Day 1 of NHL free agency is in the books, and it ended with a stunner. After all the speculation that Johnny Gaudreau was headed to the Devils, Islanders or Flyers, he ended up in the Metropolitan Division, but with the Blue Jackets.
As we look toward Day 2, there are still some good options on the market. The top defenseman, John Klingberg, has yet to sign, and Nazem Kadri is patiently considering options. So is Ondrej Palat.
Outside of those three, though, there isn't a ton of top-end talent still available, but there are some depth options.
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The Sporting News lists the top 10 players still available in NHL free agency after Day 1:
1. Nazem Kadri, C
There won't be any rush from Kadri. It was reported throughout Day 1 that he will be patient and listen to all interested teams. One of those teams is the Avalanche, who likely won't be able to offer Kadri the best deal but are hoping he'll want to run it back with the Stanley Cup-winning crew.
2. John Klingberg, D
Klingberg has been an interesting case. Brent Burns' trade from the Sharks to the Hurricanes put a wrinkle in the market as the Hurricanes and Stars were both interested in acquiring the veteran blue-liner. With Carolina getting Burns and Dallas missing out, the Stars and Klingberg re-engaged in talks. But then Dallas signed Colin Miller, a right-handed defenseman like Klingberg, later in the day.
3. Ondrej Palat, LW (signed with the Devils on a five-year, $30 million contract)
While both sides were interested in staying together, Tampa Bay and Palat are going their separate ways. GM Julien BriseBois said during his Day 1 press conference that the team knew it was out on Monday. It seemed as if the Red Wings could make a play for Palat, but they made a number of moves Wednesday, including signing wingers David Perron and Dominik Kubalik. Palat is the best wing option out there with Gaudreau off the board.
4. Ryan Strome, C (signed with the Ducks on a five-year, $25 million contract)
Strome certainly was in the second tier of available centers, but now with Claude Giroux, Andrew Copp and Vincent Trocheck all off the board, that opens up the possibility that teams will begin to look into him. He was not linked to any teams on Day 1, but he is coming off three strong seasons with the Rangers. He would be a solid second-line option.
5. Dylan Strome, C
Ryan Strome's younger brother is also available. The Blackhawks elected not to tender him a qualifying offer as an RFA, which made Dylan a UFA. Like his brother, he hasn't been tied to any teams. He has a more offensive upside than Ryan, as well as experience as a top-line center.
6. Evan Rodrigues, C
Rodrigues is one of the more underrated options. He is coming off a career year with Pittsburgh, where he was forced to take on a larger role earlier in the season with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin out. He can also play wing. The Canucks reportedly called, but other than that, it was a quiet Day 1 for him.
MORE: Malkin FA destinations: Ranking the 5 best teams to sign star center
7. Nino Neiderreiter, C
Here's another depth center option still on the market. It was reported that he has yet to come close on deal and is evaluating his options. A return to Carolina is unclear at this point. With the trades for Brent Burns and Max Pacioretty, the Hurricanes are operating with about $5.5 million in space and with RFAs like Martin Necas still in need of new deals.
8. Phil Kessel, RW
Not much is going on with the veteran. Kessel still can produce on offense, but he's getting up in age. There is also his iron man streak, which he probably wants to keep intact and which likely has been a part of discussions with teams.
9. Paul Stastny, C
Another older player who still can contribute on the score sheet. Stastny is coming off his best season since 2015-16. It's likely he'll land somewhere on a cheaper, short-term deal.
10. Calvin de Haan, D
After Klingberg, it's a far drop to the next-best available blue-liner, but that's probably de Haan, who was tied for third in the league last season in blocked shots. He's a reliable defensive defenseman.
