Finding a niche to some of the best UFAs still available.

Training camps will kick off soon in the NHL, and most teams are done making moves this summer. However, a few players that could help teams win games happen to still be unsigned. In this article, I’m gonna be going over some of the biggest names that are still looking to get a contract, and which team could benefit from giving them an opportunity. Remember, this is not a prediction of where they will sign, but rather where they SHOULD go, in my opinion. I hope you enjoy !

Tuukka Rask

Goalie, 34 years old.

Best fits : BOS, FLA

Rask, 34, is still unsigned after going 15-5-2 with the Bruins in 2020/2021. He’s definitely still capable of playing at the NHL level, but his return is only up to him, as he is seriously considering retirement. If he comebacks, I don’t see him playing for any other team than Boston, nonetheless, with the arrival of Linus Ullmark, as well as the promising Jeremy Swayman making a push to become a regular, we must contemplate the possibility of Rask taking his talent to another franchise. 

One team that I could see going after the Finnish goaltender is the Florida Panthers. It would be hard to get a deal done as they only have $1.3M in cap space at the time these lines are written, but with the disappointing performances from Sergei Bobrovsky, along with the departure of Chris Driedger, the Florida Panthers have to take the risk of rushing 20-year-old Spencer Knight in the NHL. This could sternly affect his long-term development, therefore signing Rask to a 1 year deal wouldn’t be a bad idea. The Panthers are going all in, and bringing in an experienced starter could push them over the edge.


Nikita Gusev

Winger, 29 years old.

Best fit : CGY

Gusev was a highly touted winger a few years ago, but has had a disappointing start in the NHL, racking up only 10 points and 4 goals in this most recent season. The talent is definitely there, but he hasn’t been able to be anywhere as prolific offensively as he was overseas. The 29-year-old Russian is a low-risk, high-reward candidate and would be a good fit for the Calgary Flames. While they have a good amount of centers, the Flames don’t have much to choose from on the right wing. They are consequently forcing left wingers to play on their opposite side. With Tyler Pitlick and Brett Ritchie being their most proficient right-handed wingers, I think it’s safe to say Nikita Gusev would be a very refreshing addition to their squad. He could also help their power play, which was at under 19% of effectiveness over the last campaign.


Sami Vatanen

Defenseman, 30 years old.

Best fits : CHI, CBJ

Right-handed blueliners that are able to score north of 30 points don’t run the streets in the NHL, especially UFAs that late in the offseason. Sami Vatanen’s game may have fallen apart over the course of the last few years, but he’s looking to rejuvenate his career with a new team. 

The Hawks are surprisingly looking to get a lot more competitive next season, so why not go all in and take a chance on a guy like Vatanen, as they have some spots available on the back end after moving on from guys like Duncan Keith and Madison Bowey.

The Columbus Blue Jackets would also be an interesting destination, as Adam Boqvist and Andrew Peekie are the only two right-handed defensemen they can count on at the moment. Vatanen could play a top 4 role and find his identity back in Ohio.


Eric Staal

Center, 36 years old.

Best fit : CAR

Although Eric Staal is not the threat he used to be on the ice, he can still bring a lot to a competitive team. At the time I’m writing this, Eric Staal is still unsigned and we’re unsure about his future in the NHL, as retiring is certainly a possibility for the 36-year-old center. 

Nevertheless, if he decides to give it one more try, I see him being a good fit for the Carolina Hurricanes. The Canes are in a win now mindset, and adding an experienced player like Staal could be beneficial. It is reported that newly acquired player Jesperi Kotkaniemi will be playing on the wing for the Hurricanes, which leave some uncertainty down the middle on the 4th line. Their former captain could add grit and leadership to an already loaded offensive group.


Alex Galchenyuk

Forward, 27 years old

Best fits : DAL, SJ

The Dallas Stars are a team looking to bounce back from a down year, after reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2020. They are sort of facing a “Last Dance” scenario, as their group is aging and their window is swiftly closing. Adding fresh blood in Alex Galchenyuk, a flashy 27-year-old forward wouldn’t hurt. The Stars can rely on a solid top 6 core, however, their forward depth is deficient. I could see the former 3rd overall pick perform with a natural goal scorer like Denis Gurianov on a third line in Dallas. 

Another team in which I think Galchenyuk could find his groove is the San Jose Sharks. With Evander Kane likely leaving, and no one to replace him, Galchenyuk could step in and have a significant role on a bottom feeder team.


Ryan Donato 

Best fits : EDM, PIT

It is now well known ; the Edmonton Oilers are desperately looking for depth scoring. It would be logical for Ken Holland to go and sign UFA Ryan Donato to a short, cheap deal. Donato has shown some interesting things at the NHL level, but has failed to find a stable spot as a middle 6 center. Bouncing from Boston to Minnesota to San Jose over the past three seasons, Donato is looking for a fresh start and at only 25 years old, he wouldn’t be a bad gamble. 

The Penguins are another team that could be looking to add some center depth, with the injury to Malkin to start the season. Donato could surprise many people with his offensive skillset on a talented team like Pittsburgh, if given a decent opportunity.


Jason Demers

Defenseman, 33 years old.

Best fit : BOS

Demers is an aging right-handed defenseman who could unquestionably help a contending team like the Boston Bruins. Although he’s regressed over the last few years, the 33-year-old Quebec native is a safe bet, as he is reliable defensively, plays a physical game and can even rack up a decent amount of points under the right circumstances. The Bruins find themselves with a limited amount of depth on the right side of their blue line, and an experienced player like Jason Demers could definitely come in handy. Even though they only have a little bit more than a million dollars left in cap space, I could see him signing in Massachusetts, as he is reportedly open to sign a PTO.

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