NHL Free Agency: What players are still available?

The big boats have sailed – Jarome Iginla, Paul Statsny, Thomas Vanek, Dan Boyle – but what about the ships that still in the harbor? Testing the waters, so to speak. Some may be looking too aged to stay afloat, while others may have motors (or motivation) that have just run dry. Here’s a few unrestricted free agents that still have yet to sign for the upcoming NHL season.

Michael Del Zotto

The 24-year-old just finished his two-year contract and earned  a bit more than $5 million. He scored 37 points in his rookie season, was injured for his sophomore season, but upgraded to 41 points in his third (a -20 to a +20, too). Since then, his play severely deteriorated, so much so that the New York Rangers dealt him to the Nashville Predators – who now, can’t stand him either. After one goal in 25 games in Nashville, it’s certain he won’t be returning.

“I’m just waiting for the right opportunity to prove myself again, and prove everyone who’s doubted me wrong,” he said. “I know what I can do and can provide a team. I’ve done it in the past; I’m just trying to get there again.”

The Ontario native mentioned that this is the hardest he’s ever worked in an offseason.

“The whole season overall wasn’t how I wanted it to be,” Del Zotto said. “It was unfortunate losing your confidence early. It’s a confidence game, so I’m just trying to get it back this summer.”

The Dallas Stars or Detroit Red Wings may be interested in his services.

Devin Setoguchi

He managed 27 points this year with the Winnipeg Jets…in a full season. He had the exact same point total during the lockout year with the Minnesota Wild! Seto is nowhere close to his 30-goal season form of 2009, and his game has slowly moved to be more and more one-dimensional this season; he was expected to spark offense with Evander Kane.

A fresh start might do him some good – but after new ones in Minni and Winni, how many chances is he expected to get? Apparently Nashville may be knocking at his door, but without a recently ended similar three-year, $9 million contract in hand.

Dustin Penner

The Manitoba boy could be coming home to even replace Setoguchi – though nothing is final yet. Penner’s gone through the Los Angeles Kings, Anaheim Ducks, and Washington Capitals – a new one each season – the past three years. Last season, he played eighteen contests and scored three points. We expect more of this double-cup winner.

Though he did reach the 30-goal plateau with the Edmonton Oilers, at 31-years-old now, he adds more experience and size than anything else (6’4, 250 pounds).

Penner’s story is one of the most long and winding in hockey: after being cut from minor league teams, Penner played for his university where he broke his leg in his first season. He came back the next year, led the team, and so much so, impressed the University of Maine to take him on board. Eventually, he made it to the NHL by signing as a free agent with the Ducks. This guy is all about the comeback – even if it is for another one-year contract.

Raphael Diaz

Diaz is probably the most affordable on our list, averaging $1.25 million per season. It must have been hard to find footing after moving from the Montreal Canadiens to the Vancouver Canucks (for six games) to New York – but he did end up in the cup finals. He still has some years left at 28, but did start his career fairly late so he’s behind in experience (three full seasons). Who knows, he may even head back to his homeland of Switzerland to play in their elite league.

Ville Leino

The Buffalo Sabres are literally paying him roughly a million each year to play against them until 2020. Though he missed the majority of 2012-2013 because of injuries to his hip and upper body, and may not have been back to perfect form, Leino scored no goals last season. He had 15 assists and was a -16. Buffalo’s head coach Ted Nolan eventually benched him near the end of the season. I know it must suck to be benched, but to be benched by the Sabres?!

The 30-year-old Fin was placed on waivers this year, but no one has bitten. Nashville may have some interest, but I don’t see why. Leino stood out during the Philadelphia Flyers cup run in 2010, and had a decent season following the playoffs with 53 points, but it’s been a long drop from there.

Daniel Alfredsson

This likely Hall of Famer is expected to announce his decision about the upcoming season in August, after finishing a one-year $3.5 million contract. Though 41-years-old, Alfy still put up 49 points while missing 14 games due to a back injury. It’s likely the Detroit Red Wings or retire – though it would be a fun twist if he ended up back with the Ottawa Senators.

Saku Koivu

The Anaheim Ducks’ silent leader just finished the same contract as Alfy, and had 29 points in 65 games. The Ducks have said they won’t offer the 40-year-old a new one. Interestingly enough, Koivu’s seven-bedroom mansion in Irvine, California has been listed for $6.6 million (more than he could ever get for an annual paycheck nowadays). Like Alfredsson, he’s considering retirement, as he would have liked to have stayed with the Ducks. But with Brian Gionta off to Buffalo, could we see Koivu return to the Habs?

Derek Morris

Looking for veteran help on the back-end? Here’s your man. Morris, 36, just finished a four-year $11 million deal, and was -2 after 63 games this season – one of his better career finishes. The Arizona Coyotes aren’t looking to ink him, but leadership on the blueline could be key for the Tampa Bay Lightning or Senators.

Even through some stormy off-season waters, all these UFAs could be settling down their anchor somewhere, still looking for that Stanley Cup treasure.