Top-5 NHL Free Agents Still Available on Open Market

The 2023 offseason is winding down as the calendar approaches August. While there hasn't been much movement of late as most of the frenzy was completed in the first week of July, look for teams to round out their roster before August, as arbitration settlements continue and GM's look for fillers of those last few organizational contracts. While the top-end talent is off the books, here's the five best players still available on the free-agent market:

Patrice Bergeron

Technically, the Boston Bruins legend is a free agent as there hasn't been anything written in stone for next season. The Selke winner is a first ballot hall-of-famer and he still has lots of game left in the tank, it's just unknown if the motivation to play still fires Bergeron inside. Last season he put up 58 points in 78 games and the Bruins management went into this summer thinking he was retiring. For now, we wait and see how things shake up.

Patrick Kane

Kane likely starts next season a free agent as he recovers from offseason surgery. He'll miss likely until January or so and once teams figure out their in-season cap situations, teams will start to call. Kane slowed down once he joined the Rangers last season, but he was hurt and there's no denying that. Can he bounce back? You likely shouldn't write off the Blackhawks legend. Look for Kane to join a contender at some point next season, coming off a campaign where he had 57 points in 73 games. 

Jonathan Toews

Again, technically Toews is a free agent and since there hasn't been an official retirement announcement, he'll remain on the open market. If he's healthy enough, Toews will sign and commit to playing next season. He put up 31 points in 53 games last season. Once a decision is made, if Toews does commit, look for the Edmonton Oilers or Washington Capitals to land the future hall of famer.

Vladimir Tarasenko

The Carolina Hurricanes? Nope. The Ottawa Senators? Nope. For now, the contract talks have quieted down in a major way for free-agent forward Vladimir Tarasenko. He's coming off a decent season split between the St Louis Blues and New York Rangers, putting up 50 points in 69 games. Tarasenko's only 31 years old and now appears to be headed for a 'show me' one-year contract. Life comes at you fast.

Tomas Tatar

While Matt Dumba gets an honorary mention, Tatar tops off our list, coming off collecting 48 points in 82 games with the New Jersey Devils last season. The Devils have moved on and Tatar now sits without a job for next season. There's going to be a team that sweeps in on a one-year deal and signs 'Tuna', for now, the favorite appears to be the Anaheim Ducks. Keep an eye on the Nashville Predators as well who continue to try and add up front. 

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