A month has passed since the NHL's open period for free agents began on July 1, igniting a wave of activity among team executives eager to acquire players capable of transforming their franchises. Numerous agreements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars were made, many of which have been recognized as having immediate significance for the competitive landscape of the league. However, a considerable number of unrestricted and restricted free agents remain available, prompting analysis of which players may have the potential for significant impact if a team decides to take a chance on them.

Among the players still seeking contracts, Matt Grzelcyk stands out as a notable option, particularly for teams in search of a dependable left-shot defenseman. The 31-year-old had a strong season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, recording a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He recently played on a one-year contract worth $2.75 million after completing a four-year, $14.75 million deal with the Boston Bruins, the team that selected him in the third round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Any team needing a serviceable blue liner would find Grzelcyk a worthy candidate to consider.

Another player to monitor is Luke Kunin, who, despite not being viewed as a star, brings potential to a team in need of bottom-six depth. Drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2016, Kunin has endured a journeyman's path, having played for four different teams across nine seasons. At 27 years old, he displayed promising metrics in Columbus late in the 2024-25 season, with favorable figures in both shots attempted differential and expected goals differential at even strength. His recent history of earning $2.75 million annually suggests that he may be available at a lower cost now, providing good value to teams looking to bolster their roster.

Evgeny Kuznetsov represents a high-risk, high-reward scenario for forward-thinking NHL general managers. At just 33 years of age, Kuznetsov is an accomplished player with eight seasons of double-digit goal totals, highlighted by a career-high 27 goals with the Washington Capitals during the 2017-18 season, alongside a strong playoff performance. Nevertheless, his journey has been tumultuous of late, including a period in the league's Player Assistance Program in 2024 followed by a contract termination with the Carolina Hurricanes and a subsequent season in Russia's KHL. There are indications that Kuznetsov is keen on returning to North America, and his experience, along with 173 career NHL goals, may provide an enticing option for teams willing to engage in a low-risk, incentive-based contract.

The situation becomes increasingly complicated with Mason McTavish, who emerges as a restricted free agent following the conclusion of a three-year entry-level deal. At just 22 years old, McTavish's rights belong to the Anaheim Ducks, which means a team interested in acquiring him would need to either construct an offer sheet to lure him away or seek a trade, potentially leveraging the threat of an offer sheet in discussions. McTavish has shown development in his goal production, increasing from 17 to 19 and then 22 goals, while his 52 points last season ranked second on the team. Given his reported contract demands of over $5 million annually, any team willing to match those expectations could find a valuable player in McTavish.

Jack Roslovic is another prominent restricted free agent on the market, well-known for his scoring capabilities. Selected 25th overall by the Winnipeg Jets in 2015, Roslovic has reached the 20-goal mark twice, most recently matching his career high of 22 goals with the Carolina Hurricanes last season. Previously earning $2.8 million, Roslovic has played with multiple teams, including stints with the Jets, Columbus Blue Jackets, and New York Rangers. Although he has struggled to secure a long-term role, the 28-year-old brings versatility to any lineup, proficient in playing both center and wing, making him an appealing option for teams looking to enhance their middle-six forward group.

Finally, Marco Rossi is a name that should not be overlooked among the available restricted free agents. Selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020, Rossi has established himself with a consistent scoring profile, tallying 21 and then 24 goals in his first two NHL seasons, along with significant increases in total points from 40 to 60. Last season, Rossi's contributions included seven goals and 16 points on the power play and three game-winning goals. As a 23-year-old seeking a lucrative contract estimated between $6 million and $7 million annually, Rossi represents an enticing investment for teams capable of negotiating an offer sheet or engaging in productive trade talks to acquire him.

As this free agent market continues to unfold, each of these players—Grzelcyk, Kunin, Kuznetsov, McTavish, Roslovic, and Rossi—provides unique narratives that could reshape their next team's success if pursued effectively.