The NHL off-season has come to a screeching halt in recent weeks, but there are still some notable free agents on the board like Nazem Kadri and Phil Kessel. Here’s a look at 10 of the best UFAs still available.
The NHL off-season has come to a screeching halt in recent weeks, but there are still some notable free agents on the board like Nazem Kadri and Phil Kessel. Here’s a look at 10 of the best UFAs still available:
1. Nazem Kadri, C, 31
2021-22 cap hit: $4,500,000
Kadri picked an incredible year for a breakout season, scoring 28 goals and 87 points in the regular season and 15 points in 16 playoff games en route to a Stanley Cup run. He’s poised for a long-term deal, but teams will need to get creative to bring him in.
2. Phil Kessel, RW, 34
2021-22 cap hit: $8,000,000
Kessel quietly had a 52-point season, but the once-consistent 30-goal scorer only managed to score five at even strength this year. At the right price, Kessel can be good scoring depth, but his contract made him a challenge to move at the deadline in an attempt to win the Cup.
3. Evan Rodrigues, C, 28
2021-22 cap hit: $1,000,000
One of the best value players last year, Rodrigues had 43 points in 82 games, a career-best campaign after never breaking the 30-point barrier in his career. Sidney Crosby was the center he played with the most, though, and over half his goals came on the power play. Still, you can at least rely on him around the net, and he shouldn’t be too expensive.