As is the growing case these days in the NHL with a relatively flat salary cap and being wary of potential salary arbitration awards, teams have decided to part way with promising younger players. Last year, this special group of unexpected free agentss was highlighted by Dylan Strome, who got released by Chicago only to sign with Washington and put up a 65-point season for the Capitals. Dominik Kubalik was in the same boat, and ended up with a 20 goal, 45 point season in Detroit. Sonny Milano and Danton Heinen were in the same boat.
Useful players can be found, and sometimes on relatively team-friendly contracts.