Exploring the Top Unrestricted NHL Free Agents: As teams recover from an action-packed NHL offseason, several prominent unrestricted free agents remain unsigned, offering attractive options to enhance their rosters. Free agents like Patrice Bergeron and Patrick Kane have become highly anticipated free agents, drawing great excitement among fans and franchises alike. Let us explore the top remaining NHL unrestricted free agents, focusing on their contributions, potential destinations, and the impacts they could bring to their new teams. Join us as we delve into the details of these sought-after players and assess potential scenarios that await them as they search for new hockey homes.
The following are the Defensemen, Forwards, and Goalies who are free agents:
DEFENSEMEN
Matt Dumba (Minnesota Wild)
Matt Dumba, a top-four defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, remains influential on his end despite a decline in production over the past five seasons. With an average ice time of 21:17 per game, the 28-year-old defenseman contributed 14 points (four goals, ten assists) in 79 regular-season games in 2022-23. Dumba’s experience and skillset make him a valuable addition to any team looking to strengthen their defensive core next season.
Nick Holden (Ottawa Senators)
Nick Holden, a veteran of 12 NHL seasons, offers a reliable option as a depth defenseman. The 36-year-old defenseman recorded 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) and maintained an even rating in 65 games last season. Holden averaged 16:42 of ice time per game and can provide valuable experience and depth to a team needing defensive support.
Exploring the Top Unrestricted NHL Free Agents: FORWARD
Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
Patrice Bergeron, the Selke Trophy winner for the best defensive forward in the NHL, has expressed his commitment to continuing his career exclusively with the Boston Bruins. Despite the disappointing end to the season for the 37-year-old forward, who saw his team eliminated in the Eastern Conference First Round, Bergeron remains a highly skilled player. With 58 points (27 goals, 31 assists) in 78 regular-season games and a goal in three playoff games, Bergeron may choose to stay with the Bruins or be enticed by another contender for one more season elsewhere.
Patrick Kane (New York Rangers)
Patrick Kane, a three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks, was traded to the New York Rangers on February 28. Although the 34-year-old forward had a slower start with his new team due to a mid-season trade, he contributed 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 19 regular-season games and six points (one goal, five assists) in seven playoff games. Kane’s recent hip surgery might delay the start of the upcoming season, but his impressive track record as a five-time 30-goal scorer makes him an attractive option for any contender looking to make a deep playoff run.
David Krejci (Boston Bruins)
David Krejci, a vital component of the Boston Bruins, has indicated that he may retire if he doesn’t re-sign with the team. The 37-year-old forward had an impressive return from a season in his native Czech Republic, contributing 56 points (16 goals, 40 assists) in 70 regular-season games. Although he missed three playoff games due to an upper-body injury, Krejci recorded four points (one goal, three assists) in his four games. Like his teammate Bergeron, Krejci may feel motivated to pursue another championship run in Boston or consider other opportunities.
Zach Parise (New York Islanders)
Zach Parise, a 38-year-old forward, posted 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 82 regular-season games for the New York Islanders but did not record a point in the six playoff games. While Parise has expressed uncertainty about playing in the upcoming season, it will likely be with the Islanders if he returns.
Paul Stastny (Carolina Hurricanes)
Paul Stastny, a 37-year-old forward, contributed 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 73 regular-season games for the Carolina Hurricanes. In the playoffs, he scored four goals in 15 games. Stastny’s recent offensive potential, demonstrated by his 45-point season with the Winnipeg Jets in 2021-22, makes him a valuable asset in the right team situation.
Vladimir Tarasenko (New York Rangers)
Vladimir Tarasenko, a 31-year-old forward, experienced a slightly down season in 2022-23 compared to his usual standards. He recorded 50 points (18 goals, 32 assists) in 69 games split between the St. Louis Blues and New York Rangers. Following a trade to the Rangers in February, Tarasenko tallied 21 points (eight goals, 13 assists) in 31 regular-season games and four points (three goals, one assist) in seven playoff games. With his proven ability to be a top-six forward, Tarasenko remains an enticing option for any NHL team.
Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
Jonathan Toews, a three-time Stanley Cup champion and captain of the Chicago Blackhawks since 2008-09, is undecided about his future following the Blackhawks’ decision not to re-sign him. Despite not being the dominating offensive force he once was, the 35-year-old forward contributed 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 53 games last season, even after missing two months due to the effects of long COVID-19. Toews’ leadership qualities would instantly boost any team he joins.
GOALIES
Jaroslav Halak (New York Rangers)
Jaroslav Halak, a 38-year-old goaltender, served as a reliable backup for the New York Rangers last season, appearing in 25 games (24 starts). With a record of 10-9-5, a 2.72 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage, Halak’s experience and consistency make him a solid backup option for any team, especially one with a younger starting goaltender.
Martin Jones (Seattle Kraken)
Martin Jones, a 33-year-old goaltender, played a backup role behind Philipp Grubauer during the playoffs for the Seattle Kraken. However, Jones can compete for a starting position. In his first season with the Kraken, Jones posted a record of 27-13-3 with a 2.99 goals-against average, a .887 save percentage, and three shutouts in 48 games (42 starts). His experience and ability to mentor younger goalies make him an attractive option for teams needing goaltending depth.
Alex Stalock (Chicago Blackhawks)
Alex Stalock, a 35-year-old goaltender, showcased remarkable perseverance last season after battling back from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, following a bout with COVID-19. Despite a limited number of games (27 games, 24 starts), Stalock demonstrated his potential as a solid backup, recording a 9-15-2 record with a 3.01 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage. Now that he has regained his health, Stalock could compete for a starting role or provide reliable support as a backup.
As the NHL updates in Canada continue to unfold, teams will seize the opportunity to secure these remaining unrestricted free agents, whose distinctive skills and experience have the potential to influence their future triumphs significantly.
