As the NHL entered the free agency period on July 1, a flurry of activity among teams ensued, with many executives vying to secure players who could significantly alter the trajectory of their franchises. Hundreds of millions of dollars were allocated across dozens of contracts, leading to several transactions that were immediately considered impactful within the league's competitive landscape. However, a considerable number of players remain unclaimed, spanning both restricted and unrestricted free agents. Analysis from the Moneyline hockey team explores which of these players could potentially make a notable contribution should an interested team decide to take a chance.

In an NHL landscape where teams are often in search of reliable defensemen, Matt Grzelcyk stands out as a candidate likely to attract interest. The 31-year-old defenseman was one of the few bright spots on a struggling Pittsburgh Penguins team last season, recording a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Grzelcyk played the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $2.75 million contract after previously completing a four-year, $14.75 million deal with the Boston Bruins, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2012 draft. Teams in need of a competent left-shot defenseman would do well to consider him.

While not regarded as a superstar, Luke Kunin, drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2016, has found himself moving around the league, having played for four teams in just nine NHL seasons. At 27 years of age, he has yet to surpass 15 goals in a season but demonstrated some promising statistics in Columbus toward the end of the 2024-25 season. Particularly notable were his advanced metrics, showing positive performance in shots attempted differential and expected goals differential at even strength per 60 minutes. Kunin has received $2.75 million per season in recent years, but may be available for less at this stage. He could be a viable option for teams seeking bottom-six depth.

For teams willing to take a gamble, Evgeny Kuznetsov is an intriguing option. At 33 years old, Kuznetsov is far from over the hill as a player. He has consistently scored double-digit goals throughout his career, peaking at 27 goals with the Washington Capitals in the 2017-18 season, and adding 12 goals in the playoffs en route to a Stanley Cup victory. However, Kuznetsov’s recent journey has been tumultuous, including a stint in the league's Player Assistance Program in 2024 and a year spent in the KHL following the termination of his contract by Carolina. There are indications that Kuznetsov is interested in returning to North America, and with 173 career NHL goals, he could provide a significant boost to a team’s middle-six forward group if they are willing to offer a risk-free, incentive-laden contract.

Mason McTavish, a 22-year-old forward and restricted free agent, concluded his entry-level contract at the end of the 2024-25 season. This means that a team cannot simply claim him from the Anaheim Ducks without repercussion. However, interested teams have the option to present an offer sheet, which could entice the Ducks into negotiations or yield a significant draft pick in return. McTavish has shown promising progression in his goal-scoring—moving from 17 to 19 to 22 goals over the past three seasons—and recorded a career-high 52 points last season, ranking him second on the team. His reported contract demands exceed $5 million annually, positioning him as a sought-after asset for teams looking to strengthen their offensive capabilities.

Another noteworthy restricted free agent is Jack Roslovic, a former first-round pick (25th overall in 2015) who has also reached the 20-goal mark twice in his career, matching a personal high of 22 goals during the latest season with the Carolina Hurricanes. After signing a two-year, $8 million contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2022, Roslovic found himself on the move again following a trade to New York at the 2024 deadline. Despite his challenges with stability in contracts, Roslovic, now 28, offers versatility in the middle six, capable of playing both center and wing. Advanced analytics reflect positive contributions throughout his time with the Hurricanes and Rangers, making him a commendable addition for teams in need of scoring depth.

The youngest player with substantial potential still available among restricted free agents is Marco Rossi, selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020. Rossi has shown consistent growth during his first two NHL seasons, scoring 21 and then 24 goals, and increasing his points totals from 40 to 60. Notably, he accumulated seven goals and 16 points on the power play for the Wild, including three game-winning goals, all while logging a career-high 18:15 in ice time and a 17.6% shooting percentage. Like McTavish, Rossi could be acquired through an offer sheet or potential trade discussions, aiming for a deal in the range of $6 million to $7 million annually. A successful acquisition would yield a player known for his high hockey IQ and ability to find effective scoring positions on the ice.