With training camps approaching, several recognizable NHL veterans remain without contracts. Anze Kopitar and Jonathan Toews have retired, while Marcus Johansson has taken his career overseas, but there is still meaningful talent available.
For teams reluctant to offer guaranteed contracts, professional tryouts could create low-risk opportunities. These five players have flaws, but each could outperform an inexpensive contract if they earn a roster spot.
Vladimir Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko is arguably the most accomplished forward still available. Although the 34-year-old is no longer the dominant scorer he was with the St. Louis Blues, he demonstrated last season that his finishing ability has not disappeared.
Tarasenko produced 23 goals and 47 points in 75 games with the Minnesota Wild. He also brings 327 career goals and two Stanley Cup championships. His defensive impact and overall foot speed have declined, but teams would not be asking him to drive a top line. In a sheltered middle-six role with second-unit power-play minutes, Tarasenko could provide significant offensive value.
Eeli Tolvanen
Eeli Tolvanen might be the biggest potential steal because he is only 27. The former first-round pick recorded 12 goals and 36 points in 78 games with the Seattle Kraken last season, giving him at least 35 points in three consecutive campaigns.
Tolvanen also delivered 187 hits, offering considerably more than one-dimensional scoring. He can play on a third line, contribute on the power play and move up the lineup when injuries occur. It is surprising that a player of his age, physicality and recent production remains available.
Michael Bunting
Michael Bunting’s market appears to have cooled, but that could make him an excellent PTO candidate. He finished last season with 14 goals and 33 points in 74 games, showing he can still provide useful middle-six production.
Bunting creates traffic, competes around the crease and can complement more skilled linemates. He has also scored at least 20 goals three times during his NHL career. Despite his reputation as an agitator, he recorded only 20 penalty minutes last season, suggesting discipline is no longer a significant concern. A motivated Bunting competing for a contract could bring energy, net-front pressure and secondary scoring to a team’s bottom six.
James van Riemsdyk
James van Riemsdyk continues to produce despite being 37. The veteran winger registered 15 goals and 31 points in 72 games with the Detroit Red Wings last season after signing for only $1 million.
His skating limits where he can play, but van Riemsdyk remains effective around the net. Teams needing a net-front presence for their second power-play unit should seriously consider inviting him to camp. He would not need significant minutes to provide value and could become an inexpensive source of 10-to-15 goals.
Reilly Smith
Reilly Smith experienced a down season with the Vegas Golden Knights, recording 16 goals and 26 points in 69 appearances. However, he had reached at least 40 points in each of the previous three seasons.
Smith brings versatility, defensive awareness and extensive playoff experience. He can play either wing, contribute on the penalty kill and move throughout the lineup. Even if his days as a consistent top-six forward are over, his well-rounded game could help a contender immediately.
None of these players is guaranteed to return to their previous level. On a PTO followed by a low-cost contract, however, the risk would be minimal—and the potential return could be considerable.
Next: Wild Must Make a Difficult Decision on Quinn Hughes’ Future
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