The opening day of the NHL free-agent market sees a frenzy of signings as general managers attempt to outbid their rivals for the best available talent. This year was no different, as most of the top talent was quickly snapped up within the opening hours.
Nevertheless, several noteworthy names can still be had for clubs seeking affordable veteran depth. Here’s a look at several options.
Joe Thornton
The long-time center of the San Jose Sharks turns 39 on July 2 and would prefer to stay put. With over $18 million in projected salary-cap space, the Sharks can afford to re-sign him to perhaps a one-year, bonus-laden deal. If they can’t reach an agreement, however, perhaps Thornton will entertain offers from teams in need of a playmaking center.
James Neal
A 20-plus scorer in each of his nine NHL seasons, the 30-year-old winger played a leadership role in the Vegas Golden Knights’ impressive inaugural campaign. Coming off a six-year, $30-million contract, it’s rumored Neal seeks a six-year deal worth over $6 million annually. The longer he goes unsigned, however, he could be forced to consider less expensive short-term deals.
Patrick Maroon
A big, late-blooming left wing, the 6-foot-3, 230-pounder is coming off consecutive 40-plus point seasons. It’s believed the 30-year-old Maroon seeks to double the $2-million annual cap hit from his previous contract. He should still be enticing for clubs looking for a large-bodied second-line winger.
Calvin de Haan
An upper-body injury limited the 27-year-old defenseman to just 33 games, adversely affecting his free-agent value. However, he’s only a year removed from a career-best 25-point campaign in 2016-17. A strong skater who can log 20 minutes per game, de Haan could be a worthwhile addition to any team’s defense corps.
Robin Lehner
Cut loose by the Buffalo Sabres, the 6-foot-4, 245-pound Lehner has impressive size and moves well in the crease. He also has a history of injuries and can be combative at times. However, Lehner still had a respectable .908 save percentage last season backstopping a lousy Sabres club. Teams seeking a reliable backup goaltender could come calling.
Dan Hamhuis
The 34-year-old Hamhuis is no longer the solid top-pairing defenseman of his youth. Still, he tallied 20 points and logged over 20 minutes per game with the Dallas Stars last season. He could bring invaluable leadership and experience to a blueline corps sorely lacking such characteristics.
Valtteri Filppula
The 34-year-old Filppula is well past his 66-point prime of 2011-12 with Detroit, but he’s only a year removed from a 42-point effort split between Philadelphia and Tampa Bay. He’s a hard-working two-way forward who can skate at center or either wing.
Anthony Duclair
Over the past two seasons, Duclair struggled to match his promising 20-goal, 44-point debut with the Arizona Coyotes in 2015-16. A trade to the Chicago Blackhawks last season failed to improve his play. Now a UFA, the 22-year-old winger could be an affordable reclamation project.
