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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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May 1, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Tatar (90) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2023; Newark, New Jersey, USA; New Jersey Devils left wing Tomas Tatar (90) celebrates his goal against the New York Rangers during the second period in game seven of the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

Notable NHL free agents still available No. 1: Tomas Tatar

Veteran winger Tomas Tatar is currently still on the market. He’s coming off a two-year contract worth $9 million with the New Jersey Devils. Prior to his time in New Jersey, Tatar played in Detroit, Vegas, and Montreal.

Tatar’s value comes from his speed, his play-making, and his ability to play on both wings. After a poor showing in 2021-2022, Tatar had a bounce-back season in 2022-23 and was very valuable to the Devils. The 32-year-old posted 48 points during the regular season. Tatar had a career-high 41 +/-, which isn’t surprising considering the great season the Devils had.

Although Tatar was a visible force in the offensive zone for most of the season, he was invisible in the playoffs. His poor showing in the playoffs was nothing new and certainly something to consider. Despite this, Tatar is still one of the more notable forwards left on the market.

The Devils strengthened their group of forwards this offseason by trading for Tyler Toffoli. They are loaded with talent and don’t really need Tatar, so they might not want to use their remaining cap space on him. If he does stick around, it would have to be for a discount, and he’d have a smaller role next season. Should a deal with the Devils not be in the cards, Tatar is a worthy veteran option that another team will find valuable.

As free agency continues throughout the offseason, the remaining notable UFAs will find their next contracts.

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