Top 10 unrestricted free agents still available in week 5 of free agency.

The best of the rest as of Nov 7th.

HockeyFeed
HockeyFeed
Published 3 years ago
Top 10 unrestricted free agents still available in week 5 of free agency.
Mike Wulf/CSM/Zuma

The National Hockey League's free agent frenzy has not been much of a frenzy at all in recent days and no doubt that comes in large part due to the fact that many teams around the league still have not seemingly found a way out of their salary cap dilemas. That has left a surprising number of recognizable names on the free agent market however and no doubt we will see many, if not all, of these players snatched up once the floodgates finally do open once again. 

There are several teams around the league that have had a relatively underwhelming offseason so far but if you're a fan of one of those teams don't worry there are still a few good players out there that may be able to help your favorite team. Here's a look at what I believe are the Top 5 forwards and Top 5 defensemen, all of which are unrestricted free agents, still available as of November 7th.

Forwards:

Mike Hoffman

Easily the best forward still available, Hoffman is coming off what would have been back to back 30+ goal seasons if not for the pandemic. Hoffman ended this current season at 29 goals and 30 assists for 59 points in just 69 games played and will be a game changer for whoever lands him.

Erik Haula

Perhaps a bit controversial to have him so high on this list given how much he has struggled with injuries in recent years but as a center who can put pucks in the back of the net I feel like Haula could end up being a steal. He will no doubt have to take a discount given his inability to show consistent form due to those injuries, but remember that just 2 seasons ago Haula had a whopping 29 goals and 26 assists for 55 points in just 76 games.

Mikael Granlund

His struggles under head coach Peter Laviolette did not help the former Nashville Predators' value on the open market but his resurgence once John Hynes took over behind the bench may be enough to get him another good contract. Granlund, like Haula, also plays center which is always in high demand in the National Hockey League and he's a centerman coming off a 63 game season with 17 goals and 13 assists for 30 points.

Anthony Duclair

Duclair had himself a breakout season with the Ottawa Senators, one that he has only matched once during his career and that was as a rookie with the Arizona Coyotes. His 23 goals and 17 assists over 63 games this past season showcase his talent, but the knock against Duclair has always been in regards to what is going on between his ears. He has already played for 5 different teams in his NHL career and after deciding to represent himself in negotiations with the Ottawa Senators, seems to be on his way to finding a 6th.

Andreas Athanasiou

The former Detroit Red Wings forward briefly turned Edmonton Oiler is coming off a pair of seasons that could not have looked more different. His 30 goals and 24 assists 2 seasons ago made him look like he would be a staple of the Red Wings for a long time to come, but the team chose to trade him to the Edmonton Oilers at this year's trade deadline following an abysmal season with the Red Wings that had the league talking about his plus minus rating of -45.

Defensemen:

Sami Vatanen

In my estimation by far the best defenseman on the board, Vatanen brings the ability to play in a top 4 role while also bringing his offensive talents to the blue line. 

Travis Hamonic

Hamonic's play this season appeared to indicate that he has regressed significantly since the start of his NHL career and although he is a stable addition to the blue line even now you have to understand that you will be getting a diminished Hamonic. The fact that the Calgary Flames chose not to retain his services, especially considering Hamonic would no doubt prefer to remain in that part of the country, speaks volumes to me.

Zdeno Chara

Still an extremely capable defenseman despite being the oldest player in the NHL, Chara's keen game sense and the massive reach of his giant stick keep him relevant at his age. I suspect Chara will return to the Bruins, but given the current state of the NHL anything can happen.

Ron Hainsey

Hainsey has bounced around the province of Ontario the last few seasons where he has served well in his role as a depth defenseman. He's definitely not flashy but he's a reliable option that you can no doubt secure on a relatively low salary.

Dustin Byfuglien

The former Winnipeg Jet is likely done in the National Hockey League and I'm including him largely because I hope he comes back and delivers a few more giant hits before he hangs up his skates for good. I suspect if he does comeback for one final run it will be as a member of the Minnesota Wild, but I wouldn't rule out a potential return elsewhere if one team manages to peak his curiosity. 


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