Free Agent Frenzy: The Top 5 Remaining NHL Free Agents

Stephen KendallJun 7, 2018

July 1 certainly lived up to its billing as "Free Agent Frenzy" by the National Hockey League, as over $240 million in contracts were given to players by NHL owners and general managers.

A week later, there are still a few valuable unrestricted free agents on the market who could be quite helpful to a Stanley Cup contender.

Teemu Selanne: Anaheim or Bust!

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1. Teemu Selanne, F

Selanne is a sure-fire Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific scorers of the past 20 years. Even at 40 years old, he is still among the best in the business, scoring 31 goals and adding 49 assists in 79 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season.

However, Selanne underwent knee surgery last week and has stated he is unsure if he wants to return for another season. It is pretty clear that should Selanne return for an 18th NHL season, the only place it will be is in Anaheim.

"I honestly don’t know. I shouldn’t even answer that question anymore," Selanne said when asked about his plans for the future. "I’ll let you know when I know something."

Ducks GM Bob Murray is on record as believing Selanne will return for the 2011-12 season.

In 17 seasons, Selanne has recorded 637 goals and 703 assists in 1259 games. He has scored 50 goals three times, at least 40 three other times, and has at least 20 in eight other seasons—including the past three.

Ray Emery: Enigma, Troublemaker or Vezina Winner?

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2. Ray Emery, G

Whether or not Ray Emery can keep the puck out of the net has never been a question for NHL coaches, GMs, or owners. Whether he can stay healthy and not disrupt his teammates, on the other hand, has always been on the top of the mind of NHL brass.

The fact that none of the many teams that needed starting goalies called on Emery, speaks volumes. He was arguably the most talented keeper on the market, and he played well after signing with Anaheim late in the season (7-2, 2.28 goals against average, .928 save percentage). It is clear that either teams are not sold he is fully recovered from surgery to alleviate avascular necrosis, a hip ailment that saw him lose 13 pieces of bone in his leg, or they are still unsure about his ability to handle his role on the team (some well-publicized incidents in Ottawa).

Emery led the Ottawa Senators to the Stanley Cup finals in 2007, posting a 33-16-6 record with 2.47 goals against average, .918 save percentage and five shutouts. He followed that with a 13-7 record, 2.26 GAA, .907 save percentage and three shutouts in the postseason. After struggling with injury and sub-par play to start the 2007-08 season, Emery began to share time with Martin Gerber and then proceeded to get into several altercations with management and teammates, leading Ottawa to not want him to return for 2008-09.

After a year in Russia, Emery returned to the NHL with Philadelphia and played well in 29 games (16-11-3, 2.64 GAA). However, the injury bug struck big this time, as Emery was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, ending his season. He has worked tirelessly to return, a real plus in his column.

Possible Destinations: Detroit, Anaheim, Columbus, Minnesota

Vaclav Prospal: On the Move After Brad Richards Signs with Rangers?

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3. Vaclav Prospal, F

The talented 36-year-old winger has bounced around during his 17 seasons in the NHL, spending the last two seasons with the New York Rangers. He had right knee surgery last season, limiting his to 29 games and raising questions about his ability to bounce back at age 36.

There are plenty of positives about Prospal: he is a six-time 20-goal scorer and has 227 goals and 680 points in 978 career games; he can play wing or center; he plays with an intensity and will not back down from a challenge; and he brings a veteran presence to a team. However, he is 36, coming off knee surgery, and is prone to being too aggressive with the puck.

Possible Destinations: Any team in need of a second- or third-line forward and some veteran leadership. Possibilities include: Vancouver, Pittsburgh, Boston, Tampa Bay, Anaheim

Antti Miettinen: Talented, Two-Way Winger

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4. Antti Miettinen

The talented Miettinen has played both left and right wing for Minnesota and Dallas, and has proven to be a valuable player in all three zones of the ice. He will never be a big scoring threat, though he has at least 15 goals in each of the past four seasons and did net eight power play goals with the Wild last year. His biggest asset is probably his ability to play two-way hockey as well as both wings.

The knocks on Miettinen have been two-fold: he does not shoot the puck enough and he is not physical enough. He would be of value to a team needing a third-line guy who can score but does not need to be overly physical.

Possible Destinations: Minnesota, Dallas, Carolina, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh

Bryan McCabe: Power Play Specialist

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5. Bryan McCabe, D

At age 36, McCabe's days as an all-around defenseman are likely behind him, but he still may be able to help provide some offensive spark on the power play (74 career power play goals) and from the blue line for the right team. McCabe had seven goals (four on the PP) and 21 assists in 67 games with the Rangers last season, earning a plus-two rating. He may have lost a step but he still is an aggressive skater on the ice, has a good shot from the point and is a good veteran leader.

His age and the fact he tends to turn the puck over at inopportune times (the defensive zone) makes McCabe a risk; but in the right situation, he could be quite useful.

Possible Destinations: Washington, Philadelphia, Chicago, Montreal, Dallas, Calgary