NHL's best remaining free agents: These names are still available
The NHL free agent signing period is coming up on one month on Aug. 1 and many of the top players have learned where they will be playing (or not playing) next season.
This week, longtime Bruins center Patrice Bergeron announced his retirement after 19 seasons. Two days later, winger Vladimir Tarasenko signed with the Senators.
Earlier, Dmitry Orlov and Michael Bunting (Hurricanes), Ryan O'Reilly and Luke Schenn (Predators), Tyler Bertuzzi, Max Domi and Ryan Reaves (Maple Leafs) and Alex Killorn and Radko Gudas (Ducks) were among those who changed teams. Meanwhile, goalies Tristan Jarry (Penguins) and Frederik Andersen and Antti Raanta (Hurricanes) were re-signed by their teams.
But some players on USA TODAY Sports' Top 25 list are still looking for a new contract. Here are some of the top unrestricted free agents who are still available:
NHL OFFSEASON TRACKER: News and analysis on signings and trades
Forward Patrick Kane
The three-time Stanley Cup winner will miss the beginning of the season because of hip resurfacing surgery. He was limited to 57 points last season because of the hip injury, but he'll be a valuable addition if he ends up being anywhere close to vintage Kane. There's no rush to get a deal done. His agent, Pat Brisson, told ESPN that Kane might wait until closer to when he's ready to return, likely in December, before deciding which suitor has the best chance to win a championship.
Forward Tomas Tatar
The winger hit the 20-goal mark last season for the seventh time in his career. But he had only one goal and was a -7 in 12 playoff games.
Forward Jonathan Toews
The former longtime Blackhawks captain has missed time with chronic immune response syndrome and long COVID. He sat out more than two months last season and finished with 31 points in 53 games. He's valued for his leadership, two-way play and three championships. However, Toews said his health is the biggest factor determining whether he returns for another season.
Forward David Krejci
He had 56 points in 70 games in his return to Boston after spending a season in his native Czech Republic. That's second among remaining free agents. But just as with Bergeron, his choice appears to be either return to the Bruins or leave the NHL.
Forward Phil Kessel
He no longer puts up the big points, but you know you'll get a lot of games out of the reigning NHL ironman. He just won his third Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights.
Other available forwards: Josh Bailey, Pius Suter, Nick Ritchie, Eric Staal, Paul Stastny, Zach Parise.
Defenseman Matt Dumba
He doesn't put up the offensive numbers anymore, but he's 28, shoots hard and most important, he's a coveted right-hand shot.
Defenseman Ethan Bear
He hurt his shoulder at the world championships, had surgery and won't be available until December. The Canucks didn't give him a qualifying offer. Bear has averaged about 19 minutes a game in his career and shoots right.
Other available defensemen: Nick Holden, Patrik Nemeth, Cal Foote, Caleb Jones.
Goalie Martin Jones
He had 42 starts and 27 wins last season as the Kraken reached the playoffs during their second season. But once goalie Philipp Grubauer was healthy, Jones played only 18 minutes in the postseason.
Other available goalies: Jaroslav Halak, Alex Stalock, Brian Elliott. Tomas Greiss isn't because he retired after 14 seasons.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NHL free agency 2023: Top remaining unsigned players
