As of now, a month has passed since the opening of the NHL's free agency period on July 1, which initiated a flurry of activity among team executives seeking players who could significantly alter the dynamics of their franchises. A multitude of contracts, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, have been finalized, many of which are already recognized as having immediate effects on the competitive balance across the league. However, a considerable number of restricted and unrestricted free agents still remain on the market. The Moneyline team has assessed this pool of players to identify those who could potentially offer the greatest impact if a team decides to make a move.

In today's NHL landscape, numerous teams are in search of reliable and skilled defensemen, expanding opportunities for players like Matt Grzelcyk. At 31, Grzelcyk emerged as one of the few bright spots on a challenging Pittsburgh Penguins squad last season, achieving a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. After playing the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $2.75 million contract following a four-year, $14.75 million deal with the Boston Bruins, Grzelcyk’s capabilities as a dependable left-shot defenseman should warrant consideration from teams in need of his services.

Another player to consider is Luke Kunin, a former 15th overall draft pick of the Minnesota Wild in 2016. Despite being labeled as a player of lower profile, at just 27, Kunin has displayed potential, particularly towards the conclusion of the 2024-25 season while playing for the Columbus Blue Jackets. His advanced statistics from that span reflected positive results in shots attempted differential at even strength and in expected goals differential at even strength per 60 minutes. Though he has made $2.75 million per season for the last four years, his value may be available at a fraction of that price, making him a viable bottom-six option for teams looking for depth.

On a bolder note, Evgeny Kuznetsov presents an intriguing opportunity for general managers willing to take a chance. At 33 years old, Kuznetsov is coming off eight seasons where he scored ten or more goals, including a personal best of 27 goals during the 2017-18 season with the Washington Capitals. However, his recent years have been turbulent, marked by a stint in the league's Player Assistance Program in 2024 and a contract termination with the Carolina Hurricanes. Following his time, he played in the KHL, but there are indications that he is open to returning to the NHL, and with 173 career goals to his name, he could ignite a team’s offense under an incentive-laden contract.

Moreover, Mason McTavish concluded his three-year entry-level contract at the end of the 2024-25 season, making him a restricted free agent eligible to receive an offer sheet. At just 22 years old, he has increased his goal production from 17 to 22 over consecutive seasons, and his career-high of 52 points last season positions him as a valuable asset for teams willing to engage in negotiations. While acquiring him would require compensation to the Anaheim Ducks, the potential return is significant enough that general managers might consider making an offer or leveraging the threat of one to facilitate a trade.

Jack Roslovic stands out as the most prolific point-scorer among available restricted free agents, being a former first-round pick (25th overall, 2015) and a two-time 20-goal scorer, including matching his career-high of 22 last season with the Carolina Hurricanes. His experience spans time spent with Winnipeg, Columbus, and the New York Rangers, following a two-year, $8 million deal with the Blue Jackets before transitioning to New York. At just 28 years of age, Roslovic remains a versatile asset capable of playing both center and wing, bolstered by strong advanced analytics demonstrating his effectiveness during stints with both the Rangers and Hurricanes.

Finally, the youngest and most promising name on the restricted free agent market is Marco Rossi, selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020. With seasons of 21 and 24 goals to his credit, along with a jump from 40 to 60 points, Rossi's trajectory indicates a bright future. His significant contributions last season included seven goals and 16 points on the power play. A general manager might find an attractive opportunity in acquiring Rossi through an offer sheet or by fostering productive trade negotiations, given that he appears to be seeking a contract in the range of $6 million to $7 million annually. With his high hockey IQ and offensive skills, he could be an exceptional addition to any franchise looking to enhance its forward depth.