Nearly three weeks into NHL free agency, several notable unrestricted free agents (UFAs) remain unsigned. These players are not only expected to be regular contributors in the 2025-26 season but also have the potential to be impactful difference-makers on their new teams.
Here are five key players still available, along with their pros and cons:
Jack Roslovich, Center
Jack Roslovich stands out as the top available UFA. This versatile center, who can also play wing, has two 20-goal campaigns, including 22 goals and 39 points last season with the Carolina Hurricanes. He recently signed a one-year deal earning $2.8 million, which is less than the $4 million he earned previously with the Columbus Blue Jackets. At 28, Roslovich offers a solid secondary scoring option and can play center effectively. However, teams interested will likely have to pay a premium for his services because of his skill set and position.
Ilya Samsonov, Goalie
Ilya Samsonov’s six-year career has featured many highs and lows, shifting between starter, backup, and tandem goalie roles. Last season with the Vegas Golden Knights, he played 29 games, finishing with a 16-9-4 record, a 2.82 goals-against average (GAA), and a .891 save percentage (SP). Although he’s a seasoned goaltender familiar with fluctuating roster roles, his inconsistency remains evident. For example, in 2022-23 with the Toronto Maple Leafs, he posted a much better 2.33 GAA and .919 SP in 40 starts, demonstrating volatility in his performance.
Matt Grzelcyk, Defenseman
The Pittsburgh Penguins opted not to re-sign defenseman Matt Grzelcyk after he achieved career highs with 1 goal and 40 points. Grzelcyk inked a one-year, $2.75 million contract with Pittsburgh, where he averaged over 20 minutes per game and tied Sidney Crosby for the most power play points on the team with 15. He brings experience, power play reliability, and playoff know-how, having played 66 postseason games primarily with the Boston Bruins. However, the delay in his signing may stem from differences in contract valuation between him and interested teams.
Victor Olofsson, Left Wing
Victor Olofsson has reached the 20-goal mark three times and was on pace for another with the Golden Knights last season, scoring 15 goals and 29 points in 56 games. Over six full seasons, he has managed to hit 20 goals in four of them but hasn’t played more than 75 games in a season. Olofsson is known for his scoring ability and puck skills, but his scoring tends to be streaky, as evidenced by a two-month goal drought last year. He offers good depth for teams looking to bolster their left-wing offense.
Luke Kunin, Center
Luke Kunin, a bottom-six center who can also play right wing, is known for his two-way play and penalty killing, averaging nearly two minutes per game on the PK last season. He split last season between the San Jose Sharks and Columbus Blue Jackets, playing 75 games combined and scoring 11 goals with 18 points, consistent with his recent output. While he is a reliable NHL player capable of penalty killing, Kunin has not shown steady offensive improvement since his 2019-20 season and may face competition from similarly skilled yet less expensive players.
Fan Take:
This free agency update highlights the critical decisions teams face when balancing proven talent and cost. For hockey fans, these signings or misses could shape the competitive landscape and signal how teams prioritize depth versus star power moving forward.
