It's July and thirteen NHL teams have less than $2.5 million in cap space. According to CapFriendly.com, six of those teams are over the 2022--23 cap, although some have players on long-term injured reserve that will make it right.

Another five teams have less than $5 million in cap space. Maybe more important is the fact that more than half of the league teams have 20 or more players signed, and that number swells significantly when you add in restricted free agents who are going to be signed before the season.

The bottom line: not a lot of NHL teams have the cap space, or the roster room, to add players.

But there are available players teams are considering in the second week of free agency:

1. Center Nazem Kadri

He's the biggest difference-maker still in the marketplace. He's a great fit for the No. 2 center because he brings scoring and an angry playing style. Kadri is an irritating presence as a defensive player. Playing against him is like trying to outduel a panther. And he makes things happen offensively. Kadri has circled back to the Avalanche and they are trying to decide whether they could create the salary cap space to re-sign him. Otherwise, you could see him with the Islanders, maybe even the Calgary Flames.

2. Defenseman John Klingberg

He is the most talented D Man still available. Seattle has $9 million left in cap space. Hearing the Vancouver Canucks are interested if they can move some players. The Kraken seem like a good fit. He is probably talking to Dallas again, because he really didn't want to leave. Don't rule out the Senators.

3. Left Wing Nino Niederreiter

Niederreiter is a five-time 20+ goal scorer, including the last two seasons with Carolina. He's a big body forward who had 44 points. Niederreiter is not easy to push around. He's a durable player and fans in Carolina want him back. Are the 'Canes working on that? Seems like a good fit for a lot of teams. Calgary. Nashville. Boston?

4. Right wing Phil Kessel

People laugh about him. But he is a past Cup winner, a proven offensive player and he produced 52 points for a poor hockey team last season. He's not the goal scorer he once was, but he can spark an offense.

5. Center Paul Stastny

He's 36, but he's a smart player, responsible defensively and he scored 21 goals last season. Couldn't he help about a dozen teams in this league?


6. Defenseman P.K. Subban

Plenty of teams are still looking for defenseman and Subban, 33, could end up being a bargain. The questions most teams have: How committed is Subban to being an NHL player? He is talented in plenty of areas and seems to have multiple business opportunities. Does he still want to put in the work necessary to stay relevant as a top NHL player?

7. Winger Evan Rodrigues

He's coming off his best NHL season with 19 goals and 43 points. Can be a valuable secondary scorer, a player with the ability to play up and down your lineup, depending upon your needs. You hear New Jersey and Vancouver linked to him. You wonder if the Penguins might look at him again to be their utility forward.


8. Defenseman Calvin De Haan

He's 31 with 520 games of NHL experience. Shouldn't hurt the salary cap outlook badly. Ottawa Senators? Again: Teams are looking for veteran defensemen.

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