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.