The NHL offseason typically moves fast, with most of the trades happening between the NHL Draft and the start of free agency, and most of the top unrestricted free agents signing within the first two days.
This year’s unrestricted free agent market was especially grim in terms of top-tier talent and difference-makers, but there were still some useful players available.
There might still be a few sitting out there that could provide some cheap value.
Let’s take a look at some of them.
Anthony Mantha (forward)
The case for signing him: With 33 goals and 64 points during the 2025-26 season with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Mantha was one of the most productive offensive players to reach the open market this offseason. He’s been a productive offensive player throughout his career when healthy, but has had some injury issues at times. He’s probably not going to repeat that 33-goal season, but there is some production to be had.
The concern: Mantha can be a little inconsistent and has an absolutely dreadful playoff track record when it comes to his postseason performance, having never scored a playoff goal. He might also be asking for more terms on his contract than teams might be willing to give, given his inconsistency and age.
Patrick Kane (forward)
The case for signing him: Kane is a Hall of Fame player who still carries a big name, and he can still be a nice playmaker, especially on the power play. For a team that needs secondary scoring and power play help, Kane might still have something left to offer. He had 57 points in 67 games for the Detroit Red Wings this past season.
The concern: He is a pretty one-dimensional player at this point, with almost all of his value tied into his ability to produce points. His 5-on-5 impacts and defensive player are pretty much non-existent. He is also going to turn 38 early this season.
Patrik Laine (forward)
The case for signing him: He has an elite shot, still scores goals at a first-line rate when healthy, and given his recent injury concerns, might be a tremendous bargain signing. He is also still only 28 years old. He is eligible to sign an incentive-laden contract and should be an option for a team that needs a finisher in its lineup.
The concern: Like Kane, he is a very one-dimensional player who is not going to provide much value outside of scoring goals. The good news is that scoring goals is important, and he is still good at it when healthy. The bad news is that he has not often been available in recent years. He has played in just 186 out of a possible 410 regular-season games the past five seasons, never played in more than 56 during that stretch, and appeared in just five games this past season.
Vladimir Tarasenko (forward)
The case for signing him: Tarasenko is still a very productive middle-six forward and coming off a 23-goal, 47-point season for the Minnesota Wild. He is not going to carry your offense, but he can still chip in some strong scoring depth and be a potential piece for a contender.
The concern: Why has he played for six teams in four years? Why has nobody wanted to keep him beyond one season or a partial season? He is also going to be 35 years old this season, and just as is the case with Kane and Laine, he is a very one-dimensional player at this stage of his career.
Michael Bunting (forward)
The case for signing him: Bunting is an absolute pest around the net and scores some garbage goals, while also providing an aggressive forechecking game that causes some chaos. He should also not cost much against the salary cap.
The concern: Is he still good enough? He is going to be 31 years old at the start of this season and has already seen his production drop over the past couple of years.
Eeli Tolvanen (forward)
The case for signing him: He is still only 27 years old and is just one year removed from a 23-goal season. Put him in the right environment and with the right talent around him, and 20 goals are possible.
The concern: Way too inconsistent offensively and not enough of an all-around player to make an impact if he is not scoring goals.