Re-ranking Patrik Laine, Vladimir Tarasenko, and the 6 Other NHL Free Agents Available
The 2026-27 NHL regular season started on Sept. 29, and at this stage, most teams are still evaluating their roster for any necessary changes. Meanwhile, injuries could have some clubs seeking depth from the trade market or from their AHL affliates.
Teams can also look to whatever talent remains in the unrestricted free-agent market. While the best players in what was a thin market were quickly signed in early July, a handful of veterans remain who could be useful for clubs seeking to address specific roster needs.
On Aug. 7, we ranked the top 10 available free agents. That list has shrunk significantly since then.
Some players, like forwards Eeli Tolvanen and Michael Bunting, defensemen Logan Stanley and Nick Blankenburg, and goaltender Cam Talbot, subsequently signed with new NHL teams. Others, like defenseman John Klingberg and goalie Connor Ingram, have retired.
Nevertheless, several notable veterans remain, including winger Patrik Laine and Vladimir Tarasenko. Follow along to see where they sit in our updated rankings of the noteworthy remaining UFAs.
8. Evander Kane
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Controversy followed Evander Kane for most of his 16 NHL seasons. His off-ice issues at times overshadowed his on-ice performance, and he seemed to wear out his welcome with the five teams he's played for during his NHL career.
Nevertheless, Kane has also proven his worth as a power forward, combining scoring ability with a physical, abrasive style. He's reached or exceeded 20 goals and 40 points nine times in his NHL career and has put up solid postseason stats with 32 goals and 55 points in 97 postseason contests.
Kane's reputation could scare off most teams. However, with a veteran-laden playoff contender, the 35-year-old left winger could be a worthwhile middle-six forward on a one-year deal.
7. Adam Henrique
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In 16 NHL seasons, Adam Henrique earned a reputation as a reliable, versatile two-way forward who can play center or on the wing. He had 10 seasons with at least 40 points and went to the Stanley Cup Final with the New Jersey Devils in 2011-12 and with the Edmonton Oilers in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Henrique earned that reputation because of his hockey smarts, playmaking abilities, and rising to the occasion in high-pressure situations. Those traits, combined with his leadership abilities, could make him an enticing veteran for clubs seeking a reliable checking-line forward.
Now 36, age and injuries could be catching up with Henrique. Nevertheless, he could be a cost-effective option on a one-year deal.
6. David Perron
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A creative, agitating winger, David Perron is a 19-season NHL veteran. He's been productive for most of his career, with 812 points in 1,239 regular-season games. Perron has also been a reliable playoff performer, with 64 points in 110 postseason games, winning the Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2018-19.
Perron reached or exceed 40 points 13 times in his career, the latest a 47-point effort in 2023-24. He's capable of playing either wing and is a skilled playmaker who doesn't shy away from physical play.
Injuries hampered Perron over his last two seasons, leading to a decline in production for the 38-year-old winger. Still, he could be enticing for clubs looking for a physical scorer with leadership ability and playoff experience.
5. Philipp Kurashev
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The youngest player on our ranking at 27, Philipp Kurashev is a six-year NHL veteran. A versatile forward who plays center or wing, he spent five seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks and last season with the San Jose Sharks.
Kurashev seemed to be a young forward on the rise in Chicago, culminating in a career-best 18 goals and 36 assists for 54 points in 75 games in 2023-24 alongside young phenom Connor Bedard. However, he struggled the following season, leading to his departure to San Jose as a free agent.
Injuries limited Kurashev to 20 points in 43 games last season with the Sharks, who opted not to re-sign him. Still, his age and playmaking potential he had in Chicago could make him an affordable, low-risk signing for teams looking for additional offensive skill.
4. James van Riemsdyk
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A 17-season NHL veteran, James van Riemsdyk spent the past three seasons on affordable one-year contracts with the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. The 37-year-old left winger had a respectable 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games with the Red Wings last season.
A big-bodied net-front left winger, the 6'3", 210-pound van Riemsdyk exceeded the 20-goal plateau seven times and 40 points eight times. He uses his size and long reach to generate scoring chances, while his large frame makes him effective in creating traffic in front of opposing nets.
Given his age and declining production, van Riemsdyk could be best used as a power-play specialist. His experience and offensive touch could make him effective for teams seeking some extra scoring punch.
3. Reilly Smith
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A skillful two-way winger, Reilly Smith has had a productive 15-season NHL career. He had nine seasons with at least 40 points (including four with 50 or more points) and was a Stanley Cup champion with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2022-23. That earned him the No. 8 spot on our previous ranking.
Age seemed to catch up with the 35-year-old Smith over the last two seasons, bouncing from the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers before returning to the Golden Knights in 2024-25. His production tumbled last season to a career-low 26 points in 69 games
Still, Smith could have enough left in the tank for one more decent season. He could be a good addition to any club in the market for a skilled third-line winger.
2. Patrik Laine
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Injuries and inconsistency plagued Patrik Laine in recent years, derailing his career as a high-scoring winger. Nevertheless, the 28-year-old Finn could be a good addition for teams that need a scoring boost, especially on the power play. His powerful shot earned him the No. 3 spot on our previous ranking.
When healthy, Laine is capable of putting up solid offensive numbers. The 6'5", 216-pound winger had 20 goals in 52 games with the Montreal Canadiens in 2024-25. From 2022 to 2024, he scored over 50 points at a point-per-game pace in two injury-shortened seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
On Oct. 6, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that the Calgary Flames and Detroit Red Wings considered signing Laine. Because he was sidelined most of last season, LeBrun indicated he's eligible for an affordable, performance-bonus-laden contract, which could make him a fit for cap-strapped teams looking for scoring.
1. Vladimir Tarasenko
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After a disappointing 2024-24 campaign with the Detroit Red Wings, Vladimir Tarasenko rebounded with 23 goals and 47 points with the Minnesota Wild. That bounce-back performance earned him the No. 1 spot on our previous UFA re-ranking.
On Oct. 8, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported that Tarasenko received an offer from the Florida Panthers during the summer. He won his second Stanley Cup with the Panthers, but LeBrun doesn't think they will revisit their interest.
We previously noted that the 34-year-old Tarasenko proved he can be an effective middle-six winger with the right team. He's a two-time Stanley Cup champion whose experience would make him an invaluable addition to playoff contenders. At this stage, he could be an affordable one-year signing.
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