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NHL free agency: 5 notable free agents who are still available

By Marci Rubin

Apr 25, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Wild defenseman Matt Dumba (24) in action during the game between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild in game five of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is honored after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He played his last game as a Blackhawk, at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) is honored after the game against the Philadelphia Flyers. He played his last game as a Blackhawk, at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Following an exciting opening weekend of NHL free agency, many notable players are still looking for their next contract.

When NHL free agency opened on July 1, there was a flurry of free agent signings all across the league. Most of the notable unrestricted free agents found homes quickly. However, there are many who remain unsigned.

While free agency won’t be as chaotic the rest of the offseason as it was the first day, there are still plenty of signings ahead. The remaining UFAs will continue to work out deals this summer.

Here are five notable free agents who are still available this offseason.

Notable NHL free agents still available No. 5: Jonathan Toews

Jonathan Toews’ time in Chicago came to a close at the end of the 2022-23 season. Drafted in 2006, Toews was the captain of the Blackhawks from 2008 to 2023. He won the Stanley Cup three times with the organization. His eight-year $84 million contract ended at the conclusion of the 2022-23 season.

Toews is a two-way player known as an excellent skater who creates opportunities. Unfortunately, he has struggled the past few years with Chronic Immune Response Syndrome as well as symptoms from long COVID. He missed the entire 2020-21 season.

Toews also missed time during the 2022-23 season and just hasn’t been the same since his health struggles began. In the 2022-23 season, Toews put up 31 points in 53 games, scoring 15 goals. At the end of the regular season, the Blackhawks announced they would not re-sign him, sending Toews into unrestricted free agency.

It would not be surprising if the 35-year-old center decided to hang it up this offseason. If he chooses to continue his NHL career and lands a contract, it will be with a different team than the only one he’s ever known. Toews’ veteran presence could mean a lot to a young team. If he does plan to continue, he could be a late offseason pick-up once teams have a good idea of what holes they have left to fill.

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