With the calendar poised to flip to September, the 2022 NHL unrestricted free-agent market has been picked clean of the best talent. As usual, most of the stars were snapped up during the opening day of free agency July 13.

A few notable players, such as Patrice Bergeron, Nazem Kadri and Phil Kessel, remained available entering August. By month's end, Bergeron had returned to the Boston Bruins on a one-year contract, Kadri had signed a seven-year deal with the Calgary Flames, and Kessel had inked a one-year contract with the Vegas Golden Knights.

Only a handful of available players could prove helpful to teams this season on affordable, short-term contracts. One of them is P.K. Subban, the 2012-13 winner of the James Norris Memorial Trophy as the league's top defenseman.

NHL

Updated Landing Spots for Arizona Coyotes Defenseman Jakob Chychrun

In this slideshow, we'll explain why Subban and four other players are among the unrestricted free agents who could help address your team's needs. Whether you agree or disagree, feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.

Zach Aston-Reese

After nearly five seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Zach Aston-Reese was traded to the Anaheim Ducks at the March trade deadline. He appeared in 17 games and became an unrestricted free agent after completing a one-year, $1.7 million contract.

Aston-Reese, 28, is a checking-line forward who can skate on either wing. He is not known for his scoring, but his reliable defensive play and experience with the Penguins could make him an option for clubs in need of bottom-six depth.

Playoff contenders with limited salary-cap space, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, could target Aston-Reese if they're seeking an experienced defensive forward who can kill penalties. Rebuilding teams in need of veteran skills, such as the Arizona Coyotes, could also come calling.

Sam Gagner

Sam Gagner completed his 15th season in 2021-22. The 33-year-old forward needs just 33 more games to reach 1,000 for his career. Coming off a one-year, $850,000 contract with the Detroit Red Wings, he could be a good option for clubs in the market for affordable checking-line depth.

Gagner has seven 40-point seasons on his resume, including a career-best 50 points with the Columbus Blue Jackets in 2016-17. He's now well past his offensive prime but has evolved into a reliable bottom-six forward who can play center or wing. Gagner put up a respectable 31 points in 81 games last season with the rebuilding Red Wings.

Stanley Cup contenders could look to Gagner to provide experienced depth like the Colorado Avalanche did last season with Darren Helm. He wouldn't cost much, even for teams squeezed for cap room. He began his career with the Edmonton Oilers, so perhaps a homecoming could be in the offing.