Brett Holmes/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
This list comprises 20 names based on
CapFriendly’s listing of this year’s NHL unrestricted free agent
class at all positions. We’ve evaluated the top 10 based on their
level of talent, current contract, what they could seek on their next
deal and recent media speculation.
We’ve excluded Boston Bruins captain
Patrice Bergeron from this ranking. On May 16, the 36-year-old center
told the Boston media that his intention is to sign with the Bruins
or retire.
Approaching July, our initial group is
as follows in no particular order:
Ville Husso, St. Louis Blues
Kris Letang, Pittsburgh Penguins
Andre Burakovsky, Colorado Avalanche
Ondrej Palat, Tampa Bay Lightning
Marc-Andre Fleury, Minnesota Wild
Johnny Gaudreau, Calgary Flames
Vincent Trocheck, Carolina Hurricanes
Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Jack Campbell, Toronto Maple Leafs
Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
Darcy Kuemper, Colorado Avalanche
Andrew Copp, New York Rangers
John Klingberg, Dallas Stars
Claude Giroux, Florida Panthers
Nazem Kadri, Colorado Avalanche
Evander Kane, Edmonton Oilers
Ryan Strome, New York Rangers
Reilly Smith, Vegas Golden Knights
David Perron, St. Louis Blues
Valeri Nichushkin, Colorado Avalanche