Now that this off-season's big names have found new teams, let's take a look at the NHL free agents who are still available. These players could be valuable additions for teams aiming to compete for the championship or teams in the process of rebuilding. Many clubs are looking to complete their rosters before the start of training camp this fall.
So, here’s a look at the top five NHL free agents still on the board.
Top 5 remaining NHL free agents are still available to sign
#5. James van Riemsdyk
At 35, van Riemsdyk isn’t the goal-scorer he once was. Nevertheless, van Riemsdyk does offer depth scoring to any team looking to add a veteran winger to their bottom six. He notched 11 goals and 38 points last season with the Boston Bruins, playing in 71 games on the third line.
A team like the Columbus Blue Jackets or Nashville Predators could take a look at van Riemsdyk. Daily Faceoff projects a one-year, $1.5 million deal for van Riemsdyk.
#4. Tyson Barrie
Barrie is no longer the top-pairing defenseman who manned the Colorado blue line. Nevertheless, he could be a serviceable bottom-pairing defenseman who could serve as insurance for teams looking to shore up their blue line.
At a projected one-year, $1.75 million deal, Barrie could provide a team like the San Jose Sharks a veteran presence to help younger players develop.
#3. Tony DeAngelo
DeAngelo was a mainstay on the Carolina Hurricanes’ blue-like lineup for several seasons. While still relatively young at 28, DeAngelo could slot into any team’s bottom four, providing a mix of skill and grit. Teams looking for a solid minute-munching defenseman could take a good look at DeAngelo.
Daily Faceoff projects a two-year deal with an AAV of $1.75 for DeAngelo. West Coast teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Los Angeles Kings could use DeAngelo as insurance. Perhaps Utah could sign him as a solid, bottom-pairing option.
#2. Tyler Johnson
Johnson is coming off a solid season with the Chicago Blackhawks. He notched 31 points in 67 games with the Hawks last season. Those numbers make Johnson a good bottom-six option for teams looking to add depth.
At a projected one-year, $1.7 million deal, teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Winnipeg Jets, or Washington Capitals could use him as center depth.
#1. Mike Hoffman
Hoffman, a former 30-goal scorer, has been on a downward trend for the last couple of seasons. He registered 10 goals and 23 points with the Sharks last year. Still, he could be a serviceable bottom-six winger for a contending club looking to add some experience and potential depth scoring.
Clubs like the New York Rangers or Dallas Stars might take a good look at Hoffman. He’s one of the low-risk NHL free agents available, especially at a projected one-year, $1.15 million deal.