NHL Free Agents 2017: Predictions for Top Players Who Will Hit Open Market

The National Hockey League's free-agent frenzy has become more a sea of tranquility in recent years. The number of high-profile options available has dwindled under the current collective bargaining agreement, which has taken some punch out of a top NHL offseason event.

That said, there are at least a handful of impact players projected to become available this year when the market opens July 1. The limited amount of difference-makers means interested teams will likely need to overpay in order to secure an asset like Kevin Shattenkirk, though.

Let's check out the players who are likely to generate the most buzz in the coming weeks. Each section is followed by a prediction for where that potential free agent will ultimately land.

1. Kevin Shattenkirk (D, Washington Capitals)

A reliable, puck-moving defenseman capable of logging major minutes on the top pair is probably the second most valuable asset in the league right now besides a No. 1 center. Shattenkirk is capable of filling that role, which is why he's the clear top option among this year's free-agent group.

The 28-year-old Boston University product didn't give the Capitals the expected boost in the postseason, scoring just six points in 13 playoff games. His numbers during the regular season remained strong, though. He tallied 13 goals and 43 assists across 80 appearances with the Caps and St. Louis Blues.

Getting more production from the blue line is a necessity for the New York Rangers. Adding Shattenkirk to an otherwise well-rounded offensive attack would help the team remain a threat in the competitive Metropolitan Division. And the fact he's a New York native should help.

Prediction: Rangers

2. Alexander Radulov (F, Montreal Canadiens)

Radulov returned to the NHL after spending much of the past decade in Russia's Kontinental Hockey League and provided an invaluable boost to the Canadiens offense. He tallied 54 points in 76 games and led the club in playoff scoring with seven points in six contests.

In March, the 30-year-old right winger told Eric Engels of Sportsnet the opportunity to play in one of the world's top hockey markets was "really special" and he hoped it would continue.

"I would love to stay here," Radulov said. "I like it here. I love the fans. I love this [training] facility. I come here even at night time; it's all open doors. I can come and do whatever I need to. I really enjoy it, it's really nice. You got everything here just to make yourself better."

He should generate plenty of interest as a plug-and-play top-six winger if the Canadiens aren't serious about giving him a long-term deal. But he made an immediate impact in Montreal, and the front office should have enough cap flexibility to keep him in the fold.

Prediction: Canadiens

3. T.J. Oshie (F, Washington Capitals)

Oshie represents the toughest call general managers will need to make. He's coming off a terrific statistical season with the Caps, tallying a career-high 33 goals along with 23 assists in 68 games. He added a plus-28 rating, and he's capable of playing in all situations.

Those numbers point toward a monster contract. Yet his lethal scoring came on the strength of an unsustainable shooting percentage of 23.1. His career mark is 13.4, and his highest figure before this past season was 14.1. It's not realistic to bank on a repeat performance in 2017-18 and beyond.

So his most likely destinations are teams desperate to add offense in any way possible and that also have the cap space to overspend a bit to get the upgrades. The New Jersey Devils, who ranked 28th in goals per game last season, are squarely in that group.

Prediction: Devils

4. Joe Thornton (F, San Jose Sharks)

Thornton scored just seven goals this past season, which was his lowest total in a campaign where he played at least 50 games since his rookie year of 1997-98. He remained a valuable playmaker, however, posting 43 assists along with his laundry list of intangibles, including veteran leadership.

The question now is whether those skills are better suited in San Jose, where the championship window may be about the close, or elsewhere. For his part, the center said in April he isn't ready to give up on the Sharks' hopes, per Paul Gackle of the Bay Area News Group.

"I want to come back. I think this is a Stanley Cup-caliber team," Thornton said. "Of course, I'd like to come back. But we'll have to see. I'm sure we'll be talking. This team's a real talented team and I love playing here."

Thornton is one of the best players to have never captured the Cup. He's the type of star the Chicago Blackhawks have consistently targeted on a below-market deal in recent years with the opportunity to chase a championship. But if he believes San Jose is truly a contender, he'll likely stay.

Prediction: Sharks

5. Radim Vrbata (F, Arizona Coyotes)

Vrbata may not technically be one of the five best players available this summer, but he'll almost certainly provide top-five bang for the buck. He signed an incentive-laden, one-year deal with the Arizona Coyotes last summer carrying a base salary of just $1 million.

The 35-year-old sniper proceeded to tally 55 points (20 goals and 35 assists) across 81 games for the Coyotes. In all, he's scored at least 19 goals in six of the past eight seasons and has topped 30 goals twice over that span.

When you combine the fact Vrbata is not the most flashy player with his advanced age, teams are hesitant to give him a lucrative deal. That's why he represents great value for teams forced to do some bargain shopping, like the Caps, given the marquee exits they'll likely need to overcome.

Prediction: Capitals