Free agency is always a mixed bag, and it is not just about the big-ticket stars looking for a major payday, it is about the other side of the market: players who may not dominate headlines but still bring real value to any lineup they join. Some are aging vets, others are depth guys in their prime, and a few might surprise if the market goes wild. Could a big payday be in the cards for one of them? That depends on how desperate GMs get, and that quite frankly, is out of my hands. What I can do is highlight the names that add value, so let's dive in. Just a heads-up, no repeat names from April's Top 10 NHL Free Agents Set to Hit the Market list.

Enjoy!

10. Jake Allen – New Jersey Devils

Jake Allen is exactly what you want in a veteran backup, steady, reliable, and well-respected wherever he goes. After a long run in St. Louis, followed by stints in Montreal and New Jersey, he has consistently answered the call when needed. Over 12 NHL seasons, he has posted a 2.75 GAA and .908 SV%, solid numbers for a 1B or backup. He has also played 30+ games in each of the past four years, showing he can still carry a decent workload. Allen is not coming in to steal a starter's job, but he brings stability to any crease. For teams needing a calming presence behind their number one, Allen offers experience, consistency, and no surprises, just dependable goaltending.

9. Andrew Mangiapane – Washington Capitals

Andrew Mangiapane enters free agency as a dependable middle-six winger with a versatile, two-way game. After one season in Washington, his value comes from being able to shift roles, bring energy, and contribute at both ends of the ice. That 35-goal season from 2021–22 may be in the rearview, but he still forechecks hard and chips in offensively without relying on top power play minutes. At 29, he still has a lot left to offer and fits the mold of what contenders often chase – speed, grit, and reliability. For teams looking to boost their wing depth and add some secondary scoring without breaking the bank, Mangiapane is a smart, low-risk add with upside.

8. Pius Suter – Vancouver Canucks

Suter picked the perfect time to find his stride. In a contract year, he caught fire in the second half, right when Elias Pettersson went down. Thrust into a top-line role, he stepped up and produced, finishing with 25 goals and 21 assists over 81 games, most of it at even strength with minimal power play time. He is not a player teams are likely to overpay for, but a bump from his current $1.6M cap hit feels inevitable. In a UFA market that is thin down the middle, he becomes an appealing target. It only takes one team to see a fit, and suddenly, the price tag starts to climb.

7. Jonathan Drouin – Colorado Avalanche

Jonathan Drouin has revived his career since joining Colorado, recording a career-high 56 points in 2023–24 and following it up with 37 points in 43 games this season, a 71-point pace. His growing consistency and fit in the top six have made him a valuable contributor. However, the question remains whether his production holds without riding shotgun to Nathan MacKinnon. His offensive creativity and puck-handling still hold value, but his next deal likely will not be a major payday. With a previous cap hit of just $2.5M, he stands out as a cost-effective option for teams in need of skill and depth. More mature and driven, Drouin could be a low-risk, high-reward signing if placed in the right role.

6. Andrei Kuzmenko – Los Angles Kings

Kuzmenko is a bit of a wild card. While his time in Calgary highlighted his offensive upside, his play remains inconsistent – we are talking more valleys than peaks. His brief stint in Philadelphia did not pan out, but since joining the Kings, he has earned more top-six minutes and power-play time, resulting in a boost in production. The real question is whether that spike is enough to justify a significant contract. There will always be a market for players with his skillset, but teams need to weigh the risk. For clubs seeking affordable scoring depth, Kuzmenko could be a worthwhile gamble, just not one without risk.

5. Brent Burns – Carolina Hurricanes

It is hard to believe Brent Burns is 40. He is one of the league's most durable and offensively active defensemen, with no signs of slowing down or retiring. Burns still eats big minutes, contributes on the power play, and brings a veteran presence to any blue line. Across 18 NHL seasons, he has hit 80+ games 12 times and nine of them were full 82-game slates. His commitment to fitness and professionalism keeps him effective, and his leadership carries weight beyond the box score. Coming off an $8M deal, any signing would come at a more reasonable price. While his elite contract days are over, Burns still holds strong value for teams looking to add experience, stability, and offensive punch.

4. Jamie Benn – Dallas Stars

Jamie Benn may not put up the numbers he once did but his physicality, leadership, and ability to contribute on both the power play and penalty kill give him an edge few veterans offer. At 34, his production has dipped, but so has the expectation of another $9.5M cap hit. With his contract expiring, Benn becomes a more affordable piece. His mentorship and ability to anchor a locker room are vital to Dallas' culture. While it is tough to picture him anywhere else, early signs suggest the Stars want him back, just at a lower number that better reflects where he is in his career.

3. Claude Giroux – Ottawa Senators

Giroux remains a productive, versatile forward who has an ability to play multiple positions, which should make him a valuable asset. While his prime years are behind him and his production has taken a hit, his faceoff dominance and steady presence over three seasons in Ottawa continue to set a strong example for younger players. Giroux brings accountability, work ethic, and a competitive edge that can lift a team in key moments. I see his $6.5M cap hit likely coming down, but he offers strong value as a veteran who can still contribute offensively. He has expressed a desire to stay in Ottawa, now it is up to management to decide.

2. Mikael Granlund – Dallas Stars

Granlund had a decent year, splitting time between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars. He amassed 22 goals and 44 assists over a rare 83 games, totaling 66 points. Granlund’s versatility allows him to play both center and wing positions, providing coaches with flexibility in line combinations. His proficiency on special teams, particularly the power play, adds another layer to his utility. At 33, he still brings a wealth of experience without the expectation of carrying the load, positioning him as a solid addition for teams seeking to bolster their middle-six roster. Dallas is showing interest in re-signing him, so he may end up staying put.

1. Corey Perry – Edmonton Oilers

This might sound wild, but when it comes to value Corey Perry is hitting the mark. At 40, he suited up for 81 games and chipped in 30 points, not flashy, but his playoff impact tells the real story. With eight goals and four assists in 18 postseason games, he has been a key piece next to McDavid during Edmonton's Cup run. At just $1.5M, he has been a bargain. Whether he returns or retires remains unclear, but Perry continues to thrive in a reduced role, bringing grit, leadership, and timely production. Like Brent Burns, there's no official word yet on next season, but Perry's ability to elevate his game in big moments has made him a crucial asset during the Oilers' push for a championship.

Thanks for reading! See you next week! For more fantasy hockey content and analysis, follow me on X @Punters_hockey. If you have any questions about your team or a trade? My DMs are always open — happy to help!