As NHL free agency commenced at the beginning of July, it sparked a flurry of activity, and the market continues to see its share of drama. High-profile players such as Brock Boeser, Vladislav Gavrikov, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund quickly secured new deals, yet several quality unrestricted free agents remain unsigned. Meanwhile, the restricted free agent market has also begun to heat up, with notable names still available as free agency nears the three-week mark. This analysis aims to shed light on the latest developments in the NHL and offers a few predictions regarding player movements.

One of the most prominent unrestricted free agents still on the market is center Jack Roslovic, who recently had a strong regular season with the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite falling out of the playoff rotation, Roslovic managed to record 39 points and 22 goals across 81 games. Entering free agency, the 28-year-old, who played under a one-year deal last season, is likely seeking greater long-term stability, which may account for his current unsigned status. Recent reports from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicate that the Toronto Maple Leafs have shown interest in Roslovic, while the Vancouver Canucks, who cleared significant cap space by trading Dakota Joshua, are also reportedly in the mix. Discussions have taken place between Vancouver and Roslovic's representatives, suggesting that the Canucks may make a concerted push to sign the talented center in the coming days.

In addition to Roslovic, defenseman Matt Grzelcyk, coming off a one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Penguins, remains another intriguing name in the free agency landscape. Though Grzelcyk stands at 5'10" and weighs 180 pounds—making him one of the smaller players in the league—his competitive nature and strength as a power-play contributor helped him achieve a career-high 40 points last season. Despite trade rumors swirling prior to the deadline, Grzelcyk remained with the Penguins and now appears set to explore opportunities with other teams. Reports suggest Pittsburgh is looking to move in a different direction after securing new signings like Parker Wotherspoon and Caleb Jones. While his stature may be a perceived drawback, Grzelcyk could prove to be a valuable depth addition for a contending team, with potential fits including the Colorado Avalanche, Los Angeles Kings, or even a logical return to the Boston Bruins, where he spent his first eight NHL seasons.

The goalie market has presented challenges this offseason, and the options available are even slimmer now. Ilya Samsonov is one of the most significant names left following a respectable season with the Vegas Golden Knights, where he compiled a 16-9-4 record. After joining the Golden Knights on a one-year deal following a two-year stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Samsonov is reported to be testing the market. However, his limited interest thus far suggests that he may need to reconsider his asking price. While Samsonov's overall performance was solid during the regular season, his play declined as the season progressed, culminating in no playoff appearances for him. Although he could serve a valuable backup role, the presence of Adin Hill and Akira Schmid in Vegas seems to diminish the likelihood of Samsonov returning. Should he opt for a more team-friendly contract, Samsonov may find a new home, with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Calgary Flames potentially viewing him as a desirable addition for their depth.