NHL Free Agents 2024: Latest Rumors, Predictions and Top Players Still on the Market

After a red-hot start to free agency at the start of July, several players still looking for new homes or awaiting deals with their current teams.

Some are grizzled veterans, others are fresh young faces, but all look to the future and the teams they will continue their careers with.

In one particular case, a starting goaltender, one of the best in the league, remains unsigned amid restricted free agency.

Who are those players?

Find out with this look at players still on the market.

Top Free Agents Remaning

Michael Reaves/Getty Images

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 14: Tyler Johnson #90 of the Chicago Blackhawks skates with the puck against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at the United Center on April 14, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Several quality players still await new deals with either their existing team or a new franchise. They can provide depth to contending teams or even start for teams in need to of a certain position.

These are the top remaining players and their previous team.

---

• Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (RFA)
• Dylan Holloway, F, Edmonton Oilers (RFA)
• Martin Necas, C, Carolina Hurricanes (RFA)
• Tyler Johnson, C, Chicago Blackhawks (UFA)
• Jacob Muzzin, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (UFA)
• Kevin Labanc, RW, San Jose Sharks (UFA)
• Jeff Carter, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (RFA)
• James Van Riemsdyk, LW, Boston Bruins (UFA)

Bruins Still Have Not Signed Jeremy Swayman

Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - MAY 17: Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman (1) gives a wink during Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Second Round playoffs between the Boston Bruins and the Florida Panthers on May 17, 2024, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.(Photo by Fred Kfoury III/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Boston Bruins traded away starting goaltender Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators this offseason, opening the door for Jeremy Swayman to be the undisputed starter in the net next season.

Except, the team has yet to re-sign the restricted free agent.

Despite the lackadaisical approach to getting him under contract, there is little to no concern on either side that a deal will get done, Andrew Raycroft of NESN reported on The Greg Hill Show.
“It's gonna get done. This year, the Stanley Cup finals went all the way to the end, then there was three days till the draft, three days till free agency, three days to development camp, and (then) everybody's gone. Everybody has their phones off, everybody is taking some time, this is the three or four weeks right now of the season actually being off,” he said (h/t Hockey Trade Rumors for the translation).

He continued, "It's gonna get done... They've gone through this a little bit last season, so, the business side of it, they know where each other stands... and fortunately, for Jeremy, he knows he's very important and wants to be paid as such."

There is every reason for the Bruins to get the deal done and pay Swayman accordingly, too.

In 44 games played in the 2023-24 season, Swayman went 25-10 with a save percentage of .916 and a goals-against average of 2.53. He contributed his most time on ice yet and gave officials all of the evidence they needed to see to go with him over Ullmark.

It is already absurd that the Bruins have not gotten Swayman under contract to avoid any bumps in the road that may arise. To be nearly through the first month of free agency and not have a contract in place is astonishing, even if both sides are committed to getting one done.

The team found itself in a goaltending controversy the last two seasons with Ullmark and Swayman on the same roster. Now that the former is gone, the team is still dragging its feet to wrap Swayman up for the next handful of years.

Raycroft is right; the deal will get done, but this is about as laid back an approach to sign one of the key players on the Bruins roster as Boston could have possibly taken.

---

Prediction: Swayman stays in Boston on new, albeit late, deal

Hurricanes Not Close to Trading Martin Necas

Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images

ELMONT, NEW YORK - APRIL 25: Martin Necas #88 of the Carolina Hurricanes reacts during the first period against the New York Islanders in Game Three of the First Round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at UBS Arena on April 25, 2024 in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Josh Lavallee/NHLI via Getty Images)

Hurricanes center Martin Necas heard his name at the center of trade discussions amid frustration over his role with the team.

The 25-year-old played in 77 games but averaged just 17:21 of ice time. He scored 24 goals and 29 assists for a total of 53 points.
It was a significant drop off from his 71-point season a year ago so it makes sense that, amid production and playing time frustration, there was reason to believe he was a prime trade candidate.

Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News reported that there is no indication that he is being moved. He is even in negotiations for a two-year, $6 million deal.

It remains to be seen if holding onto a young player in his athletic prime when he has already expressed frustration over his role with the team works out for both sides or if the Hurricanes ultimately offload him ahead of next season’s deadline.

One thing that is apparent is that Necas will continue his career for a legitimate Eastern Conference contender and will look for an increased role, with more playing time. If increased playing time and a greater role do not follow, he will likely find himself available for a team looking to get younger quickly.

---

Prediction: Necas stays in Carolina...for now. Could be a trade target at the deadline next season.