2012 NHL Free Agents: Ryan Suter and Most Coveted UFAs This Summer

This summer's NHL free-agent class is not filled with many big-time unrestricted free agents, which means the stars who will be looking for a new team will be coveted by several teams.

Luckily for the teams that have money to spend, there are a few franchise players who will be available this offseason. 

Let's look at the UFAs who will be the most sought-after players this summer.

Ryan Suter, Defenseman

The Nashville Predators will do everything to re-sign Ryan Suter, but with captain and fellow defenseman Shea Weber also needing a new contract this summer (as an RFA), the team may have to decide to keep just one of their star blueliners.

Suter is a strong player in his own zone and can also make plays offensively, especially on the power play. As a top-pairing blueliner, Suter is able to shut down the opposing team's best offensive players.

He's a legitimate No. 1 defenseman and a player you can build a team around. Suter's new contract will likely exceed a $7 million salary cap hit, but it would be worth it, since he's about to hit the prime of his career.

Alexander Semin, Left Wing

The Washington Capitals will likely try to re-sign Russian winger Alexander Semin, but he will be in high demand given his goal scoring ability.

Semin had 54 points this season on 21 goals and 33 assists, in what was a down year for the talented forward.

He's still capable of scoring 70-plus points in a season if healthy and will certainly make well over $5 million in free agency.

At 28 years old, Semin's speed and offensive talent will make him a coveted player in a UFA market lacking top-tier depth.

Zach Parise, Left Wing

The New Jersey Devils will desperately try to keep captain and star winger Zach Parise with the team long-term, but he wants to win a Stanley Cup and New Jersey won't be a title contender for a while. The team's financial situation might also be a problem in their quest to re-sign Parise.

As a proven 30-goal scorer at 27 years of age, Parise will be in high demand this summer. His hometown team, the Minnesota Wild, will likely be a team interested in him.

The Detroit Red Wings, who will have room under the salary cap to work with this offseason, could also show interest in Parise and give him the luxury of money and a chance to win ever year.

With his his strong character, leadership skills and ability to dominate offensively, Parise could be the most sought-after free agent this summer.

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