2022 NHL Free Agency: Ranking the Top 10 Remaining NHL Free Agents Still On the Market

2022 NHL FREE AGENCY: RANKING THE TOP 10 REMAINING FREE AGENTS STILL ON THE MARKET

Less than two months separate us from the beginning of the 2022-23 NHL season. Free agency began over a month ago and it's provided no shortage of surprises. Whether it be the huge contracts signed, or the unpredictable relocations happening all across the league, NHL general managers have spent the vast majority of their salary cap to assemble their final rosters for this upcoming year.

Despite all of the free agent prospects signed, there are still a few dozen players who remain available. Matt MacKay returns to rank the top ten free agents who should be prioritized ahead of the first slate of games scheduled to begin on October 11th.

2022 NHL FREE AGENCY: RANKING THE TOP 10 REMAINING NHL FREE AGENTS STILL ON THE MARKET

1. PAUL STASTNY, C, WINNIPEG JETS

Stastny is a veteran center who poured in over 20 goals for Winnipeg across 71 games in 2022. The 36-year-old center added 24 assists and is a great puck handler and distributor in the offensive zone. Stastny is a quality asset for any offense seeking an experienced, two-way center who can anchor an underachieving attack line.

2. BRADEN HOLTBY, G, DALLAS STARS

Goaltenders who can consistently perform well in the crease are rare in the league. Holtby was traded from Vancouver to Dallas mid-season but he still managed to produce a .913 save percentage and 2.78 GAA. These are more than pedestrian numbers, meaning the 32-year-old netminder should soon be receiving a call or two from eager front office personnel.

3. EVAN RODRIGUES, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Evan Rodrigues made the most of his opportunities in the Steel City during 2022. The 28-year-old center scored double-digit goals (19) for the first time in his seven-year career and added another 24 assists. Rodrigues has the speed, handles, and finishing ability to make himself a viable first or second-line center for teams like Vancouver, Calgary, or Los Angeles.

4. PHIL KESSEL, RW, ARIZONA COYOTES

The goals didn't show up often in Phil Kessel's game logs last season but he certainly poured in the assists. Not all was bad for the 34-year-old winger in 2022. He attempted 175 shots on goal, increasing his attempts dramatically from the previous two seasons with the Coyotes. If Kessel gets an opportunity to contribute to a team with more talent and experience, he could easily return to a double-digit goal output with his skill set in 2023.

5. SONNY MILANO, LW, ANAHEIM DUCKS

He didn't set the league on fire but Sonny Milano enjoyed a nice season with Anaheim in 2022. The Ducks have notably improved their attack and defensive weaknesses this offseason, leaving the 25-year-old winger without a home five weeks into free agency. Milano scored 14 goals for just the second time in his ten-year career and also had a 14.9 percent shot accuracy percentage, showcasing his high-caliber precision with the hockey stick.

6. P.K. SUBBAN, D, NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Teams searching for grittiness, experience, and defensive prowess will gravitate towards Subban. He's a 13-year veteran who managed to rack up 90 blocked shots, 69 hits, and 17 assists for the Devils in 2022. His size, vision, and skating create a comforting presence in the defensive zone.

7. KEITH YANDLE, D, PHILADELPHIA FLYERS

Keith Yandle is wearing down a bit heading into his 17th season but there are plenty of teams who need an intelligent, sturdy veteran in their defensive zone. 2022 saw Yandle score only one goal but he added 18 assists and nearly 14 minutes of average time on ice for a bad Flyers team. If surrounded by more talent, Yandle could thrive on the second or third defensive pairing on a strong offensive team.

8. ANDREW LADD, LW, ARIZONA COYOTES

Another veteran winger who will no longer be needed in Arizona is Andrew Ladd. The Coyotes went bonkers in their draft and free agency, signing numerous high-end prospects to their center and wing positions for the future of their franchise. Ladd is a 36-year-old winger who scored seven goals and five assists in 51 games for Arizona last season. He last manufactured double-digit goals (12) in 2018 for the Islanders but Ladd still possesses some talent to utilize.

9. TYLER PITLICK, C, MONTREAL CANADIENS

Pitlick has only played 39 games in each of the last two seasons. He was traded from Calgary to Montreal last season at the trade deadline but Pitlick did not produce in either location, averaging under ten minutes on ice with the Canadiens to close out the season. He's scored 14 goals previously with Dallas in 2018 and is only 30 years old. Expect a general manager looking for a third or fourth-line center to offer Pitlick a contract soon.

10. JOHAN LARSSON, LW/C, WASHINGTON CAPITALS

29-year-old Johan Larsson was dealt to the Washington Capitals after scoring six goals and nine assists for Arizona during the earlier half of last season. While he only managed six points, including one goal, for the Capitals in 14 games, Larsson is a complete player with dual-position ability. He is a versatile piece for a general manager to acquire, but he's yet to surpass ten goals in a season. If he can find some consistency in regards to his opportunities and surrounding talent, Larsson can revive his career.

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