Visit THN.com/free for a free issue with an annual subscription. Tyler Bertuzzi [https://thehockeynews.com/.image/c_fit,h_600,w_600/MTk5MDMyMjU2NDQxMjk2ODUy/usatsi_20186468.jpg] Tyler Bertuzzi With the 2023 NHL draft now history, the focus shifts toward the start of this year's free-agent market on Saturday, July 1, at noon ET. This summer's pool of UFAs is a shallow one. Nevertheless, there are several players who should draw plenty of attention once the market begins. Here's a quick look at the latest UFA speculation. Ryan O'Reilly: TSN's Pierre LeBrun [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/insider-trading-winnipeg-jets-and-calgary-flames-popular-in-trade-buzz-1.1975564] recently said the Toronto Maple Leafs have informed the 32-year-old center's agents they're interested in bringing him back. O'Reilly is apparently keeping all his options open. Vladimir Tarasenko: Sportnet's Elliotte Friedman [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/rumour-roundup-will-ducks-surprise-with-no-2-pick-at-nhl-draft/] recently wondered if the Chicago Blackhawks might bring in a winger like Tarasenko to skate alongside Connor Bedard. That was before they acquired Taylor Hall and Corey Perry. The 31-year-old sniper might be of interest to a potential Stanley Cup contender like the Carolina Hurricanes. Tyler Bertuzzi: Speaking of Friedman, he reported [https://www.sportsnet.ca/nhl/article/report-forward-tyler-bertuzzi-to-test-unrestricted-free-agency/] Bertuzzi is not expected to re-sign with the Boston Bruins before the market opens. The Florida Panthers are reportedly [https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nhl/boston-bruins/report-panthers-among-teams-with-significant-interest-in-tyler-bertuzzi/540137/] among the clubs interested in the 28-year-old winger. Dmitry Orlov: Bruins GM Don Sweeney [https://www.tsn.ca/nhl/boston-bruins-unlikely-to-re-sign-dmitry-orlov-patrice-bergeron-and-david-krejci-might-not-return-1.1977999] recently said it was unlikely his club can re-sign Orlov. Considered the top defenseman in this UFA market, the 31-year-old Russian should draw plenty of attention, but he hasn't tipped his hand as to his preference. The Florida Panthers could come calling. Alex Killorn: For The Athletic, LeBrun reports [https://theathletic.com/4653908/2023/06/29/nhl-free-agency-trades-killorn-nylander-karlsson-hanifin/] the Tampa Bay Lightning will make one last effort to re-sign the 33-year-old winger. He's seeking a raise over the $4.45-million annual cap hit on his previous contract. The Lightning have limited cap space, which forced them to trade away Corey Perry and Ross Colton this week.
