Many NHL Free Agents Still Unsigned

With the NHL season underway, there are still a good chunk of unrestricted free agents that are still not signed. It seems that, more than previous years, there are a lot of quality players still not on a team. This is likely because of the league’s salary cap, which forces many teams to build the bottom lines of their roster with cheaper prospects than to spend more money on a veteran.

Here is a look at some of the top NHL free agents still not signed (not including Daniel Alfredsson, who is contemplating retirement).

Martin Brodeur

The unemployment of the legendary Brodeur has been one of the biggest stories of the offseason. It is clear that he still wants to play, but a competitve goalie market this year limited his options. He had virtually no chance of getting a starter’s job and likely only wanted to be a backup on a few teams (like Montreal). However, there is still hope that Brodeur will get a job if goalie injuries hurt a team. Otherwise, he has management jobs waiting for him in New Jersey. Hopefully he will eventually get the great farewell Derek Jeter got last month.

Dustin Penner

Penner was a promising young star for the Anaheim Ducks and Edmonton Oilers back in the day, until he got traded to Los Angeles in 2011. With the Kings, his points totals dropped, but did win a Stanley Cup. Last year, when the big forward signed with the Ducks, he returned to his former self while playing with former linemates Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. However, after getting traded to the Capitals at the deadline, he ended the season very poorly. Hopefully a team in need of size will want to pick up the 6’4″ Penner, who can be a good risk for a third line.

Ilya Bryzgalov

Like Brodeur, Bryzgalov was a victim of a crowded goalie market in the offseason and struggled to find a home after a great playoff performance for the Minnesota Wild last year. Unfortunately for Bryz, the Wild have a lot of goaltending depth, and he failed to get a spot on the team during his tryout in the preseason. He is an NHL-calibre goalie who will try to get a chance in North America before looking at his options oversees.

Tomas Vokoun

Despite his age (38) and injury concerns (missed entire last season), many thought that Vokoun will at least get a shot with an NHL team this year. Instead, he is still waiting to get a call from a team. He will likely play in Europe this season.

Douglas Murray

The tough defenceman had a little comeback season with Montreal last year and was good in the postseason. He is 34 years old, and time is tacking, but a European stint may later field offers from NHL teams.

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