For agent Richard Evans, two of his longtime clients never had any trouble selling themselves before. Radim Vrbata and Tomas Fleischmann always had plenty of bidders for their services in the NHL, and it was hoped it would be the case again when free agency began July 1. As the calendar stretches into August, however, Evans' two veteran clients remain without NHL contracts for this coming season.
They are among several older unrestricted free agents, and even some not so old, hoping the phone still rings before training camps start next month. Other notable unsigned players include Jiri Hudler, Kris Russell, Patrik Elias, Kyle Quincey, David Jones, Alex Tanguay and Brandon Prust.