Photo: Patrick McDermott/Getty Images
With NHL Training Camps set to start in less than two weeks, a number of NHL veteran free agents still remain unsigned for the 2022-23 season and could be facing the end of their careers in the NHL.
About a month ago, I discussed the unsigned free agents who had previously played for the Washington Capitals. Today’s list discusses all veterans who are 30 years of age or older and have played in at least 400 NHL games in their careers, who have not yet signed a contract for the coming season.
The List
The following table lists the unsigned free agent’s name, age, position, number of games played during 2021-22, average ice time during 2021-22, and the total number of NHL games played during their career.
| PLAYER | AGE | POS | GP | TOI | MOST RECENT TEAM | NHL GP |
| Joe Thornton | 42 | C, LW | 34 | 11:06 | Florida Panthers | 1713 |
| Zdeno Chara | 45 | LD | 72 | 18:43 | New York Islanders | 1680 |
| Keith Yandle | 35 | LD | 77 | 13:58 | Philadelphia Flyers | 1109 |
| Andy Greene | 39 | LD/RD | 69 | 17:24 | New York Islanders | 1057 |
| Louis Eriksson | 36 | LW, RW | 73 | 12:55 | Arizona Coyotes | 1050 |
| Derick Brassard | 34 | LW, C | 46 | 12:54 | Edmonton Oilers | 951 |
| Anton Strålman | 35 | RD | 74 | 21:20 | Arizona Coyotes | 930 |
| Kris Russell | 35 | LD/RD | 31 | 15:26 | Edmonton Oilers | 912 |
| Blake Comeau | 36 | RW, LW | 6 | 11:28 | Dallas Stars | 909 |
| Brian Boyle | 37 | LW, C | 66 | 10:47 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 871 |
| Brad Richardson | 37 | C | 44 | 10:18 | Vancouver Canucks | 869 |
| Nate Thompson | 37 | C | 33 | 11:58 | Philadelphia Flyers | 844 |
| PK Subban | 33 | RD | 77 | 18:17 | New Jersey Devils | 834 |
| Tyler Bozak | 36 | C, RW | 50 | 12:09 | St Louis Blues | 814 |
| Tyler Ennis | 32 | LW, RW | 57 | 12:32 | Ottawa Senators | 700 |
| Jay Beagle | 36 | C | 33 | 13:47 | Arizona Coyotes | 646 |
| Alex Chiasson | 31 | RW | 67 | 11:36 | Vancouver Canucks | 631 |
| Riley Nash | 33 | C, RW | 49 | 11:25 | Arizona Coyotes | 627 |
| Antoine Roussel | 32 | LW | 53 | 12:08 | Arizona Coyotes | 602 |
| Braden Holtby | 32 | G | 24 | – | Dallas Stars | 513 |
| Michael Stone | 32 | RD | 11 | 17:27 | Calgary Flames | 504 |
| Thomas Hickey | 33 | LD | 2 | 19:28 | New York Islanders | 456 |
| Cory Schneider | 36 | G | 1 | – | New York Islanders | 410 |
DEFENSEMEN
Zdeno Chara – played in the NHL since 1997-98, primarily with the Boston Bruins, but has also played for the New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, and Washington Capitals. He won one Stanley Cup in 2011 and has advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals on two other occasions. Chara has played in the most games of any NHL defenseman.
Keith Yandle – surpassed Doug Jarvis’ record for consecutive NHL games played (964) during the 2021-22 season, setting a new record that is now sitting at 989 games. Given that his average ice time was only 13:58 during 2021-22 and that he was considered one of the worst defensemen, his NHL career is likely over.
Andy Greene – played in the NHL from 2006-07, primarily with the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders. His role has declined in recent seasons.
Anton Strålman – First appeared in the NHL 2007-08 with the Toronto Maple Leafs and has played for the New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, and Arizona Coyotes.
Kris Russell – played in the NHL from 2007-08, primarily with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Calgary Flames, and Edmonton Oilers
PK Subban – played in the NHL from 2009-10, becoming a full-time NHL player in 2010-11. He has played for the Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, and New Jersey Devils
FORWARDS
Photo: NHL
Joe Thornton – played in the NHL from 1997-98 and was a key player for both the Boston Bruins and the San Jose Sharks for many years, and has played in 1714 NHL games. The report is that he may continue his hockey career in Switzerland although nothing official has been announced.
Louis Eriksson – played in the NHL from 2006-07 through 2021-22. He has played for the Dallas Stars, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks, and Arizona Coyotes, with his best years occurring for the Stars and the Bruins. After some serious injuries, his performance greatly declined. The latest report is that he may continue his career in either the Swedish League or the Swiss National League but there has been no official announcement. He played in 1050 NHL games.
Derek Brassard – played in the NHL from 2007-08 for the Columbus Blue Jackets, New York Rangers, and several other teams. He has played in 951 NHL games
Blake Comeau – played in the NHL from 2009-10, playing for the New York Islanders and was most recently with the Dallas Stars.
Brian Boyle – Played in the NHL from 2008-09, primarily with the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning. He most recently placed for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Brad Richardson – played in the NHL from 2005-06. He has played for several teams and was part of the Stanley Cup-winning teams for the Los Angeles Kings in 2011-12 and 2013-14.
Nate Thompson – played in the NHL from 2006-07, with multiple teams, starting with the Boston Bruins and including several years with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Anaheim Ducks.
Tyler Bozak – played in the NHL from 2009-10 primary for the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis Blues.
Tyler Ennis – played in the NHL from 2009-10, primarily with the Buffalo Sabres
Jay Beagle – played in the NHL from 2008-09, primarily with the Washington Capitals, He has hinted at retirement.
Alex Chiasson – played in the NHL from 2012-13 and has played for several teams. He was part of the Stanley Cup-winning Capitals team of 2017-18.
GOALTENDERS
Braden Holtby – played in the NHL from 2010-11, primarily with the Washington Capitals, and was in net when the Caps won the Stanley Cup in 2017-18. For health reasons, he will not play next season.
Cory Schneider – played in the NHL from 2008-09, primarily with the Vancouver Canucks and the New Jersey Devils. Given that he spent much of the 2021-22 season in the AHL, is likely done as an NHL player.
By Diane Doyle