The NHL saw several unrestricted free agents (UFAs) sign their new contracts during the first few days of July, which was expected. With this, the majority of this year's notable UFAs are off the board.

While the free-agent market is noticeably smaller than it was when it opened on July 1, there are still some intriguing names left for the taking. Two are former Montreal Canadiens players, so let's take a look at them now.

Max Pacioretty

Former Canadiens captain Max Pacioretty is one of the more notable UFAs still available. The 36-year-old winger posted five goals, 13 points, and a minus-2 rating in 37 regular-season games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2024-25. While he dealt with injury trouble during the regular-season, he was a big bright spot for Toronto during the playoffs. In 11 post-season games, he recorded three goals, eight points, and a plus-1 rating. This included three consecutive two-point games from May 5 to May 9.

Ultimately, Pacioretty showed during the playoffs that he can still be a solid contributor at the NHL level. Due to this, it would not be particularly surprising if the Maple Leafs looked to bring him back on a cheap one-year deal. If not Toronto, the veteran forward could still generate interest from a team looking for more experience and forward depth if he chooses to continue his career.

Pacioretty was selected by the Canadiens with the 22nd overall pick of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. In 626 games over 10 seasons in Montreal, he recorded 226 goals, 448 points, 800 hits, and a plus-36 rating.

Jon Merrill

Former Canadiens defenseman Jon Merrill has also not been signed yet and remains a UFA. The 33-year-old blueliner just completed his fourth season with the Minnesota Wild in 2024-25, posting two goals, four assists, 85 blocks, and a minus-8 rating in 70 games.

While Merrill is not the flashiest of players, there could be a team out there willing to sign him to an affordable short-term deal. He is a serviceable bottom-pairing defensive defenseman with plenty of experience, and teams are often on the hunt for more defensive depth.

In 13 regular-season games with the Canadiens during the 2020-21 season, Merrill recorded zero points, 10 hits, and 12 blocks. He also appeared in 13 playoff games for the Habs in 2021, posting zero points and a minus-4 rating.

Interesting News About The Canadiens’ First Pick At The Last DraftThe Montreal Canadiens didn’t have a first-round pick at the
last draft, thanks to the Noah Dobson trade, but their first pick in the second
round was a first-round pick in their book. Nick Bobrov and Martin Lapointe
seemed rather excited about Alexander Zharovsky, and they aren’t the only ones.

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