OTTAWA

Not all the talent has disappeared from the NHL free-agent market but the phones have certainly gone quiet.

As the calendar turns to August — and nearly a month has passed since players were allowed to shop themselves around on July 5 — there are still bodies looking for work as general managers take a break from signing players.

“This has gone exactly how we expected it would go,” said a league executive Wednesday. “Everybody blew the brains out on free agency in the first couple of days. Now, it’s hard for anybody to get a contract done.

“The money has been spent. Now, there are some guys who are looking for work, and some of those guys are starting to panic (with training camps set for next month.”

Why haven’t some guys signed?

“You’ve got a situation, in some cases, where teams simply have to move money if they’re going to sign unrestricted free agents. There are a few teams that are going to have to shed some cash,” said one high-profile agent.

“This always happens after free agency opens. Teams take a break from signing guys. A few guys are left waiting and they get signed once GM’s pick up their phones sometime in August and start making deals again.”

Here’s five players trying to find a home:

Brenden Morrow, LW, Pittsburgh: A deadline rental from the Dallas Stars, the 34-year-old made $4.1 million last season. He’ll have to accept a pay cut but somebody will bring him in to provide veteran leadership at a lower price.

A deadline rental from the Dallas Stars, the 34-year-old made $4.1 million last season. He’ll have to accept a pay cut but somebody will bring him in to provide veteran leadership at a lower price. Ron Hainsey, D, Winnipeg: Like a lot of UFA’s, Hainsey has had several teams kick tires. Don’t be surprised if he takes a one-year deal at less than the $4.5 million he made last season. The Red Wings are still looking for blueline help.

Like a lot of UFA’s, Hainsey has had several teams kick tires. Don’t be surprised if he takes a one-year deal at less than the $4.5 million he made last season. The Red Wings are still looking for blueline help. Vaclav Prospal, C, Columbus: The 38-year-old was supposed to have a front-office job with the Jackets but that deal went out the window when Scott Howson got fired. No question that he can play a role and be a depth player.

The 38-year-old was supposed to have a front-office job with the Jackets but that deal went out the window when Scott Howson got fired. No question that he can play a role and be a depth player. Mikhail Grabovksi, C, Toronto: Bought out of his deal by the Leafs, all eyes have been on the 29-year-old. There was talk he has narrowed his list to three teams: The Capitals and Flames are both looking for help up front.

Bought out of his deal by the Leafs, all eyes have been on the 29-year-old. There was talk he has narrowed his list to three teams: The Capitals and Flames are both looking for help up front. Mason Raymond, LW, Vancouver: He has been a 25-goal scorer in the NHL. A bit of a surprise he’s still out there because he’s only 27-years-old. The Flames need help everywhere, you’d think they’d sign him.

OFF THE GLASS

A league executive said he doesn’t expect anybody will sign UFA goalies Ilya Bryzgalov or Tim Thomas before training camps open, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be out of work. “They both might have to wait for an injury in training camp,” said the executive. “That’s the thing about goaltending: If you lose one, you’re screwed. They just have to be patient.” Thomas took last year off to spend time with his family. He expressed a desire to return this year to play in the Olympics but wasn’t invited to the orientation camp in Washington later this month ... Not kidding: The sale of the Phoenix Coyotes is in the final stages. The Renaissance Sports and Entertainment Group — led by Calgary’s George Gosbee and Ottawa’s Anthony Leblanc — met with members of the executive committee in New York Wednesday. Deputy commissioner Bill Daly said in an e-mail to the QMI Agency he is hopeful the paperwork will be completed by Monday.

THIS N’ THAT

The Panthers signed C Scott Gomez to a one-year, $900,000 contract Wednesday. He spent last season with the Sharks. Gomez, 33, was bought out by the Habs when the lockout ended in January and Florida needs some veteran players. “Scott is a veteran centre who adds further depth to the middle of our lineup,” said GM Dale Tallon in a statement. “He is a quick and skilled forward, with a wealth of hockey experience including two Stanley Cup titles, who will be a leader for our younger players.” ... The Sabres have been trying to move G Ryan Miller but haven’t been able to find any takers. He submitted a list of 10 teams to which the club couldn’t send him before the trade deadline last season, but GM Darcy Regier hasn’t been able to find a deal. Don’t be surprised if he reports to the Sabres in September.

THE LAST WORD

The Canucks expect G Roberto Luongo to report to camp. He doesn’t really have any other options and Vancouver GM Mike Gillis visited with Luongo recently at his Florida home to clarify the decision to deal G Cory Schneider ... The Senators have held talks with LW Colin Greening about a contract extension but the two sides aren’t close to a deal. The club has been trying to deal the contract of C Jim O’Brien, who was a healthy scratch throughout the latter part of the season and the playoffs, without any success ... The Leafs have been trying to move D John-Michael Liles with no success. There has been speculation he may be bought out during the window in the new collective bargaining agreement that starts Friday and closes Monday.