NHL Rumors: Top 3 Free-Agent Forwards & Predictions

NHL training camps are opening in a couple of weeks and there's still a load of talent waiting for a new contract. The free-agent market has been a slow moving process this offseason as the hard salary cap has really shown it's teeth. Expect to see some more contracts trickle in, as these three free-agent forwards will be signed before camps open:

Evan Rodrigues

Coming off a 19-goal season and 43 points in 82 games, Evan Rodrigues is one player who is surprisingly still available. The Pittsburgh Penguins appeared content to walk away, and now E-Rod sits without a deal for 2022-23. We've heard the Calgary Flames have kicked tires, same with the Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres. Rodrigues fired his agent this summer, so it's certainly been a learning experience for the 28-year-old versatile forward. Prediction: Rodrigues signs a one-year with the Anaheim Ducks

Sonny Milano

Speaking of the Ducks, they let Sonny Milano walk to free agency and the 26-year-old winger has taken his time this offseason to find a new home. Milano put up 34 points in 66 games in 2021-22, now he's looking to catch on to a new opportunity before camp opens.

Milano has blazing speed but unfortunately doesn't play much of a physical style and has been inconsistent with his production at times. The former first-round pick is likely going to sign a one-year deal at the league minimum, $750,000. Prediction: Milano inks one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres

Victor Rask

29-year-old Victor Rask is coming off a season split between the Minnesota Wild and Seattle Kraken. He totaled 21 points in 47 games in 2021-22 and is looking for a new home for this season. Rask has shown in the past he's capable of playing a third-line shut down style and is best suited in a team's bottom six.

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Rask won't be making close to the $4 million salary from his last contract and expect another league minimum deal as the middle class is currently getting squeezed across the NHL. Prediction: Rask signs PTO with Toronto Maple Leafs

Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports