NHL free agency has seen many of the top players already signing with new teams. Ian Kennedy gives the risk and reward for these 10 notable remaining UFAs.

After a week of NHL free agency, the pool of potential impact players is rapidly shrinking, and those remaining each have a definite risk and reward.

Whether it’s age, injury or untapped potential, the red flags exist. But, there are also bargains to be had on notable players who can still make a difference in the lineup of a contender or for a team hoping to hit on a redemption story.

Here’s a look at 10 notable free agents who remain on the market and the risk versus reward of each:

Vladimir Tarasenko, RW

There is likely no player left on the market who has had the rollercoaster off-season Tarasenko has had. He fired his agent this week before signing on with CAA. Rumors have since swirled that the Ottawa Senators may target Tarasenko once they find a home for RFA Alex DeBrincat. 

One of the most dynamic players in the game, Tarasenko can still top a point-per-game average in the right situation. He’s a top-six forward and, at 31, still has gas in the tank. The volatility of this situation and what Tarasenko’s contract demands, both related to term and cap hit, will be something many teams will be inquiring into following his agent change.

Patrick Kane, RW

There is no doubt Patrick Kane is one of the most talented players on the free agency market. There’s also no doubt Kane comes with a cost. He can play in any NHL team’s top six, but after hip resurfacing surgery in June, Kane won’t be ready for the start of the NHL season. There’s also no guarantee his play won’t be impacted. Couple that with the fact Kane won’t be ready to take a bargain contract, and this is a deal with risk and reward.

Filip Zadina, RW

When Filip Zadina slipped to sixth overall in 2018, he told the teams who passed on him he’d prove them wrong by filling their nets. After scoring only 28 goals in five seasons, he’s hardly done that. But again, Zadina is ready to prove his critics wrong, agreeing to mutually terminate his contract with Detroit and forgoing $4.56 million remaining on his deal to prove he can play. 

Only 23, Zadina is the final in a long line of botched first-round picks before the Steve Yzerman Era in Detroit. It is hard, however, to know if they were bad picks or poor development. 

Any team taking Zadina on can grab a highly skilled player, an aspect of his game no one has questioned, for a contract nearing league minimum and the potential for a big return if he clicks in a new environment. It’s a worthwhile risk for another rebuilding team.

Matt Dumba, D

Still averaging more than 21 minutes per ice this season across 79 games, Dumba put in a lot of reliable time for the Wild. His production has never duplicated his 50-point 2017-18 season, but his reliability and two-way contributions from the blueline would be welcomed second-pairing depth for many teams in the NHL. 

Dumba also adds a physical element craved by many. Finding the right team is the challenge, and as has been the case for many players surviving beyond the first week of free agency, it may involve a significant pay cut for the 28-year-old.

Jonathan Toews, C

What teams can get is a veteran two-way pivot who, at this point in his career, should only be counted upon to provide secondary offense but will still provide the depth that playoff-bound teams need. 

After 15 years as the Chicago Blackhawks' captain, Toews still has the skill to produce and the on-ice intelligence to contribute defensively. His durability and health will be important for any team signing Toews after he appeared in only 53 games in 2022-23. Still, if he takes a veteran contract like Jason Spezza did later in his career, the risk versus reward is still in Toews’ favor, especially for a contender looking to add experience.

David Krejci, C

A surprise of the league last year, Krejci may not have had the success he had in any location other than Boston. That’s the risk for teams if he wants to continue playing and if the Bruins decide to move on with younger players. 

Krejci has said he’ll retire if Boston does not re-sign him, so it could take the additional financial risk of overpaying him to entice Krejci to stay in the league elsewhere. He had 56 points in 70 games but showed his durability could be an issue by missing three of Boston’s seven playoff games to injury.

Patrice Bergeron, C

Unlike others on this list, the ball is completely in Bergeron’s court. The likely future Hall of Famer will decide whether he’s ready to retire or whether he wants to return. The way the Bruins’ historic regular season ended in a post-season upset can’t be sitting well with the Bruins’ longtime leader. 

It’s hard to imagine him going to a team other than Boston. For any team signing Bergeron, it’s a one-year commitment with low risk. Knowing if Bergeron wants it and knowing anything can happen to a 37-year-old in the league are the lone question marks.

Tomas Tatar, LW

He’s a 20-goal scorer who would certainly take a cap-friendly contract, but there are two sides to Tatar’s game. There’s the player who has remained healthy and consistently produced over the course of his entire career during the regular season and at World Championship competitions. Then, there’s the player who has largely disappeared in the post-season. 

Finding a team willing to sign Tatar knowing those polarities could result in him agreeing to terms with a non-playoff club who needs veteran insulation for younger players.

Maxime Comtois, LW

Comtois is a big, physical player but wasn’t qualified by the Anaheim Ducks despite being only 24 and, presumably, with his best seasons yet to come. He showed offensive promise in 2020-21 but hasn’t been able to consistently produce outside a bottom-six role. That said, some teams could benefit from his powerful approach to the game in a bottom-six role while also hoping he might click in a new setting. 

Phil Kessel, RW

Where was Phil Kessel during the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs with the Vegas Golden Knights? For the most part, he was a scratch. But, once again, Kessel collected a Stanley Cup, the third of his career. 

He’s only eight points shy of 1,000, and at 35, he could provide bargain secondary scoring for a club looking to add a league minimum salary. Any team knows it’d be bringing in a player who understands what it takes to win Stanley Cups, whether it’s as a key contributor or in a supporting role. How long can Phil’s magic last, though? Time is running out.