NHL Free Agents 2017: Top Players on Market Following Stanley Cup Final

The Pittsburgh Penguins recently won their second consecutive Stanley Cup. While they are still basking in the glow of victory, all of that means the 2016-17 season is over and that it's time to prepare for the 2017-18 campaign.

The expansion draft for the Vegas Golden Knights is around the corner, the NHL rookie draft will follow shortly thereafter and free agency is next.

In previous years, high-level free agents were the story, but the crew this summer does not include elite players. There are good players, including Kevin Shattenkirk of the Washington Capitals, Alexander Radulov of the Montreal Canadiens and Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks, but elite players near the peak of the careers are not available this time around.

Here's a look at six of the best players who will be eligible for free agency July 1.

D Kevin Shattenkirk, Washington Capitals 

The St. Louis Blues traded Shattenkirk to Washington in midseason because they knew they were unlikely to keep him as he entered free agency. Shattenkirk, 28, did not help the Capitals win the Stanley Cup, but he is a fine puck-moving defenseman who can upgrade the offense and get the job done on defense. Shattenkirk had a salary of $5.2 million last year and carried a cap value of $4.25 million.

RW T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals 

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

Another former Blue, T.J. Oshie has been a solid contributor for the Capitals in each of the past two seasons. 

Oshie is a clever offensive force who knows how to get to the open areas and get his shot away quickly. He has played regularly with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, and he seems like an important part of the team to re-sign. However, Oshie is likely to cost quite a bit, and the belief is the window has closed on the Capitals' championship chances. Oshie earned $4.5 million last year and had a cap value of $4.175 million.

RW Alexander Radulov, Montreal Canadiens

The Habs signed Radulov to a one-year, $5.575 million contract last year, and many thought they were taking an extreme gamble by signing the Russian superstar. 

He had been somewhat difficult to coach during his previous spell in the NHL, but he was all business last year and was a great fit for the team. Radulov scored 54 points, including 18 goals, for the Canadiens, and he will almost certainly cost more and have a longer term if they are going to bring him back.

C Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks 

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Jumbo Joe has been playing in the NHL since 1997-98, and one has to wonder just how much he has left in the tank. 

Thornton, perhaps the game's pre-eminent assist man throughout his career, should be solid for another year, but will he take a short-term deal? Will the 37-year-old feel comfortable leaving San Jose if the Sharks don't want to bring him back. Thornton earned $6.75 million and had the same cap value in 2016-17.

LW Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

Like Thornton, the 37-year-old Patrick Marleau is not going to be around for much longer. He still has offensive skills and can turn it on when the Sharks need him, but he can't do it every night any more.

Any team that is going to sign Marleau should be a contender that will only ask him to produce in the biggest games. Marleau earned $6.5 million last year and had a cap value of $6.67 million.

RW Justin Williams, Washington Capitals 

Justin Williams of the Caps is one of the game's best clutch players, and he has the ability to produce in the biggest games. He has earned his nickname of Mr. Game 7.

Most of that was earned while he was with the Los Angeles Kings, but he still carries the reputation as a player who can put a team over the top. He does not play on the top line during the regular season, but he will almost certainly get a fine contract. Williams earned $3.25 million and a $3.25 million salary cap hit last year.

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All salary-cap information courtesy of CapFriendly.