NHL Free Agents 2017: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Sought-After Targets

NHL teams are officially allowed to start signing free agents on Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, but the discussions around the league have already begun.

Between trades, re-signings and the recent draft, each organization has already made plenty of moves to improve the roster going forward. However, few things in the NHL make as much of an impact as free agency, with big names changing teams and altering the landscape of the league.

Nothing is finalized until the contracts are signed, but here are some rumors and predictions for some of the more noteworthy names available.

Alexander Radulov Getting Expensive

After an impressive career playing in the KHL in Russia, Alexander Radulov impressed in his return to the NHL this season. In 76 games for the Montreal Canadiens, he had 54 points, including 18 goals and 36 assists.

Only Max Pacioretty had more points for Montreal last season. This obviously makes him a top priority for the Canadiens to sign to a long-term deal.

"He's somebody we'd like to bring back," general manager Marc Bergevin said in April, per the team's official account. "We love a lot of things about his game."

Unfortunately for the reigning Atlantic Division champs, Radulov realizes just how valuable he is on the open market.

According to Pierre LeBrun of TSN, the forward is asking for a six-year deal worth $7 million annually.

As Eric Engels of Sportsnet noted, no one has offered more than three years.

The Canadiens clearly aren't going to reach his asking price, but it's unlikely anyone else will either. Unless someone throws a lot of money at the 30-year-old, he should return to where he is needed the most—Montreal.

Predicted Destination: Montreal Canadiens

The Secret Is Out About Jordan Weal 

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Jordan Weal has played only 37 games in the NHL, including just 23 last season. However, that hasn't stopped several teams from asking about the 25-year-old.

Darren Dreger of TSN reported there have been "over a dozen calls" for Weal, and he is expected to visit the Vancouver Canucks, a team he calls a "good fit." Dreger also added he could stay with the Philadelphia Flyers.

Philadelphia certainly knows what it has in Weal, who had 12 points in his 23 games and a plus-five rating. However, the organization likely would have played him much earlier if it wanted to keep him.

Daniel Wagner of the Vancouver Courier described why Weal would be such a good fit for the Canucks.

"He's a smart, playmaking forward capable of playing at both centre and on the wing," Wagner wrote. "He's a strong skater, has great vision, and possesses an accurate wristshot with a quick release."

Although his success in the NHL is a small sample size, he has played well in the AHL for the past few seasons with the Manchester Monarchs and most recently with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

The center has loads of upside and is worth taking a risk on in free agency.

Predicted Destination: Vancouver Canucks

Kevin Shattenkirk Moving Slowly

According to Craig Custance of The Athletic, Kevin Shattenkirk hasn't made any visits yet. However, you can be certain plenty of teams will be looking to sign the defenseman.

One of those squads already interested is the Tampa Bay Lightning, who were "one of many teams that checked in with Shattenkirk on Sunday," per Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times.

The Lightning were a middle-of-the-road team both offensively and defensively last season, and the blueliner could help in both areas.

However, the best fit is likely the New York Rangers.

Not only is Shattenkirk from nearby New Rochelle, N.Y., but buying out Dan Girardi gives the squad the extra money needed to sign a free agent of this caliber. He also provides the squad with exactly what it needs as a two-way player with plenty of experience.

The 28-year-old had 43 assists and 56 points last season for the St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals, and he can bring that level of production or more to New York.

Predicted Destination: New York Rangers