Latest rumors, predictions and top players still on the market

After a flying start to free agency in early July, several players are still looking for new homes or waiting for deals to be finalized with their current teams.

Some are seasoned veterans, others are fresh young faces, but all are looking ahead to the future and the teams where they will continue their careers.

In one particular case, a starting goalkeeper, one of the best in the league, was left untouched due to the restricted free transfer window.

Who are those players?

Find out with this overview of players still on the market.

Several quality players are still awaiting new deals with their current team or a new franchise. They could provide depth for contending teams or even start for teams that need a certain position.

These are the best remaining players and their previous team.

• Jeremy Swayman, G, Boston Bruins (RFA)
• Dylan Holloway, F, Edmonton Oilers (RFA)
• Martin Necas, C, Carolina Hurricanes (RFA)
• Tyler Johnson, C, Chicago Blackhawks (UFA)
• Jacob Muzzin, D, Toronto Maple Leafs (UFA)
• Kevin Labanc, RW, San Jose Sharks (UFA)
• Jeff Carter, C, Pittsburgh Penguins (RFA)
• James Van Riemsdyk, LW, Boston Bruins (UFA)

The Boston Bruins traded starting goalie Linus Ullmark to the Ottawa Senators this offseason, allowing Jeremy Swayman to become the undisputed starter next season.

However, the team has not yet re-signed the restricted free agent.

Despite the lack of commitment to signing him, both sides have little to no concern about a deal happening, NESN’s Andrew Raycroft reported on The Greg Hill Show.
“It’s going to happen. This year, the Stanley Cup Finals went all the way to the end, then there was three days until the draft, three days until free agency, three days until development camp, and (then) everybody was gone. Everybody’s got their phones off, everybody’s taking some time, these are the three or four weeks of the season that are really off now,” he said (h/t Hockey Trade Rumors for translation).

He continued: “It’s going to happen… They went through this a little bit last season, so from a business perspective, they know where they stand… and thankfully Jeremy knows he’s very important and he wants to be paid for it.”

There is every reason for the Bruins to make the deal and pay Swayman accordingly.

In 44 games played in the 2023-24 season, Swayman went 25-10 with a .916 save percentage and a 2.53 goals-against average. He’s played the most time on the ice thus far and gave officials all the evidence they needed to put him ahead of Ullmark.

It’s absurd enough that the Bruins didn’t sign Swayman to avoid any potential bumps. It’s astonishing to be almost through the first month of free agency and still not have a contract, even though both parties are determined to get one.

The team has been in a goaltending controversy for the past two seasons with Ullmark and Swayman on the same roster. With the former gone, the team is still trying to find a way to sign Swayman for the next few years.

Raycroft is right; the deal will get done, but Boston could have been very relaxed about signing one of the Bruins’ most important players.

Prediction: Swayman to stay in Boston with new, albeit late, deal

Hurricanes midfielder Martin Necas has heard his name at the centre of transfer talks amid frustrations over his role within the team.

The 25-year-old played in 77 games but averaged just 17:21 of ice time, scoring 24 goals and 29 assists for a total of 53 points.
That was a significant drop from the 71 points he scored last season. Given the frustrations with his production and playing time, it makes sense that there was reason to believe he was a strong candidate for a trade.

Lyle Richardson of The Hockey News reported that there is no indication he will be moved, and he is in negotiations for a two-year, $6 million contract.

The question remains whether it is profitable for both parties to retain a young player in his prime who has already expressed frustrations about his role on the team, or whether the Hurricanes will ultimately move on from him before next season’s deadline.

One thing is clear: Necas will continue his career as a legitimate contender for the Eastern Conference and will be looking for a bigger role, with more playing time. If more playing time and a bigger role do not follow, he will likely be available quickly to a team looking to get younger.

Prediction: Necas stays in Carolina…for now. Could be a trade target at the deadline next season.