The NHL's free agency period, which commenced on July 1, has now concluded for over a month. This timeframe sparked a surge of activity among team executives eager to secure contracts with players capable of shifting the competitive dynamics of their franchises. Numerous agreements worth hundreds of millions of dollars were reached, with several transactions immediately recognized as significant for the league's competitive landscape. However, a considerable pool of both restricted and unrestricted free agents remains available, prompting discussions among analysts regarding which players could become valuable assets for teams willing to explore their potential.

One of the noteworthy names still on the market is defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. The 31-year-old, who was a standout on a less-than-stellar Pittsburgh team during the previous season, finished with a career-high of 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Previously, Grzelcyk was signed to a one-year contract worth $2.75 million after completing a four-year, $14.75 million deal with the Boston Bruins, the organization that drafted him in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Given the ongoing demand for reliable defensemen across the league, Grzelcyk could generate interest from teams seeking skilled left-shot blue liners.

Another player generating buzz is Luke Kunin, though he may not be seen as a franchise-altering acquisition. Selected 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild during the 2016 Draft, Kunin has not surpassed 15 goals in any season and has already represented four different teams over the course of his nine-year career. Nonetheless, at just 27 years old, he was notably effective in Columbus at the end of the 2024-25 season, showcasing favorable advanced statistics such as shots attempted differential and expected goals differential at even strength. Kunin's recent performance suggests that he might provide valuable bottom-six depth for any franchise that engages him in this phase of free agency.

The case of Evgeny Kuznetsov presents a more daring opportunity for teams with a risk-tolerance. At 33 years old, the veteran forward has a proven record, with eight career seasons featuring double-digit goal totals, including a peak of 27 goals with the Washington Capitals in the 2017-18 season. Following a challenging period that included a stint in the NHL's Player Assistance Program in 2024 and a subsequent termination of his contract by Carolina, Kuznetsov spent a year playing in Russia's KHL. Recent reports indicate that he is keen on a return to the NHL, and his 173 career goals position him as a potentially explosive middle-six option for a team willing to explore a low-risk, incentive-based deal.

Mason McTavish presents a more technical situation, having recently concluded a three-year entry-level contract, making him a restricted free agent at the age of 22. As a result, no team can simply claim him from the Anaheim Ducks without compensation. However, teams are exploring the possibility of constructing offer sheets that would result in the Ducks parting with McTavish for a draft pick or two. Over his last seasons, McTavish has shown progression in his goal-scoring, jumping from 17 to 19 to 22 goals, and he recorded 52 points last season, indicating substantial offensive potential that could be enticing for franchises looking to bolster their lineups.

Jack Roslovic, another noteworthy restricted free agent, has also garnered interest. The former first-round pick (25th overall in 2015) has demonstrated a consistent scoring ability, notably posting a career-high of 22 goals last season while playing for the Carolina Hurricanes after previously spending time with the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. Having signed a two-year, $8 million contract with Columbus in 2022, Roslovic's versatility as a center or wing makes him a valuable asset at just 28 years old. His advanced analytics suggest he can contribute meaningfully to a middle-six role, providing teams with options as they build their rosters.

Finally, the youngest name on this list is Marco Rossi, who was selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020. Rossi has shown impressive offensive output in his two full seasons in the NHL, totaling 21 and 24 goals respectively, while his point production has surged from 40 to 60 points. Furthermore, he demonstrated his capability on the power play, netting seven goals and achieving three game-winning goals in the process. Similar to McTavish, Rossi finds himself in the restricted free-agent market, with the potential for teams to leverage offer sheets as a means to obtain his services. With reported contract demands of $6 million to $7 million annually, Rossi's high hockey IQ and knack for positioning could be instrumental for a team willing to invest in his talent.