NHL Free Agency Update
As the NHL free agency period reaches its third week, several notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) are still looking for new teams ahead of the upcoming 2025-26 season.
Key Players on the Market
Jack Roslovic
Among these players is Jack Roslovic, a versatile forward who has recorded two seasons with 20 goals, most recently tallying 22 goals and 39 points while playing for the Carolina Hurricanes. At 28 years old, he’s coming off a one-year contract worth $2.8 million—significantly reduced from his previous $4 million deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
One potential advantage of signing Roslovic is his ability to perform as a secondary scorer for any team. However, teams may struggle to negotiate a fair contract, as his unique skill set—being a right-handed centerman—might drive up the price significantly.
Ilya Samsonov
Another intriguing candidate is goaltender Ilya Samsonov, whose career has seen him fluctuate between starter and backup roles. In the recent season with the Vegas Golden Knights, he started all 29 of his game appearances and finished with a record of 16 wins, 9 losses, and 4 overtime losses.
Despite an average save percentage of .891 and a goals-against average of 2.82, the experience he brings could be attractive to teams. Yet, inconsistency has plagued the 28-year-old’s career; he demonstrated potential with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2022-23 but faltered in the subsequent season, reflecting a sharp decline in performance.
Matt Grzelcyk
Veteran defenseman Matt Grzelcyk finds himself without a contract after a productive season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied a career-high 40 points, along with one goal. His value as a solid defenseman who can effectively quarterback a power play is clear, especially after averaging 20:37 minutes of ice time per game—the most in his nine-year career.
Grzelcyk boasts significant playoff experience, having played 66 postseason games with the Boston Bruins. However, there are concerns regarding whether he and his agent are asking for a contract that exceeds what potential teams are willing to pay.
Victor Olofsson
Victor Olofsson, a left winger known for his scoring ability, has hit the 20-goal mark three times in his career and was on pace to do so again prior to his recent stint with the Golden Knights, where he managed 15 goals in 56 games. While he brings impressive offensive capabilities, Olofsson has struggled with consistency; he famously went through a two-month stretch without scoring during the last season.
If teams can overlook his erratic scoring patterns, he could add valuable depth to an offense.
Luke Kunin
Lastly, Luke Kunin, a versatile forward, is recognized for his two-way play and penalty-killing skills. In the past season, he played for both the San Jose Sharks and the Columbus Blue Jackets, accumulating 18 points over 75 games. While his expertise in defensive roles makes him a reliable choice for bottom-six spots, concerns linger over the stagnation in his scoring output since a notable 31-point season with the Minnesota Wild.
Conclusion
Overall, while teams sift through the remaining UFAs this free agency, each player’s potential influence on a roster can be weighed heavily against their recent performance and market demands.
