Who are the best NHL free agents still avaliable?
Though some will argue about their cap hits and others about their ages, we’ve got 411 on some NHL free agents who are still available and shouldn’t be.
Though the NHL’s free agency movement has cooled down in recent days, there are still a few high-profile prospects out there on the market waiting to be snapped up. Join us for a look at just who they are.
The Top NHL free agents still available
There is some top talent still remaining on the free agency market, such that one has to imagine there are quite a few teams weighing up the pros and cons of snapping up a few of them. Indeed, there are actually a few game changers on our list, but there are of course questions to be answered such as, what kind of cap hit will it require and is the player the right fit? With no further delays, let’s get into the low-down on who’s still out there and what’s up with them right here and now:
Nazem Kadri (C) - Colorado Avalanche
The 31-year-old is without doubt the biggest name that’s still available. With a relatively low cap hit of $4.5 million and fresh off of a career-best 87-point season, the fiery center would be a steal for anyone really. What seems to be the catch for some teams, Nazem Kadri’s age - he’ll be 32 in October. With that said, there are many who believe that he already has a gentleman’s agreement with a team and it’s simply a matter of the requisite cap space being cleared before they announce a deal is done. If that’s the case, then watch this space.
P.K. Subban (D) - New Jersey Devils
One of the main stumbling blocks with Subban, is his cap hit which currently stands at $9 million. Indeed, were it not for that amount it’s quite likely that he wouldn’t be here now. With that said, he’s worth it so expect to see interest in the 33-year-old increasing in the coming days.
Paul Stastny (C) - Winnipeg Jets
Following a sensational season with the Jets, in which he scored an impressive 45 points across 71 games, Paul Stastny was the very definition of a utility player. Excelling in just about every position, the veteran forward’s cap hit of $3.75 million will surely be tempting to some. Could the Calgary Flames be the team for him, or perhaps a return to the Avalanche is on the card. Either way, one has to believe that it won’t be long before he has a new home.
Phil Kessel (RW) - Arizona Coyotes
If there is one thing you can say about Phil Kessel, it’s that he’s not a quitter. Indeed, now just eight games shy of Keith Yandle’s NHL record for consecutive games played, the 34-year-old comes with an $8 million cap hit. Though his defensive prowess could justifiably be critiqued, his 44 assists and eight goals last season prove that he can still get the job done on the offensive end.
Tyler Motte (C) - New York Rangers
At 24-years-old, Tyler Motte offers an interesting option. Though he played just 24 games for the Rangers across both the regular season and playoffs, it’s understood that majority of his teammates were left more than impressed. So much so in fact, that many of them have expressed a want to see him return. While he’s not the most prolific player on the offensive end, he’s a solid defender and on the right side of 30. With a small cap hit of $1.225 million, he could well be a decent depth option for a variety of teams.