Whew.
NHL general managers dished out a record-setting $1.2 billion in player contracts and ravaged our list of top UFA talent on July 1. (And we thought business was closed on Canada Day. Hey!)
After the Day 1 dust settled, a few familiar names — and plenty of intriguing second- or third-tier ones — remain team-less.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most intriguing UFAs still hanging around the open market, with the latest on their situations.
Bargains, wily veterans, and low-risk gambles are still there to be found.
1. Daniel Sprong
Age: 27
Position: RW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $2 million
The latest: Making the most of his 12 minutes per night, this analytics darling put up 18 goals and 43 points for the Detroit Red Wings — yet still finds himself on the move again.
As Sprong searches for a sixth NHL team, the Rangers and Maple Leafs — who lost some scoring off their wings to free agency — may poke around for a bargain.
2. Tyler Johnson
Age: 32
Position: C
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $5 million
The latest: Battling injury and playing for a tanking team, Johnson still put up 17 goals and 31 points in 67 games for the Blackhawks.
The two-time Cup champ will need to accept a reduced salary on his next team, but he brings character, experience and the versatility of playing wing or centre.
We can see him playing third-line centre on a playoff team.
3. Filip Zadina
Age: 26
Position: RW / LW
2023-24 salary-cap hit: $775,000
The latest: When the worst team in the NHL doesn’t qualify you, that’s a red flag.
Despite Zadina’s unceremonious exit from San Jose, the player has pedigree. The sixth-overall pick scored 13 goals for a bad Sharks club. (Just ignore the minus-44 rating.)
Does a third NHL team see the talent and the youth and take a flyer here?
4. Calen Addison
Age: 24
Position: RD
2023-24 salary cap hit: $825,000
The latest: Addison is a 24-year-old right shot who logs 17 minutes a night and once earned All-Rookie Team votes and costs less than a million bucks.
So, why have two teams (Minnesota, San Jose) given up on him?
Addison doesn’t tilt the ice, nor produces a ton at even strength. But with the lack of available young D-men, we imagine a team will bet his best hockey still lies ahead.
5. John Klingberg
Age: 31
Position: RD
2023-24 salary cap hit: $4.15 million
The latest: Quick. Of all the remaining UFAs, who averaged the most minutes?
It’s Klingberg, who was skating 20:33 for the Maple Leafs until the hips gave out. The right-shot power-play quarterback has been so hampered by injury, one wonders if surgery and a diligent rehabilitation can resurrect his career.
No rush on the player or teams to sign, but heading into camp, Klingberg could land a tryout or a short-term deal.
He’s only 31.
6. Tyson Barrie
Age: 32
Position: D
2023-24 salary cap hit: $4.5 million
The latest: The 809-game, right-shot veteran fell out of favour in Nashville, to the point where he had a string of healthy scratches and could not be traded due to his hefty cap hit.
On a one-year, low-cost, prove-it deal, however, a motivated Barrie — roundly beloved by teammates — should be able to help a team’s third pair and second power-play unit.
7. Tony DeAngelo
Age: 28
Position: D
2023-24 salary cap hit: $1.675 million
The latest: The divisive DeAngelo has been bought out, watched his AAV shrink, and now he’s searching for his fifth team in five seasons.
Certainly, some buyer beware here, but the righty can log minutes, is still one of the younger D-men on the market, and brings offensive upside.
He has put up 210 points in 371 games. Not many unclaimed blueliners can claim that.
8. Alex Nylander
Age: 26
Position: RW / LW
2023-24 salary cap hit: $775,000
The latest: The younger Nylander brother struggled in Pittsburgh last season, only to enjoy a sudden offensive uptick with more ice time on a worse team.
Once Nylander got traded to Columbus, he showed great offensive flash, putting up a career-high 11 goals in 23 games.
On a short-term flyer, a GM could do worse than bet the winger’s best NHL days are still ahead.
9. Max Pacioretty
Age: 35
Position: LW
2023-24 salary cap hit: $2 million
It’s been some trying times for Max Pacioretty, but he could still be the answer for a team looking for depth scoring.
Pacioretty returned from two Achilles tendon injuries in January and scored four goals and 23 points in 47 games.
The former Montreal Canadiens captain has 330 goals in 902 games over his 16-year career.
10. James van Riemsdyk
Age: 35
Position: LW/RW
2023-24 salary cap hit: $1 million
While not as productive as in his prime, van Riemsdyk showed last season with the Boston Bruins that he has a little offence left in him. In 71 games, van Riemsdyk had 11 goals and 38 points but trade deadline additions put him on the fringe of the lineup by the time the playoffs rolled around. Now he’s a free agent looking for a chance to provide another team with some veteran depth.
More Notable UFAs: Joe Pavelski, Kyle Okposo, Mark Giordano, Adam Boqvist, Oliver Kylington, Nikita Zaitsev, Alexander Barabanov, Kevin Shattenkirk, Antti Raanta, Martin Jones, Kevin Lankinen, Mike Hoffman, James van Riemsdyk, Tanner Pearson, Blake Wheeler, Cal Clutterbuck, Matt Martin, Nick Cousins, Ryan Suter, Kevin Labanc
