The opening of NHL free agency is one of the most exciting days of the offseason, and this year lived up to the hype. From Toronto landing Sergei Bobrovsky to Anaheim matching a record-setting offer sheet for Leo Carlsson, the NHL offseason has already delivered plenty of headline-grabbing moments.
The initial wave of free agency may be over, but there are still plenty of quality players searching for their next team. Whether it’s because teams are tight against the salary cap, waiting for the trade market to unfold or simply being patient, the market isn’t completely dry just yet.
History has shown that some of the smartest offseason additions don’t happen on July 1. Every summer, a handful of veterans land with contenders later in the offseason and end up playing key roles when the games start to matter.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the best NHL free agents left on the market and where each one could be the perfect fit.
Patrick Kane
Even at 37, Patrick Kane remains one of the biggest names still available on the open market. The future Hall of Famer may not be the dynamic scorer who won the Hart Trophy a decade ago, but there’s still plenty left in the tank. He recorded 57 points with Detroit last season and remains a dangerous playmaker and power-play specialist.
Kane is likely taking his time rather than rushing into a decision, especially with several contenders looking to add scoring depth. A short-term deal with a Stanley Cup hopeful like the Dallas Stars or his hometown Buffalo Sabres would give him a shot at a fourth Stanley Cup before calling it a career.
John Klingberg
Once regarded as one of the NHL’s premier offensive defencemen, John Klingberg is now looking for an opportunity to prove he can still make an impact. The 33-year-old enjoyed a bounce-back campaign with the San Jose Sharks, recording 27 points in 56 games while showing flashes of the puck-moving ability that made him such a valuable asset earlier in his career.
His injury history and defensive inconsistencies will likely limit him to a short-term contract, but there’s little risk for a team seeking a veteran puck-moving defenceman. The Edmonton Oilers would be an ideal landing spot, giving Klingberg a chance to quarterback the second power-play unit while chasing another Stanley Cup.
Vladimir Tarasenko
A proven scorer with nearly 800 career points, Vladimir Tarasenko still has plenty to offer despite entering the later stages of his career. The 34-year-old may no longer be the 40-goal threat he was in his prime, but he remains a dependable top-nine winger with a heavy shot, playoff experience and a knack for scoring timely goals.
While his production has declined in recent seasons, Tarasenko is coming off a 23-goal campaign for the Wild and could be an excellent signing for a contender looking to add affordable secondary scoring. The Los Angeles Kings make plenty of sense, as they would benefit from another experienced winger capable of contributing on the power play while providing valuable leadership in a playoff push.
Patrik Laine
Few players still available on the open market possess the pure scoring ability of Patrik Laine. Injuries and healthy scratches limited the 28-year-old to just five games with the Montreal Canadiens last season, but when he’s on the ice, he remains one of the NHL’s most dangerous finishers. After all, this is a former 40-goal scorer and he still possesses an elite one-timer on the power play.
The biggest question surrounding Laine is whether he can stay healthy and rediscover his top form. A one-year ‘prove-it’ deal with Tampa Bay could be the perfect fit, giving Laine the opportunity to play alongside skilled playmakers while helping the Lightning add another legitimate scoring threat to their top six.
Michael Bunting
Few available free agents bring the same blend of grit and offensive upside as Michael Bunting. The 30-year-old winger split last season between the Dallas Stars and Nashville Predators, finishing with 14 goals and 33 points in 74 games. While those numbers don’t jump off the page, Bunting has proven he can thrive alongside skilled linemates and provide the net-front presence every contender covets.
His ability to play an agitating, high-energy style while chipping in secondary scoring should make him an attractive low-risk addition. The New Jersey Devils could use another winger with Bunting’s skill set. He’d give them a proven middle-six forward who brings playoff-style intensity and the versatility to move up and down the lineup if injuries strike.