Less than 24 hours into NHL free agency, just 19 players remain available from TSN’s list of the top 50 free agents who hit the market Wednesday.
The list is headlined by Anthony Mantha, who was No. 6 on the list Wednesday after a resurgent season that saw him post 33 goals with the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Also remaining from the top 10 are forwards Michael Bunting and Mats Zuccarello.
Veteran winger Patrick Kane is arguably the biggest name on the list as he continues to weigh his next move after playing under two straight one-year deals with the Detroit Red Wings.
Alexander Ovechkin, who was listed at No. 30, is largely an exception as he is expected to announce an update on his future at some point this month and his options are believed to be between returning to the Washington Capitals or retiring from NHL play.
Veteran John Klingberg is the top remaining defenceman available after being listed at No. 11 Wednesday following a strong campaign with the San Jose Sharks. Andrew Peeke, Nick Blankenburg and Logan Stanley, all 28, offer younger options on the blueline.
Teams in need of scoring help can still look to wingers Vladimir Tarasenko, Eeli Tolvanen and Evander Kane for help.
The goalie market has largely been picked over with Sergei Bobrovsky, Stuart Skinner, Frederik Andersen and Eric Comrie all finding new homes on July 1. Connor Ingram is the top remaining goaltender from the top 50 list as he remains available despite taking over the Edmonton Oilers starting role for the playoffs. Cam Talbot, 38, is also still available in goal.
Veterans David Perron, Claude Giroux, Jamie Benn and James van Riemsdyk are also still available on the market. Giroux has held talks with the Philadelphia Flyers about a potential reunion as he tests the market despite a push from the Ottawa Senators to retain him.
“We’ve stated how much we want him back,” Senators general manager Steve Staios said Wednesday. “We’ve been unwavering in our message to him, offered him a contract as far back as before the trade deadline, and he wanted to take a look around in free agency, but hasn’t closed the door to come back to Ottawa.
“I mean, for us, there’s also a reason why I’m not active today. Obviously, that spot is reserved for him, and I’m eagerly anticipating, waiting to have a conversation with him.”
Winger Marcus Johnansson, listed at No. 46 on the July 1 Top 50, is reportedly set to continue his playing career in Sweden.
Top Remaining NHL Free Agents
| July 1 Rank | Player | Age | Pos | GP | G | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Anthony Mantha, Pit | 31 | RW | 81 | 33 | 64 |
| 8 | Michael Bunting, Dal | 30 | LW | 74 | 14 | 33 |
| 9 | Mats Zuccarello, Min | 38 | RW | 59 | 15 | 54 |
| 11 | John Klingberg, SJ | 33 | RD | 56 | 10 | 27 |
| 18 | Patrick Kane, Det | 37 | RW | 67 | 16 | 57 |
| 19 | Andrew Peeke, Bos | 28 | RD | 77 | 5 | 14 |
| 20 | Vladimir Tarasenko, Min | 34 | RW | 75 | 23 | 47 |
| 21 | Nick Blankenburg, Col | 28 | RD | 61 | 8 | 24 |
| 25 | Eeli Tolvanen, Sea | 27 | RW | 78 | 12 | 36 |
| 30 | Alex Ovechkin, Wsh | 40 | LW | 82 | 32 | 64 |
| 31 | Logan Stanley, Buf | 28 | LD | 76 | 9 | 26 |
| 38 | Evander Kane, Van | 34 | LW | 71 | 14 | 31 |
| 40 | Connor Ingram, Edm | 29 | G | 32 | 2.6 | 0.899 |
| 42 | David Perron, Det | 38 | LW | 65 | 13 | 28 |
| 43 | Cam Talbot, Det | 38 | G | 34 | 3.19 | 0.883 |
| 44 | Claude Giroux, Ott | 38 | RW | 82 | 14 | 49 |
| 46 | Marcus Johansson, Min | 35 | LW | 75 | 15 | 49 |
| 47 | Jamie Benn, Dal | 36 | LW | 60 | 15 | 36 |
| 49 | James van Riemsdyk, Det | 37 | LW | 72 | 15 | 31 |
