Top Remaining Free Agent Poll
NHL Free Agency: Who Will Make the Biggest Splash Among Remaining Forwards?
As the NHL offseason heats up, teams are still looking to bolster their rosters for the upcoming 2025-26 season. While the marquee free agents have largely found new homes, a crop of talented forwards remain available, each wiht the potential to substantially impact their next team. From proven goal-scorers to gritty depth players, these unsigned forwards offer intriguing possibilities for clubs seeking to elevate their game.
Unpacking the Top Remaining Free Agent Forwards
Several forwards who can contribute offensively are still on the open market.Let’s take a closer look at some of the moast compelling options and what they could bring to a new squad.
Victor Olofsson: A Proven Scorer Seeking Consistency
Victor Olofsson, a native of Sweden, presents an interesting case for teams looking for offensive upside.Last season, he demonstrated his scoring ability, putting up 16 goals and 26 points in 51 games for the Vegas Golden Knights.This performance, if extrapolated over an 82-game season, would have placed him on pace for 22 goals and 42 points, marking his most productive offensive output since his career-high 49 points in the 2021-22 season. Olofsson also added a respectable two goals and four points in nine playoff contests,showcasing his ability to contribute in high-pressure situations.
With three career 20-plus goal campaigns, including a 28-goal season with the Buffalo Sabres in 2022-23, olofsson has a track record of finding the back of the net. He has the potential to provide valuable depth scoring, and perhaps even more, if he can maintain his health. A key factor in his success will be his ability to stay on the ice, as he has only played more than 72 games in a season once in his career (75 games in 2022-23). His scoring touch makes him a player worth watching for teams needing an offensive spark.
Joel Kiviranta: A Statistical Anomaly Looking for a Second Act
Joel Kiviranta’s 2024-25 season with the Colorado Avalanche was a tale of two halves. he posted 16 goals in 79 games, a significant jump from his career production. This surge was partly fueled by a 19 percent shooting percentage, nearly double his career average of 10.9 percent. Kiviranta maximized his career-high 12:31 average ice time, setting personal bests in goals, assists, points, plus/minus rating, faceoff percentage, and blocked shots.
However, the offensive momentum did not carry into the postseason, where Kiviranta went scoreless in seven games. Across his 298 career NHL games, the 29-year-old has accumulated 35 goals and 60 points.While his recent scoring surge might be an outlier,his ability to capitalize on opportunities when given a larger role makes him a potential depth option for a team willing to take a chance on his upside.
Luke Kunin: A Physical Presence Seeking a Fit
Luke Kunin is one of the last remaining free agents who managed to score in double digits last season. He netted 11 goals in 63 games for the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the columbus Blue Jackets at the deadline. Regrettably, his tenure in Columbus was brief and unproductive, with zero points in 12 games.
Despite the challenging stint with the Blue Jackets, Kunin has established himself as a quality physical presence throughout his eight-year NHL career.The 27-year-old has garnered interest from several teams in free agency, suggesting that his physical style and proven ability to contribute offensively are still valued. His ability to play a gritty, impactful game could make him a valuable addition to a team’s bottom six.
Robby Fabbri: A Talented Scorer Battling Durability
When healthy, Robby Fabbri has consistently been a solid offensive contributor throughout his nine-year NHL career. However,much like olofsson,Fabbri has faced significant challenges with injuries. Last season was no different for the Anaheim Ducks forward, as he battled through knee surgery and a hand injury that sidelined him for nearly half the season. He managed to record eight goals and 16 assists in 44 games.
Fabbri boasts four
