Feeding Frenzy! The Top 20 NHL Free Agents Of 2009

(Photo by Claus Andersen/Getty Images)

20. Chris Niel, RW (Senators)

It doesn't sound like negotiations are progressing in the right direction for the Ottawa Senators, prompting speculation that Chris Neil will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent. Interested Teams: Toronto, Detroit.

19. Mikael Samuelsson, RW (Red Wings)

If the Red Wings re-sign Hossa, they won't have the funds to keep Samuelsson around, making him available likely to the highest bidder.

Samuelsson's in line for a raise, and he'll get it. He's a winner, and a playoff contender could certainly benefit from having him. Interested Teams: Atlanta, Buffalo.

18. Erik Cole, LW (Hurricanes)

I expect the Carolina Hurricanes to re-sign Erik Cole, but he'll need to take a pay cut in order for that to happen.Cole's return to Carolina helped the entire team, especially young superstar Eric Staal.

They work well together, and the Hurricanes recognize that. Interested Teams: Boston, Carolina.

17. Nik Antropov, C (Rangers)

Nik Antropov did a solid job for the New York Rangers, but they might not have the money to keep him around long-term. Antropov will likely hit the free agent market fishing for offers. Interested Teams: New York, St.Louis.

16. Todd Bertuzzi, RW (Flames)

Bertuzzi wants to re-sign with the Flames, and at his price tag, there's a good chance Calgary takes him up on that.

He's not the same player he was five years ago, but he's worked in Calgary and he won't be expensive to re-sign. Interested Teams: Calgary, San Jose.

15. Alex Kovalev, RW (Canadiens)

Kovalev and the Canadiens will start discussing a new contract very shortly, despite rumors indicating that an offer has already been presented, that was news to Kovalev's agent. The Habs wouldn't mind keeping him, but they could use his salary to go after another big-name free agent. Interested Teams: Montreal, Washington, New York.

14. Derek Morris, D, (Rangers)

The Rangers liked what they saw in Morris after acquiring him at the trade deadline, but the veteran defenseman has also expressed his interest in playing for Phoenix next year... providing they're still there. Interested Teams: New York, Phoenix, Wahsington, Toronto, Florida, Buffalo, Minnesota.

13. Saku Koivu, C, (Canadiens)

Might this be the year the Canadiens say "au revoir" to their captain? The Habs look to be heading in a different direction, and Saku Koivu's tenure in Montreal might be over. Koivu's said he'd love to stay, if the situation was right, but reports suggest he'll end up in Minnesota with his brother. Interested Teams: Montreal, Los Angeles, Minnesota.

12. Brian Gionta, RW (Devils)

Gionta put up another solid season in 2008-09, but he'll likely have to take a pay cut next year. The Devils are interested in re-signing him, but it looks like he'll test the free agent waters next month. Interested Teams: New Jersey, New York, Calgary, St. Louis.

11. Mattias Ohlund, D (Canucks)

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?