2011 NHL Free Agency: Top Forwards Left and Where They Will Land

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We are down to the nitty-gritty now.  With just a few weeks left until training camp, teams' starting lines are beginning to come into focus.  However, some holes need to be filled on nearly every team, which is why the last few players left in free agency are extremely important for the depth of a squad.

Believe it or not, there are a few big-name players left on the free-agent board and sitting without a team.  Teemu Selanne had 80 points last season, Cory Stillman is a talented player surprisingly without a team, and guys like J.P. Dumont and John Madden can still help teams on the second or third line.

Despite being this far into the offseason and free agency, it does not necessarily mean the talent is that dismal.  Teams with need on the third line or even for depth will find great reward in the remaining players in free agency if they choose to shop.

Here are the best available scorers left in free agency.

10. Chris Clark

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The Columbus Blue Jackets said that they would refuse to bring him back next season after a 2010-11 campaign in which he played in just 53 games.

Clark tallied five goals and 15 points.

At 35 years old, his best days are behind him. But he could contribute a little if put in a good situation.

 

New Team: Montreal Canadiens

9. Mike Grier

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Grier played in 73 games last season for the Buffalo Sabres and is known throughout the NHL as a player who can supply depth at the forward position.  That is all teams will need him for next season at age 36.

There is also the option of retirement, which Grier claims he was contemplating.  However, there is still a good amount of fire left in him and I expect him to wind up with a team like the Ducks next season.

New Team: Anaheim Ducks

8. Kyle Wellwood

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Wellwood played a key role for the San Jose Sharks in both the first and second round of the Western Conference playoffs last season.  He supplied grit and hustle to a team that seemed to lack it heading into the postseason.

For that reason, the Sharks should re-sign him.

San Jose could use a player with experience on the fourth line, and they will be making a move in free agency, but for whom?

Wellwood could be that answer for another year.

 

New Team: San Jose Sharks

7. Trent Hunter

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After playing in just 17 games due to season-ending knee surgery, the Devils proceeded to buy him out and release him into the free-agent frenzy.

He is capable of producing when given the opportunity.  He tallied 31 and 28 points in 2009 and 2010.

Because of that, we could see a team come along in need of some depth on the third or fourth lines.

 

New Team: Boston Bruins

6. Chris Drury

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The debate on Drury is whether or not his career is coming to a close.

Three years ago, we saw him put up 56 points. He has consistently kept his point total in the 50s and 60s his entire career.

Last season, though, he was limited to 24 games and tallied just five points.

If a team was to take a risk on him, they could be in for a really good surprise if he gets back into form.

The Kings seem pretty enthralled with the thought, and that is where he should go if retirement does not sway him.

 

New Team: Los Angeles Kings

5. Sergei Samsonov

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Samsonov is one of the bigger goal scorers left on the free-agent table, despite scoring only 13 times last season.

With 78 games played in 2010-11, Samsonov is also one of the more durable players left.

The Hurricanes could use a player to eat up minutes and throw in a few points every once in a while, and Samsonov should get another stint in Carolina.

 

New Team: Carolina Hurricanes

4. J.P Dumont

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After a disappointing season, the Predators bought out Dumont, and one team is going to be very happy that they did.  The problem for Dumont is that no team seems to be biting.

Dumont is a six-time 20-goal scorer, and at age 33, he can still produce if given a grand opportunity.

The Sharks could supply that opportunity, as they are looking for a player to plug in on the fourth line, while also splitting time on the third.

 

New Team: San Jose Sharks

3. John Madden

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This one will be tough for Madden, as retirement seems like a clear option at age 38.

However, teams would love a decent player who can contribute once in a while and supply some depth on the third or fourth lines.

The question is if Madden wants to.  I think he does.

 

New Team: Philadelphia Flyers

2. Cory Stillman

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Stillman's second half of the 2010-11 season proved he can still produce in the NHL.

At age 37, Stillman put up 16 points in the final 21 games of the season.

Most of all, he can add a veteran presence in the locker room.  It may be something that could be useful to some of the young guns in Boston.

 

New Team: Boston Bruins

1. Teemu Selanne

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After a year in which Selanne put up 80 points for the playoff-bound Anaheim Ducks, retirement may not be in the 41-year-old's immediate future after all.

Still, that is exactly what he is contemplating.

If he does return, there is no doubt it will be with the Ducks.

 

Team: Anaheim Ducks