NHL Free Agency 2017: Rumors and Predictions Based on Offseason Buzz

The 2017 NHL free-agent market, which wasn't exactly loaded with marquee names at the start, is now limited to a few impact assets. That said, there are still players capable of helping complete a roster by filling lesser roles on a depth chart.

Notable available assets like Jaromir Jagr, Thomas Vanek and Andrei Markov are faced with the decision of signing a lesser deal now to guarantee a roster spot or trying to wait until closer to training camp with hope a desperate team will up the ante late in the process.

With that in mind, let's check out some of the latest rumors from around the league and analyze what it could mean for the players involved. Each section also includes a prediction for the free agent's landing spot once the dust finally settles on the offseason.

Markov Still Seeking Right Offer

Markov remains a valuable defensive asset despite nearing age 40. The 38-year-old Russian, who's spent his entire career in the Montreal Canadiens organization since getting selected in the sixth round of the 1998 draft, tallied six goals and 30 assists in 62 games last season.

The problem seemingly isn't his ability but rather his asking price.

Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports reported Markov wants $12 million over two years in his next deal. Tony Marinaro‏ of TSN Radio noted the Philadelphia Flyers are among the teams the blueliner has been in contact with, but so far front offices around the league are "not interested" in his contract demands.

Asking for $6 million per season would be more reasonable if he was in his prime. But even though he's been able to maintain a pretty high standard of play in recent seasons, it's hard to guarantee that much to a player who's in the twilight of his career.

Ultimately, it doesn't seem like any team is going to meet his price tag, barring a significant offseason injury that forces someone to overpay to fill a key void. If all the offers end up being similar, going back to Montreal feels like the right away to go for the longtime Hab.

Prediction: Canadiens

Brandon Pirri Faces Uncertain NHL Future

Pirri put together a bizarre 2014-15 season with the Florida Panthers that saw him rack up 22 goals and just two assists. Aside from that statistical oddity, he's never scored more than 14 goals in a campaign and his career-high point total is 29.

The 26-year-old Toronto native does bring a secondary scoring touch to a team's second power-play unit and his track record does suggest there's a little untapped potential left to unearth. He scored 75 points in 76 games in his last full AHL season in 2012-13.

Whether that's enough to earn him an NHL offer is unclear. Larry Brooks of the New York Post reported Pirri was set to join the ZSC Lions in Switzerland. Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet later added the forward is focused on finding a deal in North America. At least for now.

Pirri would be a nice low-risk addition for a team like the Arizona Coyotes. The Yotes are getting close to turning a corner in their rebuilding efforts but could still use some short-term depth. He'd fill a bottom-six role and shouldn't require much of a financial commitment.

Prediction: Coyotes

Brian Gionta Still Talking To Buffalo Sabres

Gionta has remained a steady producer during his three years with the Sabres, racking up 35 points twice and 33 points in the other season. While those are far from elite numbers, it's not bad for a bottom-six player who also brings leadership as a captain.

Luke Fox of Sportsnet reported the 38-year-old winger has been in contact with new Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill about a possible return. Although the door is "not completely closed," it doesn't sound like a firm offer is in the works at this stage.

The Sabres do need one more right winger to fill out their forward lines. They may opt to let younger options like Hudson Fasching, Justin Bailey and Nick Baptiste fight for the spot during training camp rather than bring back Gionta, though.

Instead, it would be fitting for veteran to finish his career where it started, with the New Jersey Devils. The team needs more depth, and Gionta could be a valuable resource for its next generation of talent, led by Nico Hischier, this year's top overall pick.

Prediction: Devils