NHL Rumors: Top 5 Free Agents Still Available & Potential Destinations

It's been a busy week of new deals being handed out in the NHL as free agency is a month old. As we fly through the summer months, it won't be long before training camps are opening up across the league. While most of the big names have signed new tickets, there's some serious talent left on the free-agent market. Here's the top five players still available to sign:

Nazem Kadri

The 31-year-old has yet to put pen to paper, however there's been some serious rumblings about an agreement in place with the New York Islanders. General manager Lou Lamoriello always does business a little bit differently, but to this point there's been nothing signed.

Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Word is the Colorado Avalanche have discussed internally about bringing Kadri back but know that Nathan MacKinnon wants to get paid in a major way and they may not have enough room for both. If it's not the Isles or Avs, look for the Anaheim Ducks to be a wild card team for landing Kadri.

Phil Kessel

One of the more polarizing names left on the open market is Phil Kessel. The iron man is enjoying the summer with his young family and is gearing up to play next season. Where exactly that will be is unknown to this point. Kessel is a great secondary scorer who is no longer a first-line option. With that being said there's a number of teams who could use his playmaking and finishing abilities and he'd be great to upgrade a power-play unit. There's been some chatter about the Edmonton Oilers, however some who know Kessel can't see him going back to the wild winters of Edmonton after spending so much time in the desert. The Florida Panthers make some sense, and same with the Anaheim Ducks. Expect to see Kessel sign a one-year deal in the coming weeks and likely with a contending team in a warm climate.

Evan Rodrigues

The Pittsburgh Penguins loved Evan Rodrigues, just apparently not enough to offer him a contract extension. Rodrigues is coming off his best season, recording 19 goals and 43 points in 82 games and is a versatile forward who can play the wing and down the middle. It's a bit of a surprise to see E-Rod unsigned to this point, however that will soon change. The Oilers, Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, and Detroit Red Wings are believed to have interest in the 28-year-old who made only $1 million last season.

Paul Stastny

A number of teams could use a veteran forward like Paul Stastny, however roster space is limited at this point. Stastny can still get it done at age 36, recording 21 goals and 45 points in 71 games last season. It appears a reunion in Winnipeg is out of the picture at this point, however a potential return to the Avalanche could be an option. Some other teams to consider here are the Calgary Flames, Minnesota Wild and Ottawa Senators.

Sonny Milano

The Ducks decided they didn't want to qualify Sonny Milano and the 26-year-old hit the open market after putting up 34 points in 66 games. Milano has the speed and skill to play up and down the lineup and there's been some heavy interest to this point, just no pen to paper. Milano has ties to New York and the Islanders could be a team to watch here.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Senators and Sabres are two teams who could take a flyer on the winger as they look to fill out their top-9 forwards. Should be a deal done soon and don't expect Milano to have to sign a professional tryout agreement to land a contract for next season.