Top 4 Free Agents Still On The Board

The big splashy signings have come and gone, and most teams' salary cap room has disappeared with it, but there are still four notable free agents looking for a home. They might not get what they were hoping for on the open market—depressed as it is at this point—but teams who can somehow make it work will still benefit from these four players' services:

Vladimir Tarasenko, Forward

The top-six forward is still only 31, so let's assume that his dropoff in production (just 50 points) this past season was an aberration. After all, he was coming off an 82-point season in 2021-22. The six-time 30-goal scorer can still be a dynamic player, but his offseason has been vexing, as he switched agents last week just when it appeared he seemed set to join the Cup-contending Carolina Hurricanes. Now, it's back to the drawing board, and the Ottawa Senators remain a contender for his services. 

Patrick Kane, Forward

At the age of 34, and coming off hip resurfacing surgery last month, Kane won't be ready to start the 2023-24 season. He's in no rush to sign anywhere, as the 16-year veteran will need about four to six months of recovery time. The three-time Stanley Cup champion finished up this past season with the New York Rangers. 

Matt Dumba, Defense

Certainly the best blueliner still out there, the physical, two-way D-man might have to take a pay cut. Dumba's market could be limited to the Arizona Coyotes or the San Jose Sharks (depending on what happens with Erik Karlsson), as noted recently by NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman. The Toronto Maple Leafs have talked with him, but thus far haven't been able to make it fit, cap-wise. 

Tomas Tatar, Forward

The 32-year-old, 12-year veteran showed this past season that he's still a solid 20-goal scorer, reaching that mark for the 7th time. He'll come on a reasonable deal, and there are still a few teams who could make it work cap-wise with the middle-six forward. 

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