Some names I would still consider in ranking.
Defence:
1. Shattenkirk - Vet RD. Averaged 30 points in about 15min of ice time. Perfect 3rd pairing puck moving vet dman to help Klevin with that transition to the NHL.
2. Tyson Barrie. Another vet RD that averaged about 30 point pace as well, may not be as good defensively as Shatt, but he played more with 18 min of ice time.
3. Oliver Kylington. More of a wild card, probably looking for more term but there is a bigger upside and a better skater than both Barrie and Shattenkirk as hes much younger than both.
Dark Horse unknown candidate - Gustav Lindstrom - 25 Year old RHD DFD, great at defending off the rush and is capable of moving the puck out. 3rd in remaining UFAs in +/- with +12, only behind Pavelski and Suter. Did it while playing for 2 bottom 5 teams in the league (MTL & ANA).
Maybe : Giordano, Suter
Forwards:
1. Nick Cousins - Exactly what we need, one of the better 4Cs in the past couple of years, had a down year. agitator, hard to play against and brings an identity to a 4th line that has severely been lacking since 2017. Will fit in perfectly with Crooker and Gregor. Exactly the type of player that new management seems to be drafting and acquiring.
2. Not sure if we can fit him on the 4th line but JVR. Still good defensively and produced at a 0.5P/PG clip with just 13:30 ice time.
3. Alex Nylander - Seems to have resurged during those 20 games with Colombus, could be a Tolvanen like situation for us. Not sure if he fits in our line up.
4. Tyler Johnson - Rough couple of years on a bottom feeder, playing above where he should be. Properly slotted in the bottom 6 instead, he could get back to his Tampa form.