Much of the hockey world has been keenly eyeing July 1, which officially kicks off the free-agent signing period. That is when weeks of hot-stove speculation finally give way to actual player movement. But NHL executives also had June 27 marked on their calendars, the deadline to tender qualifying offers to restricted free agents. The passing of this year's deadline didn't result in too many shocking moments. However, it did add a few intriguing names to a pool of free agents that suddenly became just a little more interesting.
After not receiving a qualifying offer by Monday, here are three newly minted unrestricted free agents who could gain the attention of NHL general managers.
Justin Schultz, 25: Fresh off a Stanley Cup run in which he contributed four assists in 15 playoff games for the Pittsburgh Penguins, this won't be Schultz's first brush with free agency. The mobile defenseman failed to sign with the Anaheim Ducks after they drafted him in the second round of the 2008 draft before signing in 2012, and ultimately struggling, with the Edmonton Oilers. But having earned valuable playoff experience with the Penguins and discovering a new role as a depth defenseman, the University of Wisconsin product could open a new chapter in what was a frustrating NHL career before he was dealt at the trade deadline. He posted back-to-back 30-point seasons in Edmonton and should be an asset to any coach who can harness his point production while building his defensive game.
Devante Smith-Pelly, 24: Smith-Pelly truly emerged this season with the New Jersey Devils, scoring eight goals and 13 points in 18 games after being dealt at the deadline by the Montreal Canadiens. So it came as a surprise when the Devils didn't tender an offer for a player who appeared to finally be finding his stride as an NHL-caliber power forward. Still, that successful six-week stint with the Devils might have earned him a few free-agent options. The real issue for Smith-Pelly as he ventures into the murky waters of unrestricted free agency for the first time could be the term of his next contract. Having played on three teams in the past two seasons, he'd surely like to find a team willing to commit to him for the next few seasons. It remains to be seen if one month of strong play as a top-six forward on a non-playoff team can earn him those years. But 214-pound players who provide a disruptive net-front presence aren't easy to find, so Smith-Pelly could be on the radar of several teams.
Brandon Pirri, 25: Pirri appeared to be on his way after a breakout 2014-15 season in which he scored 22 goals in 49 games for the Florida Panthers. But injuries and a late-season trade to the Anaheim Ducks stalled his development. Unable to round out his overall game, Pirri is now a free agent. But in the short time he has appeared in the NHL, Pirri has established himself as a capable goal scorer. In fact, his goal rate per 60 minutes over the past three seasons compares favorably with the likes of Wayne Simmonds, Jamie Benn, Evgeni Malkin and Brad Marchand. No one in their right mind is going to compare Pirri to any of those stars, but teams are always in search of scoring, meaning the Toronto native should get an opportunity to catch on somewhere new.