Johansson signs as Gardiner among top free agents unsigned

There was a lull after the July 1 crush of NHL free agent signings, but Marcus Johansson found a new home on Saturday.

He signed a two-year, $9 million contract with the Sabres after going to the Stanley Cup Final with the Bruins this spring.

Johansson had 11 points in 22 playoff games and was often the most noticeable player on the ice during the Final. He will fit in well in the Sabres’ top six.

With Johansson signed, here are intriguing unrestricted free agents still available: ❚ Defenseman Jake Gardiner: Once Erik Karlsson opted to stay with the Sharks, Gardiner was the most accomplished defenseman available.

In Toronto, there was considerable discussion about Gardiner’s defensive faults while he was with the Maple Leafs. But he does many things right, including averaging 21 minutes, 21 seconds

of ice time a game and earning the reputation as a memorable skater and a slick puck carrier with the potential to push toward 50 points in a season. Gardiner is 28.

❚ Left wing Micheal Ferland: He can score and play with edginess. That will earn him a raise from the $1.75 million he made last season with the Hurricanes.

❚ Center Brian Boyle: At 6-7, he’s one of the NHL’s prickliest role players. Boyle, who played with the Devils and Predators last season, can win important draws, kill penalties or be a netfront presence on the power play. ❚ Right wing Jason Pominville: With so many teams looking to bolster offense, Pominville, 36, still seems desirable. He scored 16 goals last season for the Sabres. ❚ Left wing Patrick Marleau: He also scored 16 goals with the Maple Leafs, but his options are limited by his desire to play near his West Coast home.

❚ Left wing Patrick Maroon: He’s a rugged role player who scored a key goal in the Blues’ Stanley Cup run.

Newly signed with the Sabres, Marcus Johansson had 11 points in 22 playoff games for the Bruins this season. GEOFF BURKE/USA TODAY SPORTS