As the NHL summer lull slows down transaction activity, contending teams searching for cost-effective depth can still find significant value among remaining unrestricted free agents available for a fraction of their original market value, according to player market analysis. While many general managers spend heavily during the opening days of July before heading off for the summer, late-offseason signings often yield high production relative to their cap hits as players adjust their contract expectations.
Late-Summer NHL Free Agency Value Picks
Finding quality additions in August and September requires targeting veteran players whose initial contract demands went unmet. According to hockey roster evaluations, these bargain options can provide reliable depth scoring, veteran leadership, or specialized power-play minutes without encumbering a team’s salary cap structure.
1. Nick Blankenburg, D
Unlike many veterans on the market whose upside must be weighed against age and inconsistency, Blankenburg offers a reliable two-way profile, according to league evaluations. Splitting the season between the Nashville Predators and the Colorado Avalanche, the 28-year-old right-shot defenseman recorded eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points across 61 games while contributing on the penalty kill, backed by previous season stats. Though traditionally sheltered and standing at five-foot-nine, his ability to move the puck makes him a low-risk depth addition for a blue line.
2. Vladimir Tarasenko, RW
Tarasenko remains available on the open market despite coming off a productive campaign with the Minnesota Wild where he posted 23 goals and 24 assists for 47 points in 75 games, according to team scoring logs. At 34 years old, the veteran winger was initially projected to command a multi-year deal in the $3 million to $5 million range. With training camps approaching, teams may now be able to secure his middle-six scoring and power-play utility on a one-year contract for under $2 million.
3. Patrik Laine, LW
Laine presents the highest ceiling and lowest floor among remaining free agents due to a combination of elite offensive upside and defensive liabilities, according to tactical assessments. The 28-year-old forward was limited to just five games with the Montreal Canadiens last season due to injuries, picking up a single assist. However, his career 4.49 goals per 60 minutes on the man advantage leads all NHL players with at least 100 minutes of power-play ice time, making him an intriguing option for a playoff contender seeking specialized power-play scoring in a sheltered role.
4. Michael Bunting, LW
Bunting struggled to maintain consistent offensive production last season, recording 14 goals and 19 assists for 33 points across 74 games split between the Nashville Predators and the Dallas Stars, according to league performance data. After previously earning a $4.5 million cap hit, the 30-year-old winger will likely command a much lower salary—potentially under $1 million—giving teams like the Edmonton Oilers, Tampa Bay Lightning, or Chicago Blackhawks an opportunity to add affordable scoring depth.
5. James van Riemsdyk, LW
van Riemsdyk has established himself as a reliable veteran-for-hire, providing leadership and bottom-six production for teams like the Boston Bruins, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings in recent seasons. The 37-year-old forward registered 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 72 games, continuing a career trend of delivering 10 to 15 goals and 30 to 40 points in a reduced role. Having routinely signed low-risk contracts, he represents an economical depth option for clubs rounding out their forward lines.
Alternative Veteran Options on the Open Market
Beyond forwards and defensemen, the late-summer market features established veterans looking for specific destination fits rather than maximum paydays.
Oliver Bjorkstrand, RW
At 31 years old, Bjorkstrand is not close to finishing his career despite recording 17 goals and 41 points in 98 regular-season games over one and a half seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning, according to team records. Holding a previous cap hit of $5.4 million, he is only three seasons removed from posting at least 20 goals for three straight years and six seasons with at least 40 points.
Corey Perry, RW
Perry split last season between the Los Angeles Kings and the Lightning, posting 17 goals and 20 assists for 37 points in 72 games, according to league statistics. While he went scoreless in seven playoff games with Tampa Bay—affecting his market value—the veteran remains focused on pursuing a Stanley Cup rather than a lucrative payday, contributing 13 points on the power play last year.
Mario Ferraro, D
Entering his prime at 27 years old, Ferraro provides steady defensive play after registering seven goals and 16 assists for 23 points in 82 games while blocking 150 shots for the San Jose Sharks, according to league tracking. With a previous cap hit of $3.25 million, he stands as a dependable blueliner capable of chipping in secondary offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do NHL teams sign players late in the summer?
Teams often wait until late in the offseason to sign remaining unrestricted free agents to secure quality depth scoring or defensive stability at a reduced cap hit, frequently below the player’s initial asking price.
What makes late-season free agents good bargains?
As salary caps tighten and roster spots fill up, productive veterans often accept one-year deals or professional tryouts well below their previous market value to secure an NHL roster spot.
Can late-signing NHL players impact a playoff race?
Yes. Veterans with championship experience and specialized skills, such as power-play proficiency or penalty-killing ability, frequently provide cost-effective support for contending rosters.
Join the Conversation
Which remaining free agent do you think would be the best fit for your favorite team? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more NHL roster analysis.
Keep reading