Top 5 Free Agents Still Available

The NHL free agency period has been open for a few weeks now and while most of the talent has found a new home, there's several big-name players who are still looking for a team next season. The goalies have sorted themselves out, however both at forward and defense we still have some talent to put pen to paper. Let's dive into the best five free agents still available:

Nazem Kadri

The Colorado Avalanche are likely going to have to move Samuel Girard if it means keeping Kadri long term and at this point it's unknown if general manager Joe Sakic is willing to do so. He was a bargain on his last deal at $4.5 million annually, and after a career season, Kadri is looking to secure the bag. He'll have to take a discount to stay in Mile High as it's hard to see him making anything over $6 million with the Avs. Kadri is coming off a recent agent switch and is carrying an open mind this summer. The Calgary Flames could use him, however he said no to a trade to the Flames as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Colorado is the current front runner with the New York Islanders creeping closely behind.

John Klingberg

At certain points last season Dallas Stars defenseman John Klingberg said he felt unappreciated by the organization. Likely a contract negotiation tactic, Klingberg was recently married and sits without a job next season. The Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings are certainly kicking tires, meanwhile the Stars seem unlikely to be open to a reunion at this point. It's interesting he's still unsigned, as many felt once Brent Burns was moved it would be Klingberg next to sign. He switched agents two days ago so let's see if his new rep can facilitate the contract the right-hander blueliner is looking for.

With John Klingberg reportedly looking for around $6mil AAV over 7 years, he now has a new agent to help him find a deal.@JamisonCoyle | @Rupper17 | #NHLTonight pic.twitter.com/KKpLOU4ZKc

— NHL Network (@NHLNetwork) July 28, 2022

Patrice Bergeron

The Boston Bruins legend makes the list just based on the fact his contract for next season is not official to this point. When the Bruins acquired Pavel Zacha from the New Jersey Devils, the first phone call he received was from Bergeron, welcoming him to the organization. If you're leaving, you don't go out of your way to do that. Don't expect anything crazy here.

Phil Kessel

The polarizing iron man was a great mentor with the Arizona Coyotes and is likely headed elsewhere for next season. While he's not as fast as he once was, or offensive dynamic, Kessel can still put the puck in the net and has always been an underrated play maker. 

 Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

His contract will be an interesting one as it's likely a one or two-year deal at $2.5-3 million. Perfect for a second power play unit and some secondary scoring, the Edmonton Oilers could be an option, along with the Anaheim Ducks and New York Islanders

Paul Stastny

The veteran forward is ready to return for another campaign next season and if you're into placing bets, the Calgary Flames may be a team to watch here. Stastny is a fan of their coaching staff and is coming off a season posting 21 goals and 45 points in just under 18 minutes of ice-time a night. The Flames are now desperate for some help on left-wing and up front in general so there certainly could be a match here to be made. Expect it to be a one-year deal at roughly $3 million.

Photo credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports