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Are there any NHL free agents left?

It’s the dog days of summer and free agent signings have slowed.

After a record-setting day of player movement on July 1, the past handful of days have been dotted with several key re-signings (Scheifele, MacKinnon, Perreault, and Markstrom) but little else.

One UFA does continue to generate interest. Kris Russell continues to be linked to a variety of teams, even teams that likely know better:

Panthers are showing interest in FA D Kris Russell acc to source #FlaPanthers — Harvey Fialkov (@hfialkov) July 11, 2016

While the big-name free agents have mostly settled into new homes, a number of under-the-radar players remain who boast strong statistics and won’t require big-money, long-term deals.

These three free agents are likely to sign for less than $3 million per season and who present strong stats profiles beyond simple goals and assists.

**please note: these players are unsigned, so projected salaries included are by Matt Cane (@Cane_Matt) to provide a reasonable contract estimate for each player.

3. Sam Gagner, C (projected contract value: ~$2.37 million per year)

Since escaping Edmonton, Gagner’s possession numbers have been much improved. Despite scoring only 16 points in 53 regular season games last year, Gagner’s modern stats were sharp. He posted a plus possession percentage and a strong mark relative to his teammates. Gagner’s individual shot attempts rate was above average for forwards, which shows he wasn’t simply a passenger on a strong possession line.

Gagner’s goals for percentage was superb last year, though that figure was expected to be slightly below 50 percent. His primary points rate was below average, though — probably a major factor in collapsing the market for the free agent centre.

Now 27 years old, Gagner isn’t going to get better. But he’s shown an ability to be responsible in puck possession and to score 15 goals in a season. These qualities have value.

2. Kris Versteeg, W (projected contract value: ~$2.69 million per year)

It seems as though every deadline day, some contender kicks tires on Kris Versteeg. The prototypical rental player, Versteeg has moved around a lot and is seen as a flexible role player. The 30-year-old has a career Corsi For percentage of 53.6 percent but bested that mark last season. His relative Corsi For percentage was great, too, and the winger contributed shots at an above-average rate.

Versteeg’s goals for percentage was strong and expected to be even stronger. Perhaps best of all was his primary points rate. Versteeg managed ~1.4 primary points per 60 minutes at 5-on-5. That rate is well above-average and shows that the veteran forward can be looked to for more than just careful puck management.

Cane’s projection model has Versteeg at a value of approximately $2.69 million per season. At that pay rate, a contender (i.e. Washington Capitals) would be wise to sign Versteeg now. Alternatively, a team intent on tanking (i.e. Toronto Maple Leafs) would be wise to sign Versteeg and prepare to deal him at the trade deadline. In either scenario, Versteeg’s a solid bet to be an above-average top-six forward again next season.

1. Jakub Nakladal, D (projected contract value: ~$1.77 million per year)

In his short, 27 game stint with the Calgary Flames last year, Jakub Nakladal posted an excellent slate of statistics. He managed a positive Corsi For percentage in Calgary, while boasting a positive relative possession and an individual shot attempts rate that was above average for a forward.

That’s a great start.

Nakladal enjoyed a strong goals for percentage last season too, though his expected goals for mark was below 50 percent. Though Nakladal wasn’t much of a scorer, the defenseman did manage an average primary points rate at 5-on-5.

Despite the nifty stats profile, why is Jakub Nakladal the best remaining free agent?

The clincher is the veteran’s likely rate of pay. Nakladal had a cap hit of $817,500 last season. With only five points scored, Nakladal isn’t in line to receive a significant raise. Cane’s model projects that Nakladal’s AAV will be ~$1.77 million per season.

However, some might be turned off by his low time on ice last season and low overall point production. Still, for a defenseman with positive puck possession rates and an average rate of primary points, that salary would be an excellent bargain.

Cheap, productive players like Nakladal are key, particularly for cap-crunched teams in need of quality depth.

Honourable mentions:

Brandon Pirri, F (last with Anaheim Ducks. Signing card here)

Justin Schultz, D (last with Pittsburgh Penguins)

Kris Russell (just kidding. Sort of.)

Feel free to peruse the other signing cards I’ve created here. I’ve yet to catch up with every signing but please reach out to me on Twitter (@SeanTierneyTss) if there’s a player chart you’d like to see.

NHL free agent frenzy has fizzled but quality players remain