Evaluating Notable Available Free Agents

Vladimir Tarasenko – Right Wing

A right winger like Tolvanen, Vladimir Tarasenko is technically cheating in building a hypothetical lineup, but still gets the mention considering his status as a steady producer. Bouncing around the past several years, the once face of the Blues likely fell victim to the numbers game in Minnesota, after a strong 47-point campaign as a beloved veteran. Back in May, the sentiment reportedly was that the Wild would like to have him back, but that the price would “have to be right”. Coming off a $4.75MM cap hit, it’s only speculation, but suggests that the Russian wasn’t willing to take a serious pay cut to stick around.

Saving their remaining $4.7MM for who could be the 2026-27 edition of last season’s Jack Roslovic, the Oilers might as well make the 34-year-old their next hired gun. Looking elsewhere, Buffalo still has $5MM sitting around in case Patrick Kane was meant to be. Why not seek out another 2010s superstar to complete their forward group?

John Klingberg – Defense

A former top-pairing star in Dallas who now has played for six different teams in the past five years, it’s not shocking to see John Klingberg on our list, but to his credit the righty turned back the clock in San Jose with 27 points in 56 games. Able to stay mostly healthy, Klingberg skated over 20 minutes a night and contributed on the power play, doing more than anybody expected.

Going off the board a bit, Nashville could use a righty who is able to take offensive work load off Roman Josi. They’d also offer the veteran a chance to be moved to a contender if things aren’t on the up next spring. To make it work though, they would have to move out someone like the recently re-signed Justin Barron.

Anaheim is an obvious fit for a reunion given their needs, but they’d be forced to dump a valued leader like Alex Killorn to open up cap room. Chasing a Stanley Cup, Klingberg fits on several playoff teams, depending on his willingness to accept another team-friendly one-year deal. It’s unfortunate considering that he passed on a lucrative long term extension in Dallas five years ago before becoming a journeyman.

Logan Stanley – Defense

Acquired by Buffalo at the deadline for a hefty price during his breakout campaign, it seemed like the pieces were coming together for Logan Stanley to earn a sticker-shocking contract in early July. Nothing has materialized yet, and the 6’7” lefty may have to lower his ask on term or value. Putting up a career-best 26 points in 76 games across Winnipeg and Buffalo, to go with a huge increase up to 128 penalty minutes on a serious mean streak, teams often highly value such players to the point of debate, with Stanley’s status being an outlier for the time being.

The Sharks could finish off their revamped blue line with the 28-year-old, seeming to need one more body with $3.3MM remaining. Sticking out west, the Ducks are again an obvious fit, besides seeming to lack the salary room to make it happen. Finally, a return to Winnipeg isn’t out of the question, fitting on paper, although the Jets picked up Mario Ferraro.

Philipp Kurashev – Center

It was already a thin center market this summer, and any team still prioritizing a big addition in that position would be best working the trade phones. 26-year-old Philipp Kurashev, who put up 54 points in Chicago just two seasons ago, technically stands out as the best pivot available.

Listed as a center who took 45 draws in 43 games as a Shark last season, Kurashev did not receive an extension offer despite a respectable 20 points. He’s not quite trusted enough to hold down a bottom-six center role, lacking the ability to win face-offs reliably and not being physically imposing, therefore stuck between roles.

A youngster hoping to regain his groove from playing alongside Connor Bedard, any contender needing to round out depth and offering occasional placement alongside star power makes the most sense. The Golden Knights are $8.6MM over the cap, but if they can somehow wiggle out with enough room to squeeze in Kurashev on a small salary which would appease him, it would be a nice fit. Assuming that can’t be done, the Oilers also stand out, with general manager Stan Bowman already showing an affinity for his former Blackhawks.

Cam Talbot – Goaltender

39-year-old Cam Talbot is the best remaining goaltender at this point, certainly the most proven with over 500 career NHL games including 34 in Detroit last season. Things didn’t come easily for the undrafted veteran, struggling with an .883 save percentage and a -13.1 saves above expected, seventh worst in the league, per Moneypuck.

It’s a tough market for Talbot, with the annual musical chairs of backup goaltenders game largely played out. Carolina would be a great landing spot nearing the end of his career depending on Pyotr Kochetkov’s status. Speaking of teams with injury-prone goalies, the Canucks also could take a flyer, although Thatcher Demko seems to be trending toward a return by next fall.

Image Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images (Tarasenko), Nick Wosika-Imagn Images (Talbot)