NHL’s top 10 UFAs still available: Latest rumours - Sportsnet.ca
Unsigned Forwards and Defencemen
As the initial rush of NHL free agency subsides, a number of players remain available on the open market. General managers signed 166 contracts on July 1, committing a substantial amount to player talent. However, several notable unrestricted free agents are still seeking new teams.
Among the forwards, Anthony Mantha, a 31-year-old right and left winger, is available. His goal totals have varied over the past eight seasons. Mantha, who was the Penguins’ Masterton nominee, recorded a career-high 64 points last season. He has reportedly worked with a mental coach and benefited from a more prominent role under coach Dan Muse. Mantha’s shooting percentage last season was 21.7, higher than his career average of 13.8. Teams like Montreal, Buffalo, St. Louis, and Winnipeg are reportedly in the market for wingers.
Patrick Kane, a 37-year-old right winger, is also still available. He is reportedly working on a contract with his hometown Buffalo Sabres. Eeli Tolvanen, a 27-year-old right winger, is another forward seeking a deal. His goal total dipped to 12 last season, and he posted a career-worst minus-18 rating. Tolvanen is reportedly seeking term on a new contract. Vladimir Tarasenko, a 34-year-old right winger, played 75 games and scored 23 goals for the Minnesota Wild last season. He recently switched agents to Dan Milstein.
On defence, Logan Stanley, a 28-year-old, is the youngest defenceman among the top available free agents. Standing at six-foot-seven and 231 pounds, Stanley had an offensive breakout with nine goals and 26 points. The Winnipeg Jets rented Stanley to Buffalo at the trade deadline, but the Jets could still make an offer to bring him back. Stanley is reportedly seeking as much as $25 million on a four- or five-year deal. John Klingberg, a 33-year-old defenceman, scored 10 goals in 56 games for the San Jose Sharks last season. Boston and Philadelphia are reportedly interested in boosting their defensive right side.
Veteran Players and Goaltenders Still Available
Veteran forward Claude Giroux, 38, played all 82 games for Ottawa last season, recording 49 points. The Senators have expressed interest in re-signing him, with GM Steve Staios stating that a spot is reserved for him. Giroux has also reportedly received interest from Colorado, Montreal, and the Flyers.
Patrik Laine, a 28-year-old left winger, is another intriguing talent. He played only five times last season and did not score. A significant pay cut is anticipated for Laine. The Islanders, Kings, Lightning, Flames, and Wild are all reportedly considering taking him on. Cam Talbot, a 38-year-old goaltender, played 34 games last season. His save percentage dropped to .883 in Detroit.
The New York Rangers have improved their blue line by acquiring defencemen Sean Durzi and Marcus Pettersson. The Toronto Maple Leafs have also been active, adding goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky and defencemen Darren Raddysh and Emil Andrae, along with forwards Nick Paul, Colton Sissons, Jack Roslovic, Brandon Duhaime, and Teddy Bleuger. The San Jose Sharks acquired Darnell Nurse and signed Mason Marchment and Jacob Trouba. The Florida Panthers added Brady Tkachuk and brought back Radko Gudas, while extending Eetu Luostarinen.
Team Developments and Unresolved Situations
The Detroit Red Wings have not made the playoffs since 2016, marking the league’s longest drought. They signed Viktor Arvidsson and acquired Keegan Kolesar. The Philadelphia Flyers did not spend significantly on assets or salary cap space for a top defenceman, a need that remains. However, they did secure Tyson Foerster for an extended period.
The Buffalo Sabres traded Bowen Byram to the Blackhawks and Alex Tuch to Washington. They acquired defensive prospect Daxon Rudolph with the fourth pick in exchange for Byram, along with young blue liners Olen Zellweger and Louis Crevier. The Sabres won their first Atlantic Division title and ended a 14-year playoff absence last season. The situation with Jason Robertson, a restricted free agent, is a key focus for the Dallas Stars, who traded Mavrik Bourque to Nashville for picks and cleared cap space by including Ilya Lyubushkin in that deal.
Source: sportsnet.ca
