The NHL free agent market is significantly smaller than it was when it opened on July 1. This is understandable, as teams often make their moves during the early part of the month when it comes to free agency.
Yet, even with this being the case, there are still some veterans who remain unrestricted free agents (UFAs) at this point in the summer. Former Chicago Blackhawks forward Tyler Motte is one of them.
Motte, 30, spent this past season with the Detroit Red Wings. In 55 games with the Red Wings, the Michigan native recorded four goals, five assists, nine points, and 72 hits. Overall, it was a bit of a quiet year from the former Blackhawk, so it is understandable that it is taking him a bit more time to land his next contract.
While Motte has yet to be signed, that certainly has the potential to change before the season is here. The 30-year-old forward has shown throughout his career that he can be a solid bottom-six player to have, as he can play multiple positions and kill penalties. He is also not afraid of the physical side of the game, so he could be a solid pickup for a team looking for more bite.
Ultimately, Motte is the kind of depth player that teams like to have around. On an affordable one-year deal, he could be a good pickup for a team that needs help in their bottom six.
Motte was selected by the Blackhawks with the 121st overall pick of the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. In 33 games with Chicago during the 2016-17 season, he recorded four goals, seven points, and a plus-2 rating. His time with the Blackhawks ended when he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets with Artemi Panarin during the 2017 NHL off-season.
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