Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine and Vladimir Tarasenko are still sitting without contracts in late July. That is not a talent problem. It is the NHL putting a price on risk.
PuckPedia counted 272 contracts worth $1,500,451,555 through the first 17 days of free agency. The opening rush emptied most of the premium shelves, even with the salary cap climbing to $104 million. Every remaining player now forces a harder conversation inside a general manager’s office.
Teams must weigh Kane’s shoulder, Laine’s health, Tarasenko’s age and Logan Stanley’s asking price. Some players want term. Others need the right role or enough patience to rebuild their value. None offers a clean solution.
This is where free agency becomes a waiting game. The names remain familiar. The guarantees have disappeared.
Kane Brings Skill, but Not an Immediate Return
Kane remains the biggest name available after producing 57 points in 67 games last season. His game has never depended on straight-line speed or physical force. He creates offense with sharp edge work, delayed passes and an ability to hold the puck until a defensive lane opens.
Even at 37, Kane can control a power play. He can turn a difficult zone entry into settled possession, freeze penalty killers with a shoulder fake and find a passing lane through traffic.
His left shoulder now controls the timetable. Kane underwent surgery on July 8 and received a recovery estimate of 4 months, which could keep him out until early November. General managers must decide whether to reserve cap space for a player who may miss the opening month.
Chicago offers the most compelling storyline. Kane won 3 Stanley Cups there and became the highest-scoring United States-born player in NHL history. A return would also place him beside Connor Bedard, giving the Blackhawks another skilled puck carrier and a proven power-play mind.
Bedard addressed that possibility Monday during his first media session after signing his new contract extension. He spoke about the energy Kane could bring back to the United Center.
“That would be incredible to get to play with him and learn from him.”
Connor Bedard said.
The on-ice fit still requires work. Cup contenders can offer Kane another championship chase. Chicago can offer top-six minutes, a familiar room and patience while his shoulder heals.
Laine and Tarasenko Offer Very Different Gambles
Laine may have the highest scoring ceiling among the remaining forwards. At 28, he is younger than Kane and Tarasenko, and his one-timer still demands respect from any penalty kill.
Only 5 games last season changed his market. Laine recorded 1 assist before a core muscle injury required surgery, leaving teams with little recent evidence that his body can handle a full schedule.
A short contract makes the most sense. Laine needs power-play time and offensive-zone starts, while his next club needs protection against another lost season. His previous $8.7 million cap hit no longer represents his current market.
Tarasenko presents a more stable option. He scored 23 goals in 75 games last season and remains dangerous when he finds space around the circles.
The concern is mileage. Tarasenko is 34 and no longer drives a scoring line every night. A contender could use his finishing touch, but any deal longer than 1 or 2 years would carry unnecessary risk.
Bunting and Tolvanen Need the Right Assignment
Beyond the marquee scorers, the market shifts toward middle-six role players who need the right assignment.
Bunting brings a different style. Toronto once placed him beside Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner because he retrieved pucks, lived around the blue paint and irritated opponents into penalties.
That does not make him a first-line winger today. Still, his 14 goals last season show he can help a club that needs forechecking and secondary scoring.
Tolvanen offers more shooting skill and is only 27. His 12 goals in 78 games were not enough to create a strong early market, but he can still help a second power-play unit and provide offense from a middle-six role.
Coaches will determine the real value of both players. Put either winger in the wrong job and the flaws become obvious. Give them controlled minutes, skilled support and a reasonable contract, and they can strengthen a playoff roster.
Stanley’s Asking Price Creates a Standoff
The forward market features aging scorers and injured shooters. The blue line brings a different argument.
Stanley stands 6 feet 7 inches and is coming off a season with 9 goals and 26 points in 76 games. Towering left-shot defenseman with a scoring touch usually draw interest, especially when teams want more size near their own crease.
Sportsnet reported that Stanley is seeking as much as $25 million over 4 or 5 years, citing NHL insider Frank Seravalli. That demand explains why a deal has not arrived.
A contract of that size would reward Stanley’s breakout year and physical profile. It would also ask a general manager to gamble that 1 offensive surge represents his new standard rather than a career season.
Klingberg remains available for teams seeking power-play skill, but he needs protection during defensive minutes. Blankenburg offers more pace and a lower price, making him a cleaner depth option for clubs unwilling to chase Stanley.
Training Camp Will Force the Next Wave
Late summer strips away negotiating leverage. Players who wanted long contracts begin considering 1-year offers. Veterans seeking guaranteed jobs start hearing about professional tryouts.
Talbot can still provide experienced goaltending depth. James van Riemsdyk, David Perron and Adam Henrique offer targeted help for the bottom six or second power-play unit. Each player can fill a role, but none can demand that a team reshape its roster.
By training camp, the open chairs will disappear. Injuries will create new calls, contract demands will fall, and some familiar names will accept jobs that looked too small in early July.
One mistake could still hurt a contender. The right bargain can rescue a weak power play or add the goal that turns a playoff series. Wait too long, though, and a useful NHL player may enter camp chasing a professional tryout instead of preparing for opening night.
READ MORE: Why The Wild Paid A Steep Price For Coleman And Maatta
FAQs
Q1. Why is Patrick Kane still unsigned?
A. Teams must balance Kane’s proven playmaking against his age, desired role and contract cost. No club has found the right combination yet.
Q2. Who are the best NHL free agents still available?
A. Patrick Kane, Patrik Laine, Vladimir Tarasenko and Logan Stanley lead the remaining group discussed in the article.
Q3. Why is Patrik Laine considered a risky signing?
A. Laine played only 5 games last season and recorded 1 assist. His shot still has value, but teams need proof that he can stay available.
Q4. How much is Logan Stanley reportedly seeking?
A. Stanley is reportedly asking for as much as $25 million over a 4 or 5 year contract.
Q5. What happens to unsigned NHL players near training camp?
A. Contract leverage usually falls. Some players accept 1 year deals, while others enter camp on professional tryout agreements.
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