NHL Free Agents 2011: 25 Best Players and Where They'll End Up

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing, and there's no denying the excitement for everybody involved. 

However, for the rest of the league, while we are all enjoying the great competition, there are a couple other things that are on our mind.  The draft and free agency.

We all get to have fun talking about who the best available players are and where they are going to end up. 

So here's a look at the top 25 available players, and where they will end up.

Brad Richards

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DALLAS, TX - MARCH 09: Center Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates in the shootout against the Calgary Flames at American Airlines Center on March 9, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Brad Richards is the cream of this free agency crop.

He's just coming off of a $7 million a year contract with the Stars, but is probably going to be receiving another hefty pay raise, and long contract.

Richards may also be one of the hardest ones to figure out where he's going to go because everybody would want him.  The big question will be who can actually afford him?

It seems a bit of a forgone conclusion that Richards will be out of Dallas, but Dallas actually has about $7 million of free space under the cap and could fit him back in.

There are a lot of teams that might make moves for him and drop some other players to free up some space. 

Richards had expressed an openness at the deadline to play with the Rangers, but the Rangers would have to make some moves to make some space, but crazier things have happened.  I'm looking at you, Ilya Kovalchuk.

Destination:  New York Rangers

Dark Horse:  Toronto Maple Leafs

Ilya Bryzgalov

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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes makes a save on the shot as Tomas Holmstrom #96 of the Detroit Red Wings looks for a rebound in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cu

There are a lot of question marks around the Coyotes and with Bryzgalov.

Bryzgalov has already said that he doesn't want to play in Winnipeg if the Coyotes do make a return to Winnipeg, and with the City of Glendale and the Goldwater Institute no closer to making a deal regarding the sale, signs all seem to point towards Bryzgalov leaving the desert.

There are many teams that could be interested in his services, as he has established himself as one of the better starting goalies in the league.

Teams that could afford him and definitely are in need of a solid number one are:  Colorado Avalanche, Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs.

Destination:  Colorado Avalanche

Dark Horse:  Florida Panthers

Tomas Vokoun

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Vokoun is another tricky guy to figure out.

He has played very good hockey for a very bad team.  It would make sense for him to want out of this type of situation and go to a team that actually has a chance of winning a cup before he retires, but Vokoun has even left the door open to a return to Florida.

He's older, so teams may like him as a transition option as they groom younger goalies. 

He could also be a good option for teams who want a slightly less expensive but equally legitimate number one goalie to help push for the playoffs.

Again, a lot of people could make a run at this guy, including the Panthers.  There have also been rumors that Vokoun would be interested in jumping off the NHL ship, and going over to play in Russia.

Destination:  Florida Panthers

Dark Horse:  KHL and Colorado Avalanche

Joni Pitkanen

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NEWARK, NJ - FEBRUARY 16: Joni Pitkanen #25 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on February 16, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Pitkanen is not only a very solid offensive minded defenseman, he is also a strong defenseman in his own zone. 

This style of defenseman is one that everybody could use, especially a team that is in need of a strong defenseman.

Carolina should definitely be in the conversation for him, but will need to make a couple of choices on whom to keep because of their salary cap. 

Since Pitkanen has about a $4 million cap hit, losing him could free up more space for the Canes.  He could be taking quite a trip for next season.

Destination:  Edmonton Oilers

Eric Brewer

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NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 02: Eric Brewer #2 of the Tampa Bay Lightning helps defend the net during an NHL hockey game against the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center on March 2, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Brewer was a big pick up for the Lightning at the trade deadline, and Brewer has been very good for them since arriving.

With some of their older players nearing the end, the Lightning are definitely liking his ability as a leader.

Count on him sticking around for a while longer.

Destination:  Tampa Bay Lightning

Tomas Kaberle

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BOSTON, MA - APRIL 14: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins passes the puck in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on April 14, 2011 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Montreal Canadiens def

It's been reported that the Boston Bruins may let Tomas Kaberle go after the season if he doesn't pick up his production in the playoffs.

