The NHL's free agency period commenced on July 1, initiating a wave of activity among team executives seeking to secure players who could significantly influence their franchises. Numerous contracts have been agreed upon, collectively worth hundreds of millions of dollars, with many signings expected to alter the competitive landscape of the league. However, a substantial number of free agents, both restricted and unrestricted, remain available, prompting significant interest from teams in their pursuit of impactful additions.

One notable name still on the market is Matt Grzelcyk, a 31-year-old defenseman who demonstrated his value as one of the few bright spots on a struggling Pittsburgh team last season. Grzelcyk notched a career-high 40 points while averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game. Following a four-year stint with Boston, where he was originally drafted in the third round in 2012, he played the 2024-25 season on a one-year, $2.75 million contract. Teams in search of a reliable left-shot defenseman may find Grzelcyk a worthy option.

Luke Kunin, drafted 15th overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2016, might not be the most recognized name in free agency, but at just 27 years old, he has the potential to contribute value to a team. Though he hasn’t surpassed 15 goals in a single season and has played for four teams in his nine-year NHL career, advanced analytics indicate that he posted promising numbers with Columbus towards the end of the 2024-25 season. His contract demands are likely to be lower than the $2.75 million he earned in previous years, making him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth to their bottom six.

Evgeny Kuznetsov presents perhaps the highest risk-reward scenario among available free agents. At 33 years old, he remains not only an eight-time double-digit goal-scorer but also once achieved a career-high 27 goals and 12 playoff goals while helping lead Washington to a Stanley Cup victory. However, recent years have been tumultuous for Kuznetsov, including a stint in the league's Player Assistance Program in 2024, followed by termination of his contract with Carolina, which led to a year in Russia's KHL. Rumors suggest Kuznetsov is eager to make a return to the NHL, where his 173 career goals could provide an offensive boost to a team willing to invest in a performance-based contract.

Mason McTavish, a 22-year-old centerman, has completed a three-year entry-level deal, making him a restricted free agent. This status means that another team cannot acquire him without the Ducks receiving compensation, either by offering a contract that the Ducks cannot match or by prompting a trade. McTavish’s progression over the past seasons—scoring 17, 19, and then 22 goals—alongside his 52-point performance last season, which ranked second on the Ducks, positions him as a valuable asset for any interested team willing to engage in negotiations.

Another restricted free agent with notable potential is Jack Roslovic, who was a first-round selection (25th overall) in 2015. Roslovic has recorded a career-high of 22 goals last season while playing for the Carolina Hurricanes, and his previous teams include the Winnipeg Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets. Primarily, he has been a versatile option in the middle six, capable of playing both center and wing. At 28 years old, he remains a desirable player despite challenges maintaining long-term contracts. His advanced metrics indicate strong performances in both his time with the Rangers and Hurricanes, where he earned a $2.8 million contract.

Lastly, Marco Rossi, selected ninth overall by the Minnesota Wild in 2020, is the youngest restricted free agent noted here and has displayed significant offensive potential with 21 goals in his first full NHL season. Rossi's 24 goals and 60 points last season, which included a notable 17.6 shooting percentage, highlight his growing impact on the ice. His current contract demands fall between $6 million to $7 million annually, and teams interested in acquiring him could either extend an offer sheet or negotiate trade discussions. Engaging with Rossi could yield a player known for his high hockey IQ and ability to excel in crucial scoring situations.