Top remaining NHL unrestricted free agents include Dumba, Patrick Kane

The NHL free agent signing period began July 1. NHL.com takes a closer look at the top remaining unrestricted free agents (listed in alphabetical order by position).

DEFENSEMEN

Matt Dumba, Minnesota Wild

Dumba's production has declined in the past five seasons since he had an NHL career-high 50 points (14 goals, 36 assists) in 2017-18, but the top-four defenseman remains effective in his own end. The 28-year-old averaged 21:17 of ice time per game and had 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in 79 regular-season games in 2022-23, then had two assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. Dumba has played all 10 of his NHL seasons with Minnesota and would be a good addition to a team looking to bolster its defensive core next season.

Nick Holden, Ottawa Senators

A veteran of 12 NHL seasons, Holden could be a good option as a depth defenseman. The 36-year-old had 16 points (two goals, 14 assists) and an even rating in 65 games last season. Holden averaged 16:42 of ice time per game and could be a valuable depth defenseman for a team lacking experience on the blue line.

RELATED: [2023 NHL Free Agent Tracker]

FORWARDS

Patrick Kane, New York Rangers

A three-time Stanley Cup winner with the Chicago Blackhawks (2010, 2013, 2015), Kane was traded to the Rangers on Feb. 28. The 34-year-old had 12 points (five goals, seven assists) in 19 regular-season games with New York and six points (one goal, five assists) in seven playoff games after having 45 points (16 goals, 29 assists) for Chicago before the trade. Kane had hip surgery June 1 and could miss the start of the season, but the five-time 30-goal scorer might be appealing to a contender intent on making a long run in the playoffs. His agent, Pat Brisson, told ESPN that the forward is not expected to sign a contract with an NHL team prior to the season.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, Boston Bruins

Krejci said he'd likely retire if he doesn't re-sign with Boston, but perhaps another team might be able to change his mind. The 37-year-old had 56 points (16 goals, 40 assists) in 70 regular-season games for the Bruins in his return from a season in his native Czech Republic. He had four points (one goal, three assists) in four playoff games, missing three games with an upper-body injury. Like Bergeron, he may feel motivated to make another run at a championship in Boston.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, New York Islanders

The 38-year-old had 34 points (21 goals, 13 assists) in 82 regular-season games and did not have a point in six playoff games. Parise said he was undecided about playing next season, but if he does return it will likely be with the Islanders.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, Carolina Hurricanes

The 37-year-old had 22 points (nine goals, 13 assists) in 73 regular-season games, then scored four goals in 15 playoff games. Stastny is a year removed from a 45-point season with the Winnipeg Jets (21 goals, 24 assists in 71 games), so he has offensive potential in the right situation.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, Chicago Blackhawks

Toews is a three-time Stanley Cup champion (2010, 2013, 2015) who has played all 15 of his NHL seasons with Chicago and been its captain since 2008-09. The 35-year-old is undecided about his future after the Blackhawks said April 13 they would not re-sign him, but he'd provide instant leadership to any organization. Toews may not be the dominating offensive force he once was, but he did have 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists) in 53 games last season despite missing two months to deal with the effects of long COVID-19.

GOALIES

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, New York Rangers

The 38-year-old, who is five wins from 300 in the NHL, backed up Igor Shesterkin last season and played 25 games (24 starts), going 10-9-5 with a 2.72 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Halak is a very reliable goalie who could be a solid backup and particularly help a team with a younger No. 1.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, Seattle Kraken

Jones was relegated to a backup role behind Philipp Grubauer in the playoffs but is capable of challenging for a No. 1 job. The 33-year-old was 27-13-3 with a 2.99 GAA, .887 save percentage and three shutouts in 48 games (42 starts) in his first season in Seattle. Jones could be a good option for a team looking to rest an undisputed starter during the regular season or one needing a veteran to mentor a younger goalie.

Video: NYR@NJD, Gm2: Kane flips a backhand shot in tight, Chicago Blackhawks

Stalock was a finalist last season for the Masterton Trophy for perseverance (won by Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang). He battled back from myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart, following a bout with COVID-19. The 35-year-old was 9-15-2 with a 3.01 GAA and .908 save percentage in 27 games (24 starts). Stalock could be a solid backup with the ability to challenge for a No. 1 job now that he's healthy.