Top 5 free agents remaining revealed

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Brett Thomas Wills
August 5, 2024 (8:43 PM)

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As the summer continues to move forward a handful of veteran NHL free agents including former 1st round picks and a veteran goalie could help a team remain.

As the offseason wears on into the first week of August and many teams have already decided about what their roster may look like with fairly honest clarity come opening night, there are a handful of players who remain unsigned which could help a team looking for a specific skillset or veteran presence in different areas of their lineup or the locker-room.

In no particular order:

1. James van Riemsdyk, Left Wing, 35

Van Riemsdyk was the 2nd overall pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft and most recently played his 1000th career game during the 2023-2024 season while suiting up for the Boston Bruins. He doesn't have the scoring prowess he once did as he's only contributed 12 & 11 goals respectfully over the last two seasons, but he could be a key piece in a limited 3rd or 4th line role.

2. Kevin Shattenkirk, Defence, 35

Shattenkirk was also selected in the first round of the 2007 draft. Coincidentally he was van Riemsdyk's teammate with the Bruins last season. He's a solid puck-moving defenceman who can provide a little grit, but how much he has left in the tank could be a concern.

3. Max Pacioretty, Left Wing, 35

Pacioretty much like the previous two was a first-round pick from you guessed it, 2007. Pacioretty has a history of injuries so his full potential may have never been experienced however through 16 seasons he has contributed over 300 goals and eclipsed almost 700 points.

4. Tyson Barrie, Defenceman, 33

Barrie was one of the best blueliners in the National Hockey League between the 2014-2015 & 2018-2019 seasons. He hit the 50-point mark three times while skating with the Colorado Avalanche contributing to one of the most successful powerplay units in the league. After some disappointment as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Barrie remerged during the 2022-2023 season as a member of the Edmonton Oilers. He was a key piece in the Mattias Ekholm trade which sent him to Nashville. During the 2023-2024 season, he was a healthy scratch multiple times after not getting the first power play minutes he had been used to. 32 teams are looking for a veteran right-handed defenceman to eat up minutes.

5. Antti Ranta G, 35

Ranta spent the last three seasons in Carolina as a backup goaltender, a role in which he's carved out a reputation as being reliable. Raanta could potentially fill in as a spot starter if necessary. During the 2023-2024 season, the Finnish goaltender took a step back with a .872 SV% in 24 games. In seven of those games, he gave up four or more goals. But to be a successful team in the NHL you need a veteran goaltender with some success which is difficult to find. However, his career .915% SV% and 2.48 GAA in 11 seasons is still rather impressive.

Out of the above, who would you want your favourite team to add, based on need?

Tell us in the comments.