NHL Free Agents 2024: Top Landing Spots, Predictions for Ryan Suter, Raanta, More

The free-agency frenzy that gripped the NHL Monday may have slowed considerably, but that doesn't mean there aren't still plenty of talented veteran players available for teams needing roster depth.

From puck-handling defensemen to a veteran goalie fending off a history of injuries to continue his career in the NHL, these are names who could be that one last piece a Stanley Cup contender needs to drive them closer to the top prize.

Who are those free agents and where do they best fit? Find out with this review of some of the top remaining players.

Veteran defenseman Ryan Suter is one of the best free agents still available to teams this offseason and should be a target for anyone looking for depth in his position.

The 39-year-old is still an exceptional skater and excels at passing and setting up others. He might not be the guy to light up the stat line with goals, but he is a picture of consistency this late in his career.

The son of the legendary Bob Suter finished with a plus-14 rating in 18:56 of ice time for the Dallas Stars in 2024 and is now looking for his fourth team since 2005.

The Toronto Maple Leafs are in need of defensive depth. They have a quality pair in Morgan Reilly and Jake McCabe but need players beyond them to beef up that part of the roster.

Suter is not going to be a dynamic goal scorer, but he brings experience and veteran leadership with him, and he can put the puck on the stick of those who can score.

It might not be the flashiest pick, but Suter brings depth and given the number of injuries that can occur and adversely affect a team's postseason hopes, he is the perfect addition to a roster brimming with talent at nearly every other position.

Prediction: Suter signs with a playoff contender with clear defensive depth issues, like Toronto

Antti Raanta appeared in 24 games in 2023-24 and had a 12-7 record, with a 2.99 goals-against average.

A veteran goalie who has spent time in Carolina, Arizona, New York and Chicago, he has been in big markets and thrived in the net.

That was not quite the case this past season with the Hurricanes, though, where he saw his save percentage plummet from .910 a season ago to .872 this past one.

He has also seen his prospects of being a legitimate starting goalie in the NHL diminish because of injuries. Struggling to stay healthy, he has not been on the ice or available enough for a team to feel comfortable entrusting a starting spot to him.

At 35 years old, the Finn is likely only to find opportunities as a second goalie at this point in his career. A team that needs depth at the position would best suit him, but there are real questions about who that is, with the struggling teams looking for a legitimate franchise star and most others set at the position.

Do not rule out the season starting and Raanta waiting for an opportunity to present itself as injuries and lackluster play leave franchises looking for upgrades.

Prediction: Raanta signs after the start of the season and potentially finds work in the AHL, where he played for a stint with the Chicago Wolves in 2023-24

John Klingberg will not wow anyone with his physicality on the ice, but he excels with the puck in his possession and knows exactly what to do with it.

The 31-year-old is an excellent passer, as evidenced by his 331 career assists to just 81 goals, and he gives teams an average of just over 22 minutes on the ice.

Things did not work out as he had hoped in Toronto, meaning he is a free agent and has the opportunity to catch on elsewhere as he seeks to continue his career.

The Sweden-born player underwent hip surgery last December and is now looking for an opportunity to get back on the ice and prove he can be the effective offensive defenseman he has been throughout his career.

The Florida Panthers and Ottawa Senators are two teams with solid defensive units but are in need of depth at the position. As long as Klingberg can prove he is healthy, they would be perfect situations to resume his career and potentially thrive.

Ditto the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders.

Prediction: Klingberg signs with a fringe contender and bolsters its third-line defense