Ranking the 10 Best NHL Free Agents in the 2016 Offseason
With the NHL regular season completed and the playoffs underway, the July 1 opening of the 2016 unrestricted-free-agent market is drawing closer. This year's pool of talent could be the deepest in years. Among the notables are Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson and Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos.
In this slideshow, we'll rank the 10 best NHL free agents in the 2016 offseason. We'll examine their strengths and weaknesses and speculate on their potential asking prices and destinations. We'll also provide a brief list of those who didn't make the cut.
Do you approve of our rankings? Feel free to weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section below.
Honorable Mentions
1 of 11
Alex Goligoski, Dallas Stars: Bigger names have overshadowed Goligoski in this summer's UFA market. The 30-year-old is an effective, big-minute, puck-moving defenseman.
Dan Hamhuis, Vancouver Canucks: Age and injury hampered the 33-year-old Hamhuis' performance this season. While still a respected veteran, his best years are behind him.
Jiri Hudler, Florida Panthers: His production is down significantly from last season's career-best 76 points. The 32-year-old winger is currently logging third-line minutes with the Panthers.
Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers: The 44-year-old Jagr was the Panthers' leading scorer this season. Given his age, he'll get another one-year, bonus-laden contract. Expect the Panthers to try and re-sign him.
Jamie McGinn, Anaheim Ducks: The 6'1", 205-pound McGinn isn't a natural scorer, but he gives his best in every game. His physical style and work ethic will make him an attractive free-agent target.
David Perron, Anaheim Ducks: The 27-year-old Perron can put up decent offensive numbers. However, he has an injury history and tends to be a streaky scorer when healthy.
Teddy Purcell, Florida Panthers: He's exceeded 40 points four times in his NHL career. Still, game-to-game consistency is an issue for the 30-year-old Purcell.
Kris Russell, Dallas Stars: A shot-blocking specialist, Russell has brought veteran stability to the Stars blue line. If he doesn't stay in Dallas after this season, he'll attract interest in the UFA market.
Eric Staal, New York Rangers: Staal's performance has steadily declined since 2013-14. The 31-year-old is completing a seven-year, $57.75 million contract and is no longer an elite NHL player.
10. James Reimer, San Jose Sharks
2 of 11
Strengths: San Jose Sharks goaltender James Reimer has good size (6'2", 217 pounds) for an NHL goalie. He possesses a calm disposition and rarely gets rattled. He put up decent numbers with the struggling Toronto Maple Leafs. Following his late-season trade to the Sharks, the 28-year-old went 6-2 with a 1.62 goals-against average and .938 save percentage.
Weaknesses: Reimer has yet to prove himself as a full-time starting goalie. He's never played more than 40 games in a season. He has a tendency to give up some bad goals and also has limited playoff experience, seeing action in just seven games.
Potential asking price: Reimer's completing a two-year, $4.6 million contract. As the best goalie available in this year's free-agent market, he could seek over $5 million annually on a four- or five-year deal.
Possible destinations: With Martin Jones entrenched as the Sharks' starting goalie, Reimer will be moving on via free agency in July. The Calgary Flames and Carolina Hurricanes are in need of goaltending depth, so one of them could be willing to pay for his services.
9. Frans Nielsen, New York Islanders
3 of 11
Strengths: New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen is among the best two-way forwards in this summer's free-agent market. His 20-goal, 52-point performance in 2015-16 marked the second time in the last three seasons he's reached those numbers. He has good hockey instincts and is a strong playmaker. Not to mention he's effective on the power play and penalty kill.
Weaknesses: At 6'1" and 188 pounds, Nielsen can be outmuscled by larger opponents. Though he's a hardworking forward, he's not a physical player. Injuries have hampered him in the past. Nielsen turns 32 on April 24, and his best seasons could be coming to an end.
Potential asking price: Nielsen is completing a four-year, $11 million contract. Given his age, he could seek a three- or four-year deal worth around $5 million per season.
Potential destinations: The Islanders could be keen to re-sign Nielsen. Teams in need of experienced two-way centers, such as the Arizona Coyotes, could also have interest in him.
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
8. Mikkel Boedker, Colorado Avalanche
4 of 11
Strengths: Colorado Avalanche left wing Mikkel Boedker has tremendous speed and good playmaking skills. He can also skate at either wing. At 26, he'll be among the youngest players in this summer's unrestricted-free-agent market. Splitting this season between the Arizona Coyotes and the Avalanche, Boedker tied his career high for points with 51.
Weaknesses: Boedker's tendency toward playmaking means he sometimes passes when he's in a position to shoot. His offensive production tends to be streaky. He has decent two-way skills, but he's not a physical presence.
Potential asking price: Boedker's completing a one-year, $3.75 million deal and is in a position to cash in big during free agency in July. He could seek a seven-year deal worth up to $6 million annually.
Possible destinations: Teams in the market for a young top-six winger (Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Ottawa Senators) could pursue Boedker this summer. Rebuilding clubs seeking long-term depth (Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks) could also have interest.
7. Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
5 of 11
Strengths: New York Islanders right wing Kyle Okposo is an offensive threat whenever he's on the ice. The 28-year-old is a good skater with sound offensive instincts. He exceeded the 20-goal mark (22) for the third time in his career and exceeded 60 points (64) for the second time in the past three seasons.
Weaknesses: Despite Okposo's recent stats, there's a sense he's yet to play up to his full potential. He's often overshadowed by teammate and team captain John Tavares. Though he only missed three games this season, injuries have been an issue in the past.
Potential asking price: Completing a five-year contract worth an annual cap hit of $2.8 million, Okposo could seek a big raise this summer. The price tag could be a seven-year deal worth over $6 million per season.
