As NHL free agency commenced at the beginning of July, it brought a whirlwind of activity, yet drama continues to unfold within the market. Top talents such as Brock Boeser, Vladislav Gavrikov, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund quickly transitioned off the market. However, several quality unrestricted free agents have not signed as swiftly, and the restricted free agent landscape began to gain traction last week. Approaching the three-week mark of free agency, there are still notable names available, signaling that a few pivotal moves remain. This overview examines the latest buzz in the NHL and presents some predictions.

Center Jack Roslovic stands out as one of the top free agents still available, following a commendable regular season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Though the 28-year-old found himself out of the playoff rotation, he recorded 39 points and 22 goals in 81 games. After playing on a one-year deal last season, Roslovic may be seeking long-term stability this offseason, which could explain his unsigned status. Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Toronto Maple Leafs expressed interest in acquiring Roslovic. Furthermore, the Vancouver Canucks have also entered the discourse, having freed up some cap space through the trade of Dakota Joshua. Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK and The Athletic noted that discussions have taken place between Vancouver and Roslovic’s representation. In fact, as per Ben Kuzma of The Province, the Canucks had considered acquiring Roslovic prior to the last offseason before opting for Jake DeBrusk. The Canucks’ renewed interest in Roslovic raises the possibility of a signing in the imminent days.

Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, after a one-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, has emerged as a player of intrigue in the ongoing free agency. While Grzelcyk stands at 5'10" and weighs 180 pounds, making him an undersized competitor, his performance was highlighted by a career-best 40 points last season, showcasing his capabilities as a strong contributor on the power play. Although trade rumors circulated before the deadline, Grzelcyk expressed a desire to remain with the Penguins. However, it appears that he is set to explore options elsewhere as Pittsburgh is “going in a different direction” according to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, following their signings of Parker Wotherspoon and Caleb Jones. While Grzelcyk’s size may prompt concerns for some teams, he remains a solid depth addition for a contender. Potential landing spots include the Colorado Avalanche, who could slot him in behind Devon Toews and Sam Girard, or the Los Angeles Kings, looking to replace the departed Gavrikov. Additionally, a return to the Boston Bruins, where Grzelcyk spent his first eight seasons, could also be a logical move.

The goalie market this offseason is particularly thin, with even fewer quality options now available. Ilya Samsonov is arguably the most recognized name remaining, having recorded a solid 16-9-4 record with the Vegas Golden Knights during the past season. He joined the team on a one-year deal after a two-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, with previous reports indicating Samsonov's intent to test free agency. However, interest in him seems minimal, and he may find it necessary to reduce his asking price. Despite having a decent overall season, Samsonov's performance declined towards the end, resulting in no playoff appearances. While he possesses backup potential, it is likely that the Golden Knights, having established Adin Hill and Akira Schmid as their primary options, will not pursue re-signing him. Should Samsonov be open to a team-friendly deal, he could find a spot as a backup. The Pittsburgh Penguins might value his experience behind Joel Blomqvist, while the Calgary Flames could seek additional depth behind Dustin Wolf. Furthermore, the Edmonton Oilers may consider strengthening their goalie position with Samsonov, although they are expected to explore other trade options first. Recent insights from Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli indicated that Edmonton had interest in Arturs Silovs before he was traded to Pittsburgh. It remains plausible that Samsonov could take more time to find the right circumstance for his next contract.