NHL free agency in 2023 has gone as expected — fairly uneventful
This year's free agent class is one of the worst in recent memory. Between the NHL's flat cap and the salary cap only increasing by $1 million, it has caused a number of players to take short-term deals rather than getting to cash in on a long-term contract.
As Day 5 of NHL free agency hits, there are only four teams — the Kraken, Coyotes, Blackhawks and Ducks — with more than $10 million available in cap space. It's likely that the biggest news to come next will involve a trade rather than a signing.
There are still notable names out on the market. Additionally, there are plenty of depth skaters and goaltenders available to be signed.
MORE: The highest-paid NHL players in the 2023-24 season
Best players remaining in 2023 NHL free agency
1. Matt Dumba, D
Dumba is a solid offensive defenseman who can easily play top-four minutes. He also loves to throw hits, despite his smaller stature.
2. Vladimir Tarasenko, LW
There was a supposed deal with Tarasenko and the Hurricanes, but that has reportedly fallen apart. Tarasenko is a top-six sniper who doesn't bring much to the defensive end.
3. Tomas Tatar, LW
Tatar is as strong of a middle-six winger that you will find. He plays well in his own zone, and can contribute offensively with his excellent shot.
4. Patrick Kane, RW
Kane is still a slick passer, but defensively he's still a large liability, especially when his offensive production dips. Offseason hip surgery sets a timeline for his availability between October and December.
5. Patrice Bergeron, C
A six-time Selke winner, Bergeron remains one of the greatest two-way centers of all time. It's either a return to the Bruins, or retirement for the longtime Boston member.
6. Josh Bailey, RW
Traded by the Islanders to the Blackhawks only to then be bought out, Bailey is best suited for a third-line wing role. He's a playmaker who occasionally goes on hot streaks.
7. Martin Jones, G
Jones is an above-average backup, while a very low-end starting goaltender. He's capable of threatening to take a starting role, but is better suited to be a veteran No. 2 to mentor a young goalie.
8. David Krejci, C
Krejci still possesses an excellent passing and playmaking ability, and can be a strong No. 2 center. Similar to Bergeron, it's either a return to the Bruins, going back to the Czech Republic, or retirement for Krejci.
9. Jonathan Toews, C
The longtime Blackhawks captain was not brought back by the team. Toews remains an elite faceoff center and plays extremely well in his own zone. A No. 3 center role on a contender would make sense for Toews, if he doesn't retire due to health issues.
10. Tomas Nosek, C
Nosek is a fourth-line center who excels at killing penalties. He's also strong in the faceoff dot.
11. Ethan Bear, D
Bear has shown instances of being an effective, two-way defenseman that can play top-four minutes, but wasn't utilized properly in Carolina or Vancouver.
12. Denis Gurianov, RW
Gurianov is a pure offensive winger who brings little defense. He has struggled to find a role when he's not scoring.
13. Phil Kessel, RW
Kessel is a reliable third-line wing option who can still produce offensively. His best strength is availability, as he remains the NHL's all-time Ironman streak leader.
14. Max Comtois, LW
Comtois was not given a qualifying offer from the Ducks, making him an unrestricted free agent. He has shown flashes of being an impactful top-six winger, but he has regressed over the last two seasons.
15. Zach Parise, LW
The veteran winger hasn't slowed down nearly as much as expected. Parise remains an offense-first wing who can provide depth scoring on a team's third or fourth line.
16. Jaroslav Halak, G
If a team is in need of a veteran backup to give them 20-30 appearances, Halak is the guy. He's been one of the stronger backup goaltenders over the last five-six seasons.
17. Oskar Sundqvist, C
Sundqvist is a hard-nosed, bottom-six forward who has fallen off since winning his second Stanley Cup with the Blues in 2019.
18. Eric Staal, C
Staal is a veteran fourth-line center who can kill penalties. He had a decent resurgence in his offensive production last season.
19. Paul Stastny, C
Statsny is a veteran bottom-six option who can play both center and wing on occasion. He's a two-way playmaker that can drive offense, but doesn't contribute on special teams.
20. Nick Ritchie, LW
A big-bodied winger, Ritchie struggles with his skating, but can be a pain in front of the net due to his size. He's suited for a fourth-line role.