NHL Free Agency Update: Key Players and Predictions

As NHL free agency commenced at the beginning of July, it brought with it a flurry of activity, though the market continues to hold its share of intrigue. Prominent players such as Brock Boeser, Vladislav Gavrikov, Nikolaj Ehlers, and Mikael Granlund swiftly exited the market. However, not every unrestricted free agent found a home right away, leading to an increase in interest among restricted free agents as the market heated up last week. As free agency nears the three-week mark, several notable names remain unsigned, and the potential for further movement lingers.
Center Jack Roslovic, coming off a productive regular season with the Carolina Hurricanes, stands out as one of the top free agents still available. The 28-year-old experienced a drop in playing time during the playoffs, yet he secured 39 points and 22 goals in 81 games prior. After playing on a one-year deal last season, Roslovic may be seeking more long-term stability in his next contract, which could explain his current status on the market. Reports from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman indicated that the Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams interested in acquiring Roslovic's services. Additionally, the Vancouver Canucks, following the trade of Dakota Joshua and the subsequent increase in cap space, may also view Roslovic as a potential target, as there have been discussions between Vancouver and Roslovic's camp, according to Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK and The Athletic. The Canucks previously considered a move for Roslovic last offseason before opting for Jake DeBrusk. Given this second opportunity, it would not be surprising if Roslovic eventually signs with Vancouver.
Defenceman Matt Grzelcyk is another player who could attract interest among teams in the current free agency landscape. Recently coming off a one-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Grzelcyk showcased his abilities by achieving a career-high 40 points while also contributing effectively on the power play. Although his smaller frame of 5'10" and 180 pounds may raise concerns, his competitive spirit has made him an appealing option for teams in search of depth. There were discussions regarding Grzelcyk's potential trade before the deadline, but he remained with the Penguins, as reported by Matt Vensel of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Yet, it is anticipated that he will seek a new team after the Penguins have decided to take a different approach by signing Parker Wotherspoon and Caleb Jones in free agency, as noted by Sportsnet's Luke Fox. Teams such as the Colorado Avalanche could benefit from adding Grzelcyk behind Devon Toews and Sam Girard, while the Los Angeles Kings might see him as a suitable option to fill the void left by Vladislav Gavrikov. Moreover, a return to the Boston Bruins could be a logical move for Grzelcyk, as he spent his first eight seasons with the team and could seamlessly reintegrate into their lineup.
The goalie market this offseason has proven to be quite limited, leaving even fewer notable options remaining as time progresses. Among those still available, Ilya Samsonov stands out, having concluded the past season with a respectable 16-9-4 record while with the Vegas Golden Knights. After signing a one-year deal with Vegas, Samsonov had previously spent two seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs. As reported by Sportsnet's Luke Fox in June, Samsonov aimed to test the waters in free agency, but he has not attracted considerable interest thus far, suggesting he may need to adjust his asking price. Despite a solid overall season, Samsonov's performance faltered towards the end, and he did not see playoff action. While he possesses backup potential, the Golden Knights appear unlikely to retain him with Adin Hill and Akira Schmid established as their top netminding options. If Samsonov is amenable to a more economical deal, he could find a role as a supporting goaltender. The Pittsburgh Penguins may value his veteran presence behind Joel Blomqvist, while the Calgary Flames might look to enhance their goalie depth behind Dustin Wolf. Additionally, the Edmonton Oilers could consider Samsonov as an option, although they are likely to explore trade avenues first. According to Hockey Insider Frank Seravalli, Edmonton showed interest in Arturs Silovs before he was traded to Pittsburgh. Therefore, it would not be surprising if Samsonov takes more time to evaluate his options before committing to a team.








