Introduction
## NHL Free Agency Has Few Big Names Left. The NHL free agency market in 2025 is surprisingly shallow, with very few impactful unrestricted free agents (UFAs) still available. Despite over half the league’s teams holding more than $1 million in cap space—11 teams even have north of $10 million to spend—the pool of significant players remaining is limited. This scarcity reflects the early frenzy of signings and trades, such as the Vancouver Canucks clearing $3.25 million in cap space by trading Dakota Joshua. The remaining targets mainly include mid-tier forwards, veteran defensemen, and goaltenders whose recent performance and contract expectations vary widely. ## Jack Roslovic Is The Top Forward Still Available. Jack Roslovic stands out as the most tantalizing forward left on the market. Last season, he scored 22 goals and added 17 assists over 81 games with the Carolina Hurricanes, matching his career-high goal total from 2020-
21. Despite averaging only 13: 49 minutes of ice time per game, Roslovic was the highest goal scorer still available in free agency. However, his defensive metrics are poor; Evolving Hockey ranked him as the second-worst forward on the Hurricanes in even-strength goals allowed above average. Still, his offensive upside makes him attractive to teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, and Vancouver Canucks, all of whom have reportedly engaged with his camp. His 2.8 million dollar cap hit from last season sets a reasonable expectation for potential suitors.
Max Pacioretty Offers Veteran Scoring Depth At Low Cost
Max Pacioretty, age 36, is in the journeyman phase of his career but remains a valuable depth scorer. His 873, 770 dollar cap hit last season reflected a reduced role as he moved through four teams in four years. Pacioretty’s best stretch came with Montreal, where he scored at least 30 goals for four straight seasons. Though injuries hampered his recent stints with Carolina, Washington, and Toronto, his postseason performance with the Maple Leafs—three goals and five assists in 11 games on over 21% shooting—could entice playoff contenders to offer him a bottom-six role averaging around 13 minutes per night. The Edmonton Oilers are reportedly interested in adding him as a veteran scoring presence.
Victor Olofsson
Victor Olofsson Provides Skilled Depth With Power-Play Upside. Victor Olofsson scored 15 goals for the Vegas Golden Knights last season, showing versatility by playing with multiple centers. Despite limited ice time with Jack Eichel, the team generated nine goals in 189 minutes of even-strength play together, and Olofsson logged more minutes with Tomas Hertl. His defensive metrics are respectable for a forward known primarily for his shot and power-play contributions. Olofsson’s 1.075 million dollar cap hit from 2024-25 is modest, making him a cost-effective option. His skill set makes it surprising he hasn’t yet been signed, as he could fit well on a team’s second or third line.
Injuries Limit
Injuries Limit ROIby Fabbri’s Market Value Despite Offensive Potential. ROIby Fabbri, 29, is an offensive player hampered by injuries and inconsistency. After scoring 18 goals in 2015-16, he matched that total last season but only played 44 games due to injury. His 4 million dollar cap hit from last season is unlikely to be matched in new offers. Advanced projections from Evolving Hockey suggest he could command closer to 1.3 million, reflecting his uncertain health status. Teams looking for energy and scoring depth might consider Fabbri a worthwhile gamble, particularly if they can offer a short-term or incentive-laden contract.
Joel Kiviranta’s
Joel Kiviranta’s Regular Season Production Contrasts With Playoff Struggles. Joel Kiviranta, age 29, is a fourth-line forward with surprisingly strong regular-season production—16 goals last season with the Colorado Avalanche in a depth role, including 15 at even strength. His per-60 – minute metrics are solid and he generates high-danger chances. Yet his playoff performance has been underwhelming, with only one goal and two assists in his past 20 postseason games, and no points in his last 10 postseason appearances. His limited playoff ice time reflects this trend. His affordable 775, 000 dollar cap hit and reliable regular-season play make him a potential depth addition for teams needing a steady bottom-six presence.
