Ideal Fits for the Top 2017 NHL Free Agents
This year's NHL free-agent crop is the poorest in many years, owing to teams locking up their attractive veterans in an effort to protect against expansion. The top free agents will get paid, but the mid-level and fringe players may have to take pay cuts and wait several days for things to come together.
Fans who tune in Saturday expecting fireworks should get some when names like Kevin Shattenkirk, Martin Hanzal and Joe Thornton sign free-agent deals. After the initial wave grabs all the big names, fans may have to look a little deeper into some of the players their favorite teams sign. It may not be a blockbuster class of available talent, but some organization is going to add a key part to its championship club.
Here are seven ideal fits for NHL teams from the 2017 free-agent pool.
Edmonton Oilers: Patrick Marleau
1 of 7
His credentials: Patrick Marleau is a 500-goal scorer and a volume shooter. Even at 37 this past season, he posted 192 shots and 27 goals. In a league that overpays goal scorers, Marleau reaches free agency at a good time.
What is the team need? The Edmonton Oilers are entering a period when the team should contend for the Stanley Cup. Young players are driving the results, and a veteran scorer alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl might be a key addition this summer.
Why is this a match? Todd McLellan is the coach in Edmonton and had a long and productive relationship with Marleau when he was head coach with the San Jose Sharks. McLellan will know what Marleau can accomplish, and the Oilers could win the Stanley Cup, something Marleau has yet to do during his outstanding career.
Los Angeles Kings: Joe Thornton
2 of 7
His credentials: Joe Thornton is nearing the end of a Hall of Fame-worthy career and still has some gas in the tank. Although 2016-17 saw his point total tumble from 82 to 50, the big man is still a sublime playmaker and a valuable offensive contributor.
What is the team need? The Los Angeles Kings had a terrible time scoring goals even when the club was winning Stanley Cups. Now they rank among the least offensive teams in the league and feature an aging crew that may be in the final stages of working together. A breakdown and rebuild may be underway by this time next season
Why is this a match? Thornton and the Kings are a match because of similarities in age and opportunity. Los Angeles has been to the top and would love a return. Thornton has never won a Stanley Cup, and joining a loaded team this summer could be his last best chance.
Montreal Canadiens: Karl Alzner
3 of 7
His credentials: Karl Alzner is a strong and reliable shutdown defender. At 28, he is well inside his prime years while having also played almost 600 NHL games. He is a rock-solid defender who is a plug-and-play option for 20 minutes per night, with mobility being a key element to his game.
What is the team need? The Montreal Canadiens are a team in transition, making over the defense beginning with the blockbuster Shea Weber trade one year ago. Management appears to be stockpiling rugged, more traditional defensemen and going away from players who have risk in their games.
Why is this a match? There's a chance Montreal won't re-sign Andrei Markov, meaning a replacement is required. Alzner would be a suitable signing and is a younger option who could be signed long term. Montreal has a chance to get younger with a substantial player filling an important role. Alzner would be a logical addition.
Nashville Predators: Justin Williams
4 of 7
His credentials: Justin Williams is one of the most highly regarded two-way wingers in the NHL. He has been part of three Cup-winning teams, scores 20 goals per year and plays a responsible game that has increased importance in tight playoff games.
What is the team need? The Nashville Predators came close to winning the first championship in team history this past season. The defense is the best in the NHL, but the forward group became too thin because of injuries during the long playoff run. Additional veterans who can be deployed in all game disciplines are badly needed.
Why is this a match? Williams is 35 and entering the twilight of a quality career. He's a terrific option for Nashville, as he can play up and down the lineup and provide the team with experience in important areas. Williams will be highly sought after, but the Predators are an attractive option for a fine winger looking for one more ring.
New Jersey Devils: Kevin Shattenkirk
5 of 7
His credentials: Kevin Shattenkirk is a highly productive defenseman who brings a complete skill set to his team. Last season, he posted 56 points while helping his team maintain a 53 percent possession edge, as Stats.HockeyAnalysis.com shows. He is 28 and still has many good years ahead of him.
What is the team need? The New Jersey Devils traded Adam Larsson a year ago and struggled to replace those minutes. Shattenkirk isn't the same type of player as Larsson, but he can play defense and move the puck to the team's skill forwards. He can also help the power play in a big way.
Why is this a match? The Devils are slowly building, and an addition like Shattenkirk would give them a major lift. The club's goaltending is quality with Cory Schneider, and forwards like Taylor Hall, Kyle Palmieri, Travis Zajac and Adam Henrique can help offensively. This team needs a defenseman with the ability to pass or carry the puck expertly into the offensive zone. New Jersey would benefit heavily from Shattenkirk's addition.
Toronto Maple Leafs: Michael Stone
6 of 7
His credentials: Michael Stone is the rarest of all things in today's hockey: a right-handed defenseman who can play NHL hockey effectively. This gives him a great deal of value and means teams will be after him on Saturday.
What is the team need? The Toronto Maple Leafs are on the verge of emerging as a power in the Eastern Conference. The team needs a right-shot blueliner who can play big minutes and in all circumstances. This is among the rarest of all things in the modern NHL.
Why is this a match? Stone is a capable NHL defenseman. He isn't going to step in and play 25 minutes per night, but he could provide Toronto with dependable play until a more substantial option comes along. The Maple Leafs were in negotiations with the New York Islanders for Travis Hamonic before his trade to the Calgary Flames, per James Mirtle of The Athletic. Grabbing Calgary's option from last year would be a wise investment for Toronto this summer.
Washington Capitals: Mikhail Grigorenko
7 of 7
His credentials: Mikhail Grigorenko has emerged as a less skilled player than was projected on draft day in 2012. Instead, he has established himself as a good two-way center who can be used as a utility player based on need. He is 23, scored 10 goals in a support role and is quietly showing well in some important areas.
What is the team need? The Washington Capitals are once again in the window to win and could use some youth and utility among the forward group. Scoring goals isn't a problem, but defensive work among the forwards can be inconsistent.
Why is this a match? No NHL team has more success with Russian players than the Washington Capitals. Grigorenko is at a low ebb in terms of value, but his resume has some nice things on it. He would come at a low cap hit but could flourish around the type of quality Washington deploys every night. This would be a subtle but astute move by the Capitals.
.jpg?w=600 "Raw Results & Grades 🔠")
.png?w=600 "NBA Fans Rip Pistons After Magic Go Up 3-1")