Top 5 NHL forwards still available in free agency feat. James van Riemsdyk | July 4, 2024

Modified Jul 04, 2024 16:55 GMT

NHL free agency opened on Monday and over a billion dollars was spent. Most of the top players signed on the first day, but there still are quality players left to be signed.

Although there aren't a ton of defensemen available, there are plenty of middle-six forwards with playoff experience left to be signed.

Top 5 NHL forwards still available in free agency

#1. James van Riemsdyk

James van Riemsdyk proved he can still play at an effective level in the NHL this past season.

van Riemsdyk signed a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins that paid him $1 million. With the Bruins, he recorded 11 goals and 27 assists for 38 points in 71 games. He had one goal and four assists for five points in the playoffs.

Daily Faceoff projects van Riemsdyk to sign a one-year $1.2 million deal.

#2. Daniel Sprong

Surprisingly, Daniel Sprong has still not been signed after a solid year with the Detroit Red Wings.

Sprong is only 27 years old and recorded 18 goals and 25 assists for 43 points in 76 games. He's projected to land a three-year deal with $4.1 million, but he likely may have to take less than that, given he's still not signed.

Sprong can still be a middle-six forward who can add depth to a playoff team.

#3. Tyler Johnson

Tyler Johnson recorded 31 points last season

Tyler Johnson was a key part of the Tampa Bay Lightning team that won the Stanley Cup in 2020 and 2021. After that, he spent the last three years with the Chicago Blackhawks.

Johnson can be a third-line center in the NHL and is projected to land a one-year deal worth $1.7 million per season.

Last year, he recorded 17 goals and 14 assists for 31 points in 67 games.

#4. Kevin Labanc

Kevin Labanc recorded nine points last season

Kevin Labanc has been with the San Jose Sharks since the 2016-17 season but is looking for a new NHL team for the first time in his career.

Labanc is a fourth-line winger at this point who can add a bit of scoring, but he struggled to do that last season. He recorded just two goals and seven assists for nine points in 46 games.

He is projected to sign a one-year deal worth $893,000.

#5. Mike Hoffman

Mike Hoffman has played in 745 NHL games

Mike Hoffman is a pending free agent after playing last season with the San Jose Sharks.

Hoffman struggled with the Sharks as he recorded just 10 goals and 13 assists for 23 points in 66 games. Although he struggled last year, Hoffman has proven he can be a 20+ goal scorer in the NHL and could be a bounce-back candidate on a playoff team's third line.

Hoffman is projected to sign a one-year deal with $1.15 million.