Three teams linked to the NHL’s best UFA defenseman still available Matt Grzelcyk

Matt Grzelcyk remains unsigned and Michael DeRosa of the Hockey News is wondering how that is possible. He believes Grzelcyk is the best unrestricted free agent defenseman still available on the market and wonders how no team has signed the talented blue liner.

Last season, “Grzelcyk quietly put together the best offensive season of his career in 2024-25,” setting new career highs with 39 assists and 40 points in 82 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Being a proven NHL defenseman with plenty of experience, including 66 post-season games he took part in as a member of the Boston Bruins for eight years, Grzelcyk should be signed to an NHL contract before the start of the 2025-26 campaign and DeRosa suggested that three teams should go after him.

First, he claims the Colorado Avalanche would benefit from adding Grzelcyk to its roster:

“If the Avalanche signed Grzelcyk to a short-term deal, he could fit very nicely on their bottom pairing with either Burns, Malinski or Josh Manson. If the Avalanche use him as a seventh defenseman, he could come into the lineup over shutdown D-man Keaton Middleton when they need an extra bit of offensive punch. He also has experience playing in a more significant role, averaging 20:37 in ice time last season, so he would give the Avalanche another player who could move up the lineup when injuries arise.”

DeRosa also suggests the Chicago Blackhawks could use Grzelcyk on their roster to mentor and help young defensemen on the team.

“[T]hey could benefit by adding another veteran blueliner to help mentor their youngsters while moving the needle on the ice. Signing Grzelcyk would provide them with just that, the way 35-year-old TJ Brodie couldn’t quite accomplish as one of Chicago’s veteran blueliners last season.”

However, when it comes to help that could be a game-changer, DeRosa points to the Calgary Flames, especially if the Canadian club is seriously considering trading Rasmus Andersson. Grzelcyk could be easily added to the Flames’ cap space, as they currently have over $15 million available, and could also fill the void if the trigger of a potential Andersson trade gets pulled.

“If the Flames signed Grzelcyk, he could at least be a nice upgrade over Jake Bean on their third pairing. However, depending on who ends up making the Flames’ opening night roster, Grzelcyk could also be a potential fit on their second pairing and power play if signed.”

The three teams mentioned by DeRosa make sense as landing spots for Grzelcyk. But only one of them will be lucky enough to count on him on the back end.