Best remaining NHL free agents after initial wave of signings originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
NHL free agency began on Monday, July 1, and later that day more than US$ 1 billion in contracts had been signed or agreed.
Teams across the league have taken advantage of the salary cap increase to make roster changes they hope will improve their fortunes next season.
While all of the best players to hit the market have signed new deals, many quality players remain without a contract.
One player who stands out is James van Riemsdyk. The 35-year-old forward had 38 points (11 goals, 17 assists) in 71 games with the Boston Bruins last season. He has never scored fewer than 11 goals in a season and also has 82 games of playoff experience. Van Riemsdyk would be a solid addition to the bottom six for a contending team.
Daniel Sprong has scored at least 43 points in consecutive seasons, including scoring 21 goals in 2022-23 and 18 goals in 2023-24. The 27-year-old striker is still available.
Justin Schutlz is one of the top undrafted defensemen. He is still an offensive threat who can contribute to the power play. Schultz also has two Stanley Cup rings from his days with the Penguins.
Even after the initial wave of signings earlier this week, there are still 22 teams with $3 million or more in salary cap space, by CapFriendly.
Here is a list of the best forwards, defensemen and goaltenders remaining on the NHL free agent market (goals, assists and games played in 2023-24 in parentheses).
Forwards
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Tyler Johnson, C (17 G, 14 A in 67 GP)
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Daniel Sprong, RW (18 G, 25 A in 76 GP)
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James van Riemsdyk, LW (11 G, 27 A in 71 GP)
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Tanner Pearson, LW (5G, 8A at 13GP)
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Filip Zadina, RW (13 G, 10 A in 72 GP)
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Dominik Kubalik, LW (11 G, 4 A at 74 GP)
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Kailer Yamamoto, RW (8 G, 8 A in 59 GP)
