The NHL unrestricted free agent period is winding down. The majority of the big-name options have already been signed. However, there are still a number of players available that could make substantial impacts with the teams that they end up signing with this offseason. Here is a look at the top remaining NHL free agents that are still available.
D: Andrei Markov
Markov is in the twilight of his career at 38-years-old. However, if last year was any indication he still has a lot left in the tank. Markov scored six goals and finished with 42 points in 62 contests for Montreal last season. He has spent his entire career with the Canadiens and while he would like to return the rumored three-year deal he wants from Montreal might not be possible. Markov could still serve as a top-four defensemen and powerplay contributor. It will be interesting to see if he returns to the Canadiens or ends up elsewhere in free agency.
RW: Jaromir Jagr
Jagr is seven years older than Markov but he proved last season he still has it. The future Hall of Famer scored 16 goals and finished with 46 points in 82 games for Florida last season. While his speed is a big reason why the Panthers haven’t brought him back, he is still more than capable of playing a depth role while contributing on the powerplay. Jagr also won’t cost a ton of money as he looks to extend his NHL career at least one more season. A number of teams that need scoring help could entertain the idea of bringing in Jagr as a free agent this summer.
As of now, the Floirda Everblades of the ECHL have offered Jagr a roster spot. That gives him the chance to keep playing with the potential of moving up to an NHL team, but it’s unlikely he makes that decision. He’s going to hold out for an NHL job and should get one.
LW: Thomas Vanek
Vanek earned at least one more contract with 48 points in 68 contests for the Detroit Red Wings last season. Vanek has recorded at least 40 points in every season of his career and he could probably still hit 50 in the right situation. Injuries limited his production a year ago but at 33-years-old he should still have something left to give. Vanek will contribute as a second-line scoring option and a powerplay specialist for a team that needs help up front in 2017-18.
The Detroit Red Wings are the team that has been most closely associated with Vanek. He started the 2016-17 season with them but he was terrible with them, so they shipped him away. As an unrestricted free agent, he might end up with them once again. The biggest issue here is that the Red Wings don’t have a ton of cap space. They still need to work out deals with Tomas Tatar and Andreas Athanasiou – both of who are restricted free agents – before seeing what they have left over. If they have some cap room, look for them to bring Vanek back in the fold.
LW: Jiri Hudler
Another potential bargain still available is Hudler, who is coming off a disastrous season for the Dallas Stars. Hudler dealt with injuries and illness for most of last year and it limited him to just 11 points in 32 games. However, Hudler had 31 goals and 76 points just a couple of years ago in 2014-15 and he could be an intriguing bounce-back option. Eventually a team will gamble on Hudler at a decent price. He could surprise as a strong value addition for 2017-18.
RW: Jarome Iginla
Iginla’s production hit a wall last season when he recorded just 27 points in 80 games for the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings. However, Iginla is still a solid two-way player that can contribute as a bottom-six forward with physicality, experience and leadership. At 40-years-old, Iginla still has enough left in the tank to attempt to win a Stanley Cup one more time with a contending team. It will be interesting to see where Iginla ends up as one more strong value option left on the free agent market.
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