NHL free agency: 5 best players still available
By James Reeve
4. Braden Holtby
It’s been a rough few seasons for Braden Holtby, but after a difficult spell with the Vancouver Canucks he looked to regain some of his old self with the Dallas Stars in 2021-22.
Through 24 total appearances, Holtby held a record of 10-10-1 with a save percentage of .913 and a goals against average of 2.78, markedly improved from the .889/3.67 he held through 21 games the previous year.
Holtby is turning 33 in September, but he still has plenty of hockey left in him and could provide a team with some great value, especially as he will not likely command much in the way of salary, having signed with the Stars for just $2 million last season.
Holtby is a one-time cup winner, the 2015-16 Vezina Trophy winner, the 2016-17 Jennings Trophy winner and came second in Vezina voting that same season, and brings with him a wealth of experience.
He may not be the top-tier goaltender he once was with the Washington Capitals, but he could still be a solid backup/1B option for a number of teams across the league.
He may have to settle for playing for a team in the bottom half of the league to start with, but Holtby could become a valuable asset at the trade deadline, especially for a contender concerned with their depth at the position.