As the NHL's free agency period commenced on July 1, a competitive whirlwind unfolded with team executives racing to sign players capable of transforming the trajectories of their franchises. Numerous deals, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, were struck, many of which were expected to make an immediate impact on the league's competitive landscape. However, a significant pool of restricted and unrestricted free agents still remains available, prompting a closer look at several players who could be valuable additions for teams willing to take a chance on them.

Among the available players is Matt Grzelcyk, a left-shot defenseman who demonstrated his reliability even during a challenging season with the Pittsburgh Penguins. At 31 years old, Grzelcyk recorded a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Previously selected by the Boston Bruins as a third-round pick in the 2012 NHL Draft, he played the last season on a one-year deal worth $2.75 million, a marked departure from his earlier four-year contract totaling $14.75 million. Teams in search of dependable defensemen may find Grzelcyk to be a worthy acquisition.

Luke Kunin, a player drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2016, may not be labeled a 'blockbuster' signing, but at just 27 years old, he offers potential value. While Kunin has yet to exceed 15 goals in a season and has played for four teams in his nine-year NHL career, his performance in Columbus at the end of the 2024-25 season earned him attention among advanced statistics analysts. He excelled in shots attempted differential and expected goals differential at even strength per 60 minutes, suggesting he could provide solid contributions for a team seeking bottom-six depth.

A more daring option could be Evgeny Kuznetsov, a veteran forward currently available. At 33 years old, Kuznetsov has an impressive track record as an eight-time double-digit goal scorer in the NHL, including a career-high 27 goals with the Washington Capitals during the 2017-18 season, followed by 12 goals in the playoffs en route to a Stanley Cup victory. However, his recent years have been tumultuous, including a stint in the league's Player Assistance Program in 2024, followed by a contract termination with the Carolina Hurricanes. After spending a year in Russia's KHL, Kuznetsov is reportedly keen on returning to North America, and his 173 NHL goals indicate he could be an impactful addition for a team willing to offer a risk-free, incentive-laden deal.

Mason McTavish, a 22-year-old restricted free agent, has recently completed an entry-level contract with the Anaheim Ducks. Teams interested in securing McTavish's services cannot simply acquire him without compensation but may utilize an offer sheet to entice the Ducks to release him, potentially yielding a draft pick or two. McTavish has shown steady progression in his goal-scoring, increasing from 17 to 22 goals last season and achieving a career-high 52 points, making him a valuable asset for any team willing to meet his reported contract demands, which exceed $5 million annually.

Another notable unrestricted free agent is Jack Roslovic, a former first-round draft pick who has consistently proven his scoring ability. At 28, Roslovic has recorded two seasons with over 20 goals, including a career-high of 22 last season while playing with the Carolina Hurricanes. Previously under contract for $2.8 million, Roslovic has also played with the Winnipeg Jets and the Columbus Blue Jackets. His ability to play both center and wing adds versatility to his value, and his strong advanced analytics during his time with both the Rangers and Hurricanes further bolster his appeal in free agency.

Lastly, the youngest and potentially most promising player still available in the restricted free agent market is Marco Rossi, selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020. In his two full seasons in the NHL, Rossi has improved his goal totals, netting 21 and then 24 goals, while also increasing his point production from 40 to 60 points. With a strong performance on the power play, including seven goals and three game-winning goals, Rossi's numbers reflect his potential. Teams may wish to explore securing him through an offer sheet, with a contract expected to be in the range of $6 million to $7 million per year. For the right team, his high hockey IQ and knack for finding key scoring opportunities could prove invaluable.