He does have a $4.25 million dollar salary that the Bruins could use to possibly make a run at Pitkanen if they decide that Kaberle isn't for them, but it would be hard to let this type of guy go after he's only been in town for a few months.

To me, it seems that the Bruins should probably make a strong push to re-sign Kaberle, but nothing is ever really certain in the NHL.

Kaberle could also be taking a long trip over to Alberta, or might replace Pitkanen.  Then again, he may stay put.

Destination:  Boston Bruins

Dark Horse:  Carolina Hurricanes

Andrei Markov

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MONTREAL - NOVEMBER 9: Andrei Markov #79 of the Montreal Canadiens defends against Jannik Hansen #36 of the Vancouver Canucks during the NHL game at the Bell Centre on November 9, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images

Markov has been great for the Habs, but suffered a season ending knee injury this year.

That may be something that diminishes his value to the free agent market, and might make him take a deal that appears to be a "home town discount."

Of course, he may try and push the envelope and insist that he can still play at the same high level as usual and try to earn more money.

Montreal has a ton of free agents to deal with this year, so the fact that Markov will most likely be at some type of discount, or at least be fine with the same money he was given this year, could make him attractive to Montreal.

Destination:  Montreal Canadiens

Dark Horse:  Boston Bruins

Ed Jovanovski

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COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 11: Ed Jovanovski #55 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets during a game on January 11, 2011 at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Jovanovski has filled a serious need for the Coyotes ever since he came over to Phoenix.  He's been that big, tough, gritty defenseman that makes people pay the price when they go into scoring areas.

Phoenix has a lot of room underneath the salary cap, so I shouldn't really think that the Coyotes would have that hard of a time keeping him around.

The potential move might be something that influences his decision, but I think Jovanovski likes the organization and will most likely stay.

Destination:  Phoenix Coyotes/Winnipeg Jets

Alexei Kovalev

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Alexei Kovalev #72 of the Pittsburgh Penguins scores past Scott Clemmensen #30 of the Florida Panthers during the shootout at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Penguins defeated the Panthers

Kovalev has been in the NHL for 20 years now, and his age is starting to show.

He is still very skilled, but he isn't going to be 30+ goals in the net as he used to do when he was a youngster.

On the other hand, he can still be a secondary source for scoring and get you about 40 points a season.  Not a ton, but still valuable.

He is another one who may be retiring, or heading over to the KHL, but there could still be a home for him in the NHL.

If he does stay in the NHL, it probably won't be with the Pens, who have a ton of free agents to deal with this year, and they will definitely not be throwing another $5 million at him.

Destination:  L.A. Kings

Dark Horse:  KHL

Simon Gagne

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PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 23: Simon Gagne #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates his second period goal against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Consol Energy Center

Gagne is a very veteran player that would be very valuable to any team.

With Steven Stamkos due for a new contract, Gagne will probably be the odd man out in Tampa Bay.

There are plenty of teams that could use a veteran second tier scorer, especially a few re-building teams that need some serious leadership.

We could be seeing Gagne move out west for the first time in his career.

Destination:  Edmonton Oilers

Milan Hejduk

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DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: Milan Hejduk #23 of the Colorado Avalanche controls the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center on March 22, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Blue Jackets 5-4 in an overtime shootout. (Photo

Hejduk is the first of a group that is really easy to tell where they are going to go, but are also easily among the best 25 players.

Hejduk is a career member of the Avalanche, and I would be completely shocked if Hejduk did anything other than sign a contract that will have him end his career in Colorado.

Seeing him in a different jersey would just be weird.

Destination:  Colorado Avalanche

Teemu Selanne

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks skates against the Nashville Predators in Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (

Selanne is another really easy one to figure out.

Selanne will either retire or stay another year with the Ducks. 

Judging by his great success with the Ducks this year, my bet is that he laces up for another year with the Ducks, and tries to see if he can throw up another 30 goal season.

