The NHL free agency period commenced on July 1, igniting a competitive atmosphere among team executives eager to secure players who could reshape their franchises. Numerous contracts amounting to millions of dollars were negotiated, with several deals perceived to significantly impact the league’s competitive landscape. However, a number of free agents remain unclaimed, leaving teams with an intriguing pool of both restricted and unrestricted agents from which to choose.

Among the noteworthy options available is Matt Grzelcyk, a 31-year-old defenseman who demonstrated his value on a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins team last season. Grzelcyk achieved a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Having played the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $2.75 million contract following a four-year stint with the Boston Bruins, he offers a legitimate left-shot defenseman who may be of interest to teams in search of reliable blue-line support.

Luke Kunin, while not typically labeled a franchise player, could still provide value to a team in need of depth. Drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2016, Kunin has experienced challenges in terms of goal production, never surpassing 15 goals in a season and having suited up for four teams during his career. However, at just 27 years of age, his recent performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets at the end of the 2024-25 season showcased positive advanced metrics that suggest he may still have untapped potential. His recent contract history has seen him earning $2.75 million annually, but he is likely to be available at a lower cost at this juncture.

Evgeny Kuznetsov presents an intriguing option for general managers willing to take a risk on a skilled forward. At age 33, Kuznetsov is not past his prime; he has previously recorded double-digit goals eight times in his career, including a remarkable 27 goals during the 2017-18 season with the Washington Capitals, contributing to a Stanley Cup victory that year. His recent journey has been tumultuous, including a period in the NHL’s Player Assistance Program prior to the Carolina Hurricanes terminating his contract, followed by a year in the KHL. Reports suggest Kuznetsov is keen on returning to North America, and with his impressive tally of 173 career NHL goals, he could serve as an effective middle-six player for an interested organization, especially under a performance-based, incentive-laden deal.

Turning to younger prospects, Mason McTavish is an interesting case as a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. At just 22 years old, McTavish has demonstrated growth in his scoring, moving from 17 goals to 19, and then to 22 in his first three seasons. With a career-high 52 points last season ranking second on the Anaheim Ducks, he offers a valuable contribution for teams willing to extend an offer sheet or use this as leverage in trade discussions, especially given his projected contract demands of over $5 million annually.

Jack Roslovic, the most productive point scorer among the remaining restricted free agents, is another notable player still seeking a contract. Drafted 25th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015, Roslovic has demonstrated scoring ability with two seasons of 20 or more goals, including matching his personal best of 22 last season while with the Carolina Hurricanes. His career trajectory has seen time with the Blue Jackets and New York Rangers, signaling a degree of volatility, but at just 28, he remains a versatile option capable of playing both center and wing. His recent analytics findings indicate strong performance during his time with the Rangers and Hurricanes, making him a viable candidate for a team looking to enhance their middle-six forward depth.

Lastly, Marco Rossi, the youngest player poised to make an impact among restricted free agents, presents a fascinating opportunity. Selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020, Rossi has consistently improved with 21 goals in his first full season and 24 in his second. He also achieved a career-high 60 points last season, displaying his potential as a top contributor. His metrics indicate significant contributions on the power play, with seven goals and three game-winners. For GMs, this presents an opportunity to secure Rossi through an offer sheet or capitalize on trade negotiations while he reportedly seeks a deal in the range of $6 million to $7 million annually.