Examining the top 5 remaining NHL Free Agents

PUBLICATION

Josh Tupper
August 5, 2024 (9:52 PM)

SHARE THIS STORY

Examine the five best remaining free agents as the next season looms..

As the NHL offseason progresses into August, a number of veteran free agents remain available, each potentially offering valuable skills and experience to teams in need of specific roles. These players, including former first-round picks and a seasoned goaltender, could provide depth and leadership to teams looking to round out their rosters. Here's a look at some of the most notable veterans still on the market:

1. James van Riemsdyk, Left Wing

James van Riemsdyk, the second overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, recently played his 1,000th career game during the 2023-2024 season with the Boston Bruins. While his goal-scoring ability has declined�he scored 12 and 11 goals over the past two seasons�he could still be a valuable asset in a limited third or fourth-line role. Van Riemsdyk brings a wealth of experience and could serve as a steadying presence in the locker room, particularly for younger players.
https://x.com/huntercrowther/status/1820517587312423194

2. Kevin Shattenkirk, Defenseman

Another 2007 first-round pick, Kevin Shattenkirk, also played with the Bruins last season. Known for his puck-moving abilities, Shattenkirk can add grit and skill to a team's blue line. However, there may be concerns about how much he has left to offer at this stage in his career. For teams seeking a veteran defenseman to mentor younger players or bolster their defensive depth, Shattenkirk remains a solid option.

3. Max Pacioretty, Left Wing

Max Pacioretty, another 2007 first-round pick, has had a career marked by both impressive scoring and injuries. Despite his injury history, Pacioretty has surpassed 300 career goals and nearly reached 700 points over 16 seasons. When healthy, he is a potent scoring threat and could be a valuable addition to a team needing offensive depth and experience on the wing.

4. Tyson Barrie, Defenseman

Tyson Barrie was one of the NHL's top defensemen between the 2014-2015 and 2018-2019 seasons, consistently reaching the 50-point mark with the Colorado Avalanche. He played a key role in one of the league's most effective power play units. After a disappointing stint with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Barrie revitalized his career with the Edmonton Oilers before being traded to the Nashville Predators. Though he was a healthy scratch at times last season, his ability as a right-handed defenseman capable of logging significant minutes makes him a desirable target for teams seeking to enhance their blue line.

5. Antti Raanta, Goaltender

Antti Raanta has spent the past three seasons with the Carolina Hurricanes as a reliable backup goaltender. While his performance dipped last season with a .872 save percentage over 24 games, his career .915 save percentage and 2.48 goals-against average over 11 seasons reflect his capability as a dependable veteran netminder. Raanta could be an attractive option for teams looking to add experience and stability in goal, particularly as a backup or spot starter.

When considering which player your favorite team might benefit from signing, it's essential to evaluate the team's current needs:

- Scoring Depth: If your team requires scoring depth, especially on the wing, Max Pacioretty might be the best fit. Despite his injury history, his scoring ability is undeniable, and he could provide a much-needed offensive boost.

- Defensive Depth: Teams needing to bolster their blue line should consider Tyson Barrie for his offensive prowess and experience or Kevin Shattenkirk for his leadership and puck-moving skills.

- Veteran Leadership: For teams with a young roster, James van Riemsdyk could offer veteran leadership and stability, particularly in a bottom-six forward role.

- Goaltending Stability: If your team is in need of a reliable backup goaltender, Antti Raanta's experience and career performance make him an appealing choice.

Ultimately, the decision on which veteran to add will depend on your team's specific needs and long-term goals. Each of these players brings unique skills and experiences that could help enhance a roster in different ways. As the offseason continues, it will be interesting to see where these veterans land and how they can contribute to their new teams.