NHL Free Agents 2016: Kris Russell Rumors, Jimmy Vesey News and More Predictions

Although the most exciting portions of the NHL offseason are now complete, there's still some player movement on the horizon as teams begin filling out their rosters. The frenzied nature of the activity has merely been traded in for a more measured approach.

The question for the remaining free agents is whether they want to sign soon or wait awhile to see what could become available as the season draws closer. Waiting represents a risk, but it could also yield the most promising position once the dust settles in a few months.

With that in mind, let's check out some of the latest news and rumors from around the league. Each section also includes a prediction for where that player will eventually land.

Kris Russell Targeted for Depth

Russell's production dropped as he split last season between the Calgary Flames and Dallas Stars. He scored just 19 points in 62 games. The total represented his lowest output when playing at least 60 games since his rookie campaign in 2007-08.

The 29-year-old blueliner tallied 63 points over the previous two seasons in Calgary, though. So there's reason for optimism if a team is seeking to bolster its second or third pairing. Harvey Fialkov of the Sun Sentinel reported the Florida Panthers could be one such team:

Joe Haggerty of CSN New England noted earlier in July the Boston Bruins were also "kicking the tires" on Russell. A source told Haggerty the defenseman has already turned down a four-year, $17 million offer with hope something better would arise after the initial free-agent wave.

Ultimately, Florida seems like an ideal fit on paper after the team lost some offensive flair on defense with the departure of Brian Campbell, who scored 31 points last season. Russell could help fill the void if the front office is willing to bet on a bounce-back season.

Prediction: Panthers

Buffalo Sabres Pitch to Jimmy Vesey

The Sabres traded a third-round draft pick to the Nashville Predators for Vesey's negotiating rights last month. Now they have until Aug. 15 to convince him to sign with them rather than enter the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

They held a meeting with the coveted Harvard product last week to make their sales pitch and see if he'd soften his stance on reaching free agency. John Vogl of the Buffalo News passed along comments from Peter Fish, the winger's agent, who unsurprisingly wasn't prepared to make any commitments.

"The meeting went very well, I'd have to say," Fish said. "However, until we sit down with Jimmy and fully digest everything we heard yesterday, I can't really comment on how it might affect Aug. 15."

Trading a mid-round pick for the chance to convince Vesey to sign was the right move for Buffalo, even if he ends up going elsewhere. It has a major void in its top six, which the Hobey Baker Award winner could immediately fill as the Sabres try to move out of the rebuilding phase.

That said, the fact Vesey will have a limited cap hit as he signs his first pro contract means just about every team in the league could make the financial side work. So Vesey probably wants to see what other situations are available, and his hometown team in Boston will likely be tough to beat.

Prediction: Bruins

Mike Richards Waiting for Opportunities

Richards' numbers have steadily declined over the last handful of seasons. He scored just 16 points in 53 games for the Los Angeles Kings two years ago. The Washington Capitals picked him up as a possible buy-low candidate in January, but he registered just five points in 39 contests down the stretch.

It's a far cry from his days as a high-impact contributor with the Philadelphia Flyers. He had four straight years with at least 60 points beginning in 2007-08. The drop-off means it's no surprise the 31-year-old veteran told Ryan Young of Kenora Online he's still waiting for things to pick up.

"Not much right now just training, trying to get ready for the season. Not sure where it's going to be yet, but hopefully get some traction in the next couple of weeks," Richards said. "I plan to play hockey next year. So, it will just be what is the best fit for me."

Richards opted for the best team available last season when he joined the Capitals. If he's looking to rebuild his value, however, his best bet is trying to find a team where he'll be able to earn at least occasional top-six minutes and a role on the power play.

Teams like the Arizona Coyotes and Carolina Hurricanes, which aren't ready to contend but feature some promising young talent, make the most sense. It's no guarantee he'll come anywhere close to his previously valuable ways, but it would be a worthwhile low-risk signing for a team needing depth.

Prediction: Coyotes