NHL Free Agents 2022: Latest Rumors, Predictions for Nazem Kadri, Top Remaining UFAs

Many of the top NHL free agents signed on Wednesday, not long after free agency began at noon ET. More strong players came off the board Thursday. And yet, there are still some notable standouts who remain on the market and are free to sign with any of the league's 32 teams.

Two of the clear best remaining unrestricted free agents are center Nazem Kadri and defenseman John Klingberg. But it may not be too much longer before each of those players signs with a team and likely gets a sizable payday.

Even though many NHL teams have already filled holes on their roster this week, there are others that need the type of boost that Kadri or Klingberg could provide. Some of those franchises also have plenty of financial flexibility, too.

Here's some of the latest buzz surrounding the top remaining UFAs, along with predictions for where each will eventually sign this offseason.

Nazem Kadri, C

Jeff Le/NHLI via Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - May 27: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Colorado Avalanche takes a shot against the St. Louis Blues in Game Six of the Second Round of the 2022 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Enterprise Center on May 23, 2022 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Jeff Le/NHLI via Getty Images)

There's been a ton of buzz surrounding teams that could sign Kadri after his impressive 2021-22 season, during which he helped lead the Colorado Avalanche to the Stanley Cup. Don't rule out a return to the Avs for the 31-year-old center, though.

Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now reported on Thursday that Kadri "wants to come back" to the Avalanche "now," following the first day of free agency. He's spent the past three years in Colorado after opening his NHL career with 10 seasons with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

It's not a sure thing that Kadri could be back with the Avs, however. According to David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period, Kadri has remained in discussions with multiple teams and was expected to "narrow down his options" on Thursday.

Pagnotta noted that Kadri had been linked to the New York Islanders, Seattle Kraken, Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks, as well as others. So the Avalanche appear to have some competition in their reported bid to retain Kadri.

Some of those other teams may be able to outbid Colorado, which has only $3.91 million of available cap space (per CapFriendly). So don't be surprised if Kadri ends up elsewhere. And one strong fit could be with the Islanders, a team that could be pushed back into playoff contention with the addition of the veteran center.

Prediction: Kadri signs with the Islanders

John Klingberg, D

Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

CALGARY, AB - MAY 15: Dallas Stars Defenceman John Klingberg (3) in action during the second period of game 7 of the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Calgary Flames and the Dallas Stars on May 15, 2022, at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, AB. (Photo by Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Klingberg has spent his first eight NHL seasons with the Dallas Stars, but it sure seems like the 29-year-old defenseman will soon be on the move, based on recent comments made by Stars assistant general manager Scott White.

“We’ve had constant communication with John Klingberg for a long time," White said, per The Athletic's Saad Yousuf. "At the end of the day, we have a salary cap to deal with. It just didn’t work."

Another team will make it work with Klingberg, one of the best defensemen still on the market. Sportsnet's Jeff Marek reported that the Seattle Kraken and Detroit Red Wings have each had "various levels of interest" in Klingberg. The Carolina Hurricanes could have been a potential fit, but they acquired Brent Burns in a trade with the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday.

Now that Carolina is likely no longer in the mix for Klingberg, it seems quite probable that he'll end up in either Seattle or Detroit, a pair of teams needing a defensive boost. The prediction here is that he'll end up with the Kraken, who have already had a solid offseason thus far.

Prediction: Klingberg signs with the Kraken

Paul Stastny, C

Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images

WINNIPEG, MB - APRIL 29: Paul Stastny #25 of the Winnipeg Jets follows the play up the ice during second period action against the Calgary Flames at Canada Life Centre on April 29, 2022 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. (Photo by Darcy Finley/NHLI via Getty Images)

Paul Stastny has played for four teams during his 16-year NHL career. The 36-year-old center is now an unrestricted free agent and could soon be joining a new franchise (or returning to one of his former teams). But it doesn't seem a signing is imminent.

While Stastny has received "some interest" on the market, according to Andy Strickland of Bally Sports Midwest, the veteran is in "no rush on making a decision." It isn't clear which teams may be pursuing Stastny, either.

Over the past two seasons with the Winnipeg Jets, Stastny proved that he can still play at a high level. In 71 games during the 2021-22 campaign, he had 45 points (21 goals and 24 assists), his most since tallying 53 in 2017-18.

Perhaps Stastny could reunite with the Vegas Golden Knights after playing two seasons for the team from 2018-20. He was a solid contributor for them, and even though the Golden Knights are tight on cap space, they could find a way to bring him back.

Prediction: Stastny signs with the Golden Knights