Reimer, G
Age: 37 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $1 million
James Reimer can be compared to a journeyman NFL placekicker in the world of NHL goaltending. While his physical capabilities might not be what they once were, from a reliability standpoint, teams could do far worse than offering a one-year contract to a player whose save percentage hovered around .900 in 22 games for the Buffalo Sabres last season. Reimer is now looking to join his sixth NHL team in six seasons.
Alexandar Georgiev, G
Age: 29 | 2024-25 Cap Hit: $3.4 million
It`s still astonishing to recall that Alexandar Georgiev is only three seasons removed from winning 40 games and finishing seventh in Vezina Trophy voting. He followed that impressive campaign with 38 wins for the Colorado Avalanche in 2023-24. After their Stanley Cup victory in 2022, the Avalanche designated him as their next starting goalie, acquiring him from the Rangers in exchange for three draft picks.
However, last season saw a dramatic decline in his performance. Georgiev was traded to the San Jose Sharks in the deal that sent Mackenzie Blackwood to Colorado. He managed to win only seven of the 31 games he played for the Sharks. Between both teams, he posted an .875 save percentage and a 3.71 goals-against average. According to Money Puck, he ranked as the second-worst goalie in the league in goals saved above expected (minus-17.9).
Considering he used to start over 60 games in a season, perhaps a team will still believe that, within the right system, Georgiev can rediscover his elite form.