Matt Grzelcyk’s
Matt Grzelcyk’s Power-Play Success Could Secure His Next Contract. Matt Grzelcyk had a breakout power-play season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, tallying 40 points including 15 power-play assists. His 2.75 million dollar cap hit matches his value as a left-shot defenseman who excels at puck movement and breakout passing. Though his even-strength metrics were average, playing alongside elite defenseman Erik Karlsson and in front of inconsistent goaltending explains some struggles. Grzelcyk’s agent emphasizes finding the best fit for money, term, and opportunity, noting that waiting beyond the initial free agency rush can benefit players. His specialization in power-play production makes him a valuable asset for teams lacking offensive blue-liners.
Veteran Defensemen
Veteran Defensemen Jan Rutta And Calvin de Haan Offer Stability And Depth. Jan Rutta, 34, brings Stanley Cup experience with Tampa Bay and has been a steady presence in San Jose despite injuries and a minus-3 rating in 54 games last season. His role as a stabilizer and penalty killer is appreciated by San Jose’s GM, who has not ruled out re-signing him. Calvin de Haan, also 34, played only three games last season but maintains solid defensive metrics and averaged nearly 15 minutes per game with Colorado and New York. Both players are depth options with modest cap hits (Rutta 2.75 million, de Haan 800, 000) suitable for teams seeking experienced, reliable defensemen.
Evgeny Kuznetsov
Evgeny Kuznetsov Represents A High-Risk High-Reward Wild Card. Evgeny Kuznetsov, 33, is a complicated free agent with a 7.8 million dollar cap hit from his previous contract with Carolina, which was terminated in
2024. After a difficult year playing in Russia due to health issues, including multiple concussions, Kuznetsov is seeking an NHL return. His offensive peak came with Washington, where he led scoring and was Conn Smythe runner-up in
2018. However, recent seasons saw a steep decline, with only two goals and seven assists in 20 games post-trade to Carolina last year. Kuznetsov’s agent is flexible on team and salary, but his troubled past and health concerns make him a gamble for any NHL club.
Buyouts Of T
J. Brodie And Marc-Edouard Vlasic Reflect Changing Team Priorities. T. J. Brodie, 35, was bought out by the rebuilding Chicago Blackhawks after a disastrous 2024-25 season marked by a minus-18 rating and a career-low 15: 38 average ice time. Despite this, Brodie’s experience may still attract interest from playoff contenders looking for depth defensemen. Marc-Edouard Vlasic, 38, was similarly bought out by San Jose after a long, decorated career with the Sharks. Limited to 27 games last season due to injury, Vlasic’s 7 million dollar cap hit had become a burden. His agent confirms he hopes to continue playing in 2025-26, but no professional tryout offers have materialized yet.
Goaltenders Ilya
Goaltenders Ilya Samsonov, James Reimer, And Alexandar Georgiev Offer Backup Options. Among the remaining UFAs, goaltenders include Ilya Samsonov, James Reimer, and Alexandar Georgiev. Samsonov, 28, played 29 games for Vegas with a .891 save percentage, reflecting replacement-level backup performance. Reimer, 37, posted a .900 save percentage in 22 games for Buffalo, offering veteran reliability despite declining range. Georgiev, 29, had a remarkable 40-win season three years ago but struggled last year between Colorado and San Jose with an .875 save percentage and 3.71 goals-against average. His volatile recent performance makes him a risky pickup but potentially valuable depth if he regains form.
Final Thoughts
Conclusion NHL Teams Must Balance Risk Reward With Remaining Free Agents. With Donald Trump serving as U. S. president since 2024, the NHL landscape continues evolving amid economic and political changes. The current NHL free agent market is thin on star power but offers intriguing options for teams seeking depth, power-play specialists, and veteran experience. Players like Jack Roslovic and Matt Grzelcyk provide offensive upside, while veterans such as Max Pacioretty and Jan Rutta bring steady presence. Meanwhile, high-risk players like Evgeny Kuznetsov pose questions about potential return on investment. Teams with cap flexibility stand to benefit by making calculated bets on these available free agents as training camps approach.