Potential destinations: Despite the potential expense of signing Okposo, he will attract interest from clubs in need of scoring depth at right wing. The Arizona Coyotes, Boston Bruins, Carolina Hurricanes, Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks could be among the suitors.
6. Andrew Ladd, Chicago Blackhawks
6 of 11
Strengths: Chicago Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd reached or exceeded 46 points in each of the last six seasons. The 6'3", 200-pounder is a solid all-around forward. He's an experienced team leader, having spent several seasons as captain of the Winnipeg Jets. Ladd also played for Stanley Cup champions with the Carolina Hurricanes in 2006 and the Blackhawks in 2010.
Weaknesses: Ladd reached a career-high 62 points in 2014-15, but he usually doesn't produce top-line scoring numbers. He struggled offensively for most of this season with the Jets, though his production improved following his trade to Chicago. With 11 seasons under his belt, the 30-year-old winger could be reaching the end of his playing prime.
Potential asking price: Ladd's completing a five-year, $22 million contract. He could seek a five-year deal worth over $6 million annually. It's unlikely the cap-strapped Blackhawks can afford him.
Possible destinations: Ladd's championship experience, leadership and physical play could be enticing for clubs seeking a first- or second-line left wing. The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres and New Jersey Devils might kick the tires on Ladd this summer.
5. David Backes, St. Louis Blues
7 of 11
Strengths: St. Louis Blues center David Backes is a physical two-way center and team leader. He can also skate on right wing. During this season, he reached the 20-goal mark for the sixth time in his career while netting over 40 points for the seventh time. The Blues captain also led his club in hits (200), and his 39 takeaways ranked third.
Weaknesses: Backes turns 32 on May 1, and his performance could be on the decline. His offensive stats were down this season compared to his 26-goal, 58-point campaign of 2014-15. The physical toll of his two-way game could be catching up with him.
Potential asking price: He's completing a five-year, $22.5 million contract. He could seek around $6 million annually on a four- or five-year deal.
Possible destinations: Given Backes' reputation as an experienced and physical two-way leader, he's going to attract lot of interest in this summer's UFA market. The Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Carolina Hurricanes and Vancouver Canucks could seek out his skills for a reasonable short-term deal.
4. Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins
8 of 11
Strengths: Boston Bruins right wing Loui Eriksson is a skilled two-way forward. His 30 goals and 63 points this year were his best numbers since 2011-12, marking the fifth time he's reached the 60-point plateau. Eriksson is also effective in special-team situations.
Weaknesses: The 6'2", 183-pound Eriksson is not a physical player. A concussion in 2013-14 hampered his performance that season. It could also be a red flag for potential buyers in free agency. He turns 31 on July 17 and will soon be past his playing prime.
Potential asking price: After completing a six-year, $25.5 million contract, Eriksson could be looking for a five-year deal worth over $6 million per season. Given his age, potential suitors could insist on a shorter term.
Possible destinations: Eriksson's value as a two-way forward will interest clubs in need of experienced top-six wingers. The Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks could be among his suitors.
3. Keith Yandle, New York Rangers
9 of 11
Strengths: New York Rangers defenseman Keith Yandle is the best blueliner in this summer's free-agent pool. The 29-year-old possesses terrific offensive skills and skating ability. His 47 points this season mark the sixth time he's exceeded the 40-point plateau. He's lethal on the power play, with the bulk of his production coming with the man advantage.
Weaknesses: Yandle's not a particularly physical defenseman. Of Rangers blueliners this season, he was among the lowest in hits and blocked shots. He can also be pressured into coughing up the puck.
Potential asking price: Completing a five-year, $26.25 million contract, Yandle could seek a five- or six-year deal worth over $6.5 million per season.
Possible destinations: Yandle's abilities as a puck-moving defenseman will be valued in the free-agent market. Teams in need of a top-two blueliner, such as the Edmonton Oilers and Buffalo Sabres, could pursue him in July.
2. Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings
10 of 11
Strengths: Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic is among the NHL's best power forwards. The 6'3", 233-pounder can be an intimidating force, capable of changing the tempo of a game with a timely goal or a big hit. His 55 points this season marked the fourth time he's reached or exceeded the 50-point mark. The 27-year-old has championship experience, winning a Stanley Cup in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.
Weaknesses: Lucic's emotions can sometimes get the better of him, leading to costly mistakes and penalties. He tends to be a streaky scorer. Despite his size, his physical style of play will eventually take its toll on his body.
Potential asking price: He's completing a three-year, $18 million contract. It could cost upwards of $7 million annually on a seven-year deal to sign him.
Possible destinations: Power forwards with the playoff experience of Lucic are rarely available via free agency. If the cap-squeezed Kings can't afford him, other clubs will be lining up for his services. The Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, New Jersey Devils and Vancouver Canucks could be among them.
1. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
11 of 11
Strengths: Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos is a proven superstar and the best player eligible for unrestricted free agency in July. He's considered among the league's top snipers and is a two-time winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy. The 26-year-old reached or exceeded 36 goals five times in eight seasons.
Weaknesses: Since suffering a broken leg during the 2013-14 season, Stamkos' production is far below the three 90-point campaigns from earlier in his career. He tends to be a shoot-first player. Recent blood clot surgery has sidelined him for most of the 2016 playoffs.
Potential asking price: Coming off a five-year, $37.5 million contract, it could cost up to of $11 million annually on a seven-year deal to sign Stamkos. His future with the Lightning could depend upon their playoff performance during his absence.
Possible destinations: The surgery and expense won't scare away suitors if Stamkos hits the open market in July. Teams in need of a first-line center in his playing prime (Arizona Coyotes, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and New Jersey Devils) could be among the bidders.
Player and team stats via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
