NHL Teams That Could Land Each of the Top 20 Players in Free Agency

The unrestricted free agent market is not very deep this offseason but there will be several Stanley Cup contenders looking to improve their rosters by signing major stars such as Zach Parise.

There will likely be teams who come out of nowhere to shock us all by being major players for the biggest free agents.

Let's look at what those teams could be.

Zach Parise: New York Rangers

The Rangers need more depth at left wing and would love to add a franchise scorer like New Jersey Devils captain Zach Parise.

The Rangers don't have many reliable scorers who can score on a consistent basis other than Marian Gaborik, but even he can be inconsistent at times and has a history of injuries.

It would probably be tough for Parise to leave the Devils and join their most hated rivals, but being paid top money to play on a Stanley Cup contender would be pretty enticing.

Ryan Suter: Florida Panthers

Panthers general manager Dave Tallon has built a strong team in Florida. With prospects such as Jonathan Huberdeau and Jakub Markstrom ready for NHL action next season, this franchise will be a playoff contender for years to come.

Ryan Suter would be a huge addition to a Florida blue line that is slowly becoming very talented and full of depth.

Alexander Semin: Boston Bruins

The Bruins lack a real sniper on offense and also need to improve their power play. Adding Alexander Semin would be a big boost to the Bruins top-six forward group.

Chris Kelly: Ottawa Senators

The Senators traded Kelly to the Bruins before the trade deadline last season, and they weren't ever able to replace his defensive skills at forward or leadership.

Kelly would be a big boost to Ottawa's offense and a veteran presence on a young team.

Brad Stuart: San Jose Sharks

Brad Stuart will likely leave the Detroit Red Wings in free agency this summer as an unrestricted free agent for a California team so he can be closer to his family and friends.

Olli Jokinen: Vancouver Canucks

The Canucks could certainly use a talented center who can step up when Ryan Kesler is either injured or not playing well. Vancouver also needs more scoring from their third line next season.

Shane Doan: New York Rangers

Star winger Shane Doan is a beloved figure in the Glendale area but at 35 years old, the lack of a Stanley Cup championship on his resume might persuade him to join a legitimate contender.

The chances of Doan leaving the Coyotes however, are very small.

Ray Whitney: Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins need more depth, especially on the wings since their talent at center is very strong. Pittsburgh would also give Whitney a chance to win another Stanley Cup title before his career ends in a few years.

Dustin Penner: Dallas Stars

The Stars could use another power forward who can score goals and be physical. After a frustrating tenure in Los Angeles, a new team and a fresh start would likely be what Penner needs to improve.

Matt Carle: St. Louis Blues

The Blues have several young defenseman who will be future stars. However, depending on what happens in free agency, St. Louis may need a veteran blueliner for next season.

Jamie Langenbruner: Colorado Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have a roster of young offensive players ready to make big strides next season, but the team lacks veteran experience at forward.

Jamie Langenbruner would give the Avalanche a forward who can provide leadership and penalty-killing skills.

Brad Boyes: Chicago Blackhawks

Playing with talented players such as Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews and Marian Hossa might be what Brad Boyes needs to revive his offensive capabilities after a disappointing season with the Buffalo Sabres.

Dominic Moore: Minnesota Wild

If the Minnesota Wild aren't able to sign Zach Parise in free agency, they may turn to some veteran players who can provide depth to the roster—like Dominic Moore.

Pavel Kubina: New York Islanders

The New York Islanders need a veteran defenseman badly, and Pavel Kubina may be willing to move to the Island—if the price is right.

Travis Moen: San Jose Sharks

The Sharks need to get younger at forward, but they also must add some toughness and grit to their bottom two lines. Travis Moen would be a nice depth signing for San Jose general manager Doug Wilson.

Ryan Smyth: Edmonton Oilers

I cannot see any team making a shocking bid for veteran forward Ryan Smyth, who loves being in Edmonton and doesn't seem bothered by the fact that he won't win a Stanley Cup if he finishes his career with the Oilers.

Johnny Oduya: Pittsburgh Penguins

The Penguins didn't get enough offense from their defenseman in the first round of the playoff against Philadelphia, especially from veteran Paul Martin.

Signing someone like Johnny Oduya, as long as it's not to an overpriced deal, would be a smart idea.

Josh Harding: Toronto Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs' issues between the pipes are well known, and if general manager Brian Burke decides not to go after a big name goalie, Josh Harding could be a good fit and an inexpensive upgrade.

Bryan Allen: Philadelphia Flyers

If the Flyers cannot sign a big name like Ryan Suter to improve on defense. A veteran blueliner who plays a physical style of hockey like Bryan Allen would be a tremendous target.

Jason Arnott: Buffalo Sabres

The Buffalo Sabres could use a veteran forward who has won a Stanley Cup before that can show the team what it takes to be successful in the playoffs.

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