Destination:  Anaheim Ducks

Niklas Lidstrom

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DETROIT, MI- APRIL 13: Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings skates against the Phoenix Coyotes in Game One of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena on April 13, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan.

Lidstrom is a career Red Wing, and is almost always in the discussion for the Norris Trophy at the end of the year.

With a 60 point season in his pocket this year, and possibly another Norris Trophy, I think it is safe to say that we will once again see the soon to be 41-year-old back for another season.

If there's another player that can play until he's almost 50, like Chris Chelios, it would be Niklas Lidstrom.  Easy choice.

Destination:  Detroit Red Wings

Jean-Sebatstien Giguere

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BUFFALO, NY - FEBRUARY 16: Jean-Sebastien Giguere #35 of the Toronto Maple Leafs covers up on a shot by Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres at HSBC Arena on February 16, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

J.S. Giguere is very doubtful to be returning to Toronto.  After being supplanted by James Reimer, the writing is pretty much on the wall for him there.

Giguere is only 33 years old, and probably has a whole lot of hockey left in him.  He has a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe trophy, and a highlight reel to back up his resume. 

He probably won't command the $7 million that he received this year, but count on him being employed somewhere.

Destination:  Tampa Bay Lightning

Dark Horse:  Colorado Avalanche

Erik Cole

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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 15: Ryan Miller #30 of the Buffalo Sabres makes a save on a breakaway by Erik Cole #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes at HSBC Arena on March 15, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Carolina won 1-0. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Erik Cole has had his best years with the Carolina Hurricanes, and the Canes have a lot of room to spend.

Don't count on Carolina letting Cole take his 26 goals anywhere else.

Destination:  Carolina Hurricanes.

Mike Modano

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GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings skates with the puck in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 20, 2011 in Glen

Mike Modano's fate most likely is going to be determined by how the season ends for the Red Wings.

Mike Modano has struggled a little bit with injury this year, so retirement is a serious possibility, especially if the Red Wings win the whole thing this year.

If he does come back, it is likely that he will come back for one last season with the Red Wings, but I believe retirement is more of an option this year.

Destination:  Retirement

Dark Horse:  Detroit Red Wings

Andrew Brunette

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ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 29: Andrew Brunette #15 of the Minnesota Wild looks to get the puck past Jaroslav Halak #41 of the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on March 29, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Bruno has had the best successes of his career with the Minnesota Wild and, at age 36, he is also probably nearing the end of his career.

Brunette is still a type of player that could benefit a lot of teams.  He goes to the net and scores the ugly goals from right in front.

He is also great at deflecting pucks on the power play.

Chances are Andrew Brunette will stick around with the Wild for another year.

Destination:  Minnesota Wild

Andrei Kostitsyn

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MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 18: Andrei Kostitsyn #46 of the Montreal Canadiens skates out front of Tim Thomas #30 of the Boston Bruins in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April

Kostitsyen is another restricted free agent this year, and he is another 20 goal scorer for a team that has a lot of free agents to deal with.

Since he's restricted, Montreal has a lot of options.  It's hard to let this type of production for your team go, but Montreal could very well trade his rights to another team that would have to try to work out a deal with him.

Still, you can't let this type of a guy go for your team, not when he's still as young as he is.  There will be an odd man out in Montreal, but I do not believe that it will be him.

Destination:  Montreal Canadiens

Dark Horse:  Pittsburgh Penguins (in some type of a trade)

James Wisniewski

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MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 18: James Wisniewski #20 of the Montreal Canadiens turns up ice with the puck in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Boston Bruins during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre on April 18

James Wisniewski had a great year. 

He broke the 50 point mark which, as a defenseman, is a HUGE number. 

He has been on four teams in seven years, and could be heading to his fifth.  With that type of a year, a player may expect a big pay raise.  Will Montreal be willing or able to give him the type of money a 50+ point defenseman usually earns?  Tough to say.

