Top NHL Free Agents Remain Unsigned as 2026-27 Season Approaches

More than a month after NHL free agency opened, a surprisingly deep collection of veteran players remains available as teams prepare for training camp and the 2026-27 season. The remaining market includes proven scorers, experienced defensemen and veteran goaltenders. With the NHL salary cap rising from $95.5 million to $104 million for 2026-27, clubs have more overall spending room, but roster construction and individual cap situations have still left recognizable names searching for contracts. One of those players is former Philadelphia Flyers forward James van Riemsdyk. The 37-year-old produced 15 goals and 16 assists for 31 points in 72 games with Detroit last season despite averaging a career-low 11:45 of ice time. The veteran has 1,154 regular-season games on his résumé and has scored at least 20 goals seven times. The league may see some additional signing in the coming weeks as NHL betting comes more into focus as the new season approaches.

Several Proven Scorers Still Available

Vladimir Tarasenko is arguably the most accomplished scorer remaining. The 34-year-old recorded 23 goals and 24 assists in 75 games last season. Michael Bunting is another notable option after finishing with 14 goals and 33 points in 74 games, while Eeli Tolvanen contributed 12 goals and 36 points in 78 appearances. Patrik Laine may offer one of the most intriguing risk-reward possibilities. The 28-year-old was limited to only five games in 2025-26, but his scoring history could make him an interesting reclamation project if healthy. Other available forwards include Jonathan Drouin, David Perron, Adam Henrique and Evander Kane. Defensemen remain on the market as well. Logan Stanley produced a career-best nine goals and 26 points while appearing in 76 games last season. John Klingberg and Nick Blankenburg are other experienced options, with Blankenburg recording eight goals and 24 points in 61 games.

Goaltenders Could Draw Interest

Teams looking for veteran help in net still have options. Cam Talbot remains unsigned after appearing in 34 games last season, while Connor Ingram posted a 16-win season with a 2.60 goals-against average and .899 save percentage. James Reimer is another veteran still available. The Hockey News specifically highlighted Talbot and van Riemsdyk among the better players remaining at their positions. For van Riemsdyk, a lower-cost one-year contract with a contender could provide another opportunity to chase the Stanley Cup late in his career.

Betting Outlook for 2026-27

The remaining free agents are unlikely to completely reshape the championship market individually, but veteran additions could strengthen depth for contenders. In the East, Carolina enters as the conference favorite after winning the East last season, with Florida and Tampa Bay also near the top, according to major sportsbooks like BetMGM and FanDuel. In the West, Colorado leads Edmonton, defending conference champion Vegas, Minnesota and Dallas.

Eastern Conference Favorites

Rank	Team	Odds
1	Carolina Hurricanes	+300
2	Florida Panthers	+320
3	Tampa Bay Lightning	+600
4	Washington Capitals	+900
5	Montreal Canadiens	+1300

Western Conference Favorites

Rank	Team	Odds
1	Colorado Avalanche	+320
2	Edmonton Oilers	+425
3	Vegas Golden Knights	+475
4	Minnesota Wild	+650
5	Dallas Stars	+700

With training camps approaching, the leverage could increasingly shift toward NHL clubs. Veterans willing to accept shorter or less expensive contracts may find opportunities with contenders, particularly as teams reassess roster needs before opening night.