2012 NHL Free Agents: 6 Lethal Scorers Teams Must Pursue

On July 1, the NHL free agency signing period begins. Franchises looking to add a veteran presence to their roster can sign these players without giving up any of their own players.

Every year, elite talent headlines the free-agent class. This slideshow looks at the top scoring threats who are also unrestricted free agents.

NHL franchises looking to put more points on the board every night need to keep these players on their radar.

Let’s take a look at six of these gentlemen.

Zach Parise

Zach Parise is the top forward in the unrestricted free-agent class. Parise led the New Jersey Devils to the 2012 Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Los Angeles Kings.

Except 2010-11, which he missed most of due to injury, Parise has scored at least 31 goals in every season since 2006-07. He has already risen to fourth on the Devils all-time goals list.

Parise has said he would like to stay with New Jersey, but the Minnesota Wild are reportedly preparing a huge contract for the Minnesota native.

It remains to be seen where Parise lands, but whichever team lands him will get a lot of goals and a lot of leadership.

Alexander Semin

Alexander Semin’s 21 goals in 2011-12 was his lowest total since 2003-04, but he is still an elite offensive weapon. Semin has a career shooting percentage of 14.1 percent, which places him 25th amongst active players.

Over the past few seasons, Semin has become a more complete player, as he has earned a positive plus/minus rating every season since 2008-09. The Washington Capitals have not decided if they want to keep Semin, though, who made $6.7 million last season.

If Semin leaves Washington, an NHL franchise will, and should, scoop him up for his scoring ability.

Shane Doan

It is hard to imagine arguably the greatest player in Phoenix Coyotes history wearing another sweater, but Shane Doan said he will test free agency.

In the event the Coyotes captain leaves the only franchise he has ever played for, some other NHL franchise should be overjoyed to acquire one of the league’s most underrated players.

Doan has scored at least 20 goals in 11 seasons. Though he scored 50 points in 2011-12, his lowest total since 2001-02, his consistency and leadership might be too much for a Stanley Cup contender to overlook.

At 35 years old, Doan might not have many more chances to win a Stanley Cup. Phoenix just made the Western Conference Finals, but that was the best playoff finish in franchise history, which includes time as the Winnipeg Jets.

The Coyotes will likely resign Doan, as he said he wants to return. That does not mean other franchises should back off, though.

Jaromir Jagr

At 40 years old, Jaromir Jagr is clearly not the offensive force he once was. He did score 19 goals, though, for a Philadelphia Flyers team that featured a balanced, but potent, offense this season.

Eleven Flyers scored at least 10 goals in 2011-12. Philadelphia finished second in the NHL with 3.17 goals per game. Jagr played a large role in both of these stats.

Jagr has shown he must still be respected as a goal scorer. NHL franchises should really target him, though, for his experience and ability to mentor younger players.

Thanks to Jagr’s tutelage, Philadelphia made the Eastern Conference playoffs with a bunch of rookies, an inconsistent goaltender in Ilya Bryzgalov and no captain.

Any general manager seeking a strong locker room presence and a role player in the offensive zone should contact Jagr’s people, which include former NHL player and current agent Petr Svoboda.

Jagr’s career highlights include two Stanley Cup championships, nine All-Star game nods, seven First Team All-Star selections, five Art Ross Trophies, three Ted Lindsay Awards and a Hart Trophy.

His 665 career goals are good for 11th all time.

Teemu Selanne

Much like Jaromir Jagr, Teemu Selanne began his NHL career in the early 1990s but can still play with the best of them.

At 41 years old in 2011-12, Selanne scored 26 goals for the Anaheim Ducks. He also led the Ducks with 66 points.

“The Finnish Flash” has scored at least 40 goals in seven seasons. He has scored 50 goals three times. His 663 career goals rank right below Jagr at 12th all time.

Selanne will reportedly return to Anaheim in 2012-13, but according to CBSSports.com, he is still an unrestricted free agent without a new contract. Until he officially signs the dotted line, Selanne’s name should definitely be on this list.

Tomas Holmstrom

Sure, Tomas Holmstrom is nearing 40, but he can still score goals, especially on the power play. Of Holstrom's career goals, 122 of 243 have come on the man advantage.

Since 2002-03, Holmstrom has scored at least 10 power play goals seven times. Any franchise struggling to convert on the power play should pursue Holmstrom.

He brings valuable playoff experience with four Stanley Cup championships. The Detroit Red Wings paid him $1.5 million in 2011-12, so his services will likely not cost a lot of money.

Holmstrom is leaning towards returning to the NHL in 2012-13. Will he do so with the Red Wings or with another NHL franchise?