Destination:  Pittsburgh Penguins

Dark Horse:  Montreal Canadiens

Shea Weber

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ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 15: Shea Weber #6 of the Nashville Predators skates prior to the start of Game Two of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Anaheim Ducks during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Honda Center on April 15, 2011 in Anaheim

Weber has one of the most intimidating beards in the NHL right now.  He also happens to be one of the best defensemen in the league.

Weber is a restricted free agent for this coming offseason, which means that he has far less freedom about who signs him.

The teams still own the negotiating rights to their restricted free agents and have a couple of options.  They can send a qualifying offer to their player, which the player can accept for a one year deal or reject.

Or the team can negotiate a new contract with the player and sign them to that.  If the team does not put in a qualifying offer by a certain date, the player becomes unrestricted.

Count on the Preds signing Weber to a seriously long term deal to keep the guy putting the "smash" in "Smashville."

Destination:  Nashville Predators

Zach Parise

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NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 02: Zach Parise #9 of the New Jersey Devils skates during an NHL hockey game against the Montreal Canadians at the Prudential Center on April 2, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/Getty Images)

Parise only played in 13 games this year, but he is still a 40+ goal scorer that is going to be a victim of the whole Ilya Kovalchuk ridiculousness.

Because of Kovalchuk's insane contract, they have absolutely no room to pay Parise what he is worth, so count on him going.

The good news for New Jersey is that Parise is a restricted free agent, so they will be able to get something in return for him. 

Could be a big bidding war for this guy.

Destination:  Toronto Maple Leafs via trade

Steven Stamkos

Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 18: Steven Stamkos #91 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates on the ice prior to the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St.

Stamkos isn't going to go anywhere, even with his anemic playoff performance.  Any guy that can give you 40 goals in the first half of the season is somebody that you keep with you for a long time.

Easy call on this one.

Destination:  Tampa Bay Lightning

Kevin Bieksa

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ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 25: Kevin Bieksa #3 of the Vancouver Canucks skates against the Atlanta Thrashers at the Philips Arena on March 25, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Bieksa is a solid defenseman that can shut opponents down.

He's also got a great shot from the point for the power play. 

Vancouver may have some salary cap issues.  Not too many guys would want to leave a team like this, but money is usually the thing that does the talking in professional sports. 

Bieksa could go a number of places.

Destination: Edmonton Oilers

Dark Horse:  Vancouver Canucks

Christian Ehrhoff

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: Christian Ehrhoff #5 of the Vancouver Canucks tries to clear the puck before getting checked by Ben Smith #57 of the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2

Ehrhoff had a huge season offensively this year, and he is still a great defenseman in his own zone.

He would be due for a big pay raise after that kind of season, and with Vancouver strapped for cash, count on him to be out of Vancouver.

Destination:  Carolina Hurricanes

Dark Horse:  Pittsburgh Penguins

Jason Arnott

Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 13: Jason Arnott #44 of the Washington Capitals celebrates his goal against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Verizon Center on March 13, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Arnott has been tons of places in his career, and has always been a great player.

He was a savvy pick up by the Washington Capitals at the trade deadline to provide leadership and secondary scoring.  Not to mention a huge, physical player that can get into the dirty areas.

Arnott has been great for Washington since he's been there, and the Caps would be smart to keep him around.

Destination:  Washington Capitals

Dark Horse:  Retirement

Enjoy the Drama!

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NEWARK, NJ - JULY 20: (L-R) General Manager Lou Lamoriello, owner Jeff Vanderbeek, Ilya Kovalchuk, and head coach John Maclean of the New Jersey Devils speak with the media during a press conference announcing his contract renewal at the Prudential Cente

Free agency always provides the hockey audience with a lot of drama, some far more theatrical than others.

People always love to speculate about what people are going to go where, and rarely does anybody ever agree. 

So, let's hear it from you guys.  Where are people going to end up?  Whom did I miss?  I look forward to the conversation!