2011 NHL Free Agents: The Top 7 Players on the Market At Every Position

The uninformed may believe that after the Stanley Cup Finals and NHL draft have come to a close, hockey isn't relevant again until the fall.

To the contrary, hockey fans have July 1st marked off on their calendars because that is the day that their team can begin to woo free agents to build their team or that perhaps their favorite free-agent player can leave.

July 1st is this Friday, in case you don't have a calendar right in front of you.

This Friday begins the free-agent market, where we'll eventually see where prime free-agent Brad Richards winds up, as well as other top free agents.

There is only one Brad Richards though, but not to worry, teams that won't get Richards; there are plenty of other top centers available. Same as with every other position.

Here's the guide to this season's free-agent market: the top seven players at each position.  

Left Wings

Left Wing

1. Zach Parise: RFA

2. Brooks Laich: UFA

3. Ville Leino: UFA

4. Erik Cole: UFA

5. Jussi Jokinen: UFA

6. Sean Bergenheim: UFA

7. Simon Gagne: UFA

Zach Parise

Zach Parise only played 13 games in the 2010-11 season before being sidelined with a knee injury.

Before that, Parise was among the top young forwards in the league and a standout on Team USA. In the four seasons preceding 2010-11, Parise scored over 30 goals and 60 points each season, scoring 45 goals in 2008-09.

Parise is set to become an RFA this Friday and it is uncertain whether or not he will remain a New Jersey Devil.  

Brooks Laich

Brooks Laich is one of the top forwards left behind some of the star free agents.

In 2010-11, Laich scored 48 points, 16 of them goals.

Laich's best qualities are his work ethic and his utility. Laich can play center or either of the wings and could also play minutes on defense if need be.

He's also one of the hardest workers on the Washington Capitals and would be a great addition to any team for his work ethic and leadership.

Ville Leino

Ville Leino is another forward who could make a great addition to any team.

Before the Philadelphia Flyers traded away Jeff Carter and Mike Richards, it was thought that Leino would not be re-signed by the team.

Now that those forwards are gone though, it seems likely that the Flyers will try to retain him.

This past season, Leino's first full season with the Flyers, he scored 53 points, with 19 goals. The previous season, Leino played a large role in the team's success in the postseason, tallying 21 points in 19 playoff games.

Erik Cole

The Carolina Hurricanes have quite a few free-agent forwards this offseason, Erik Cole being one of them.

This past season, Cole had his best season in goals and points since 2006-07, with 26 and 52, respectively.

Jussi Jokinen

Jussi Jokinen is another Carolina Hurricanes forward set to become a free agent this Friday.

In the past two seasons, Jokinen has scored 65 and 52 points, respectively. He also scored 30 and 19 goals, respectively.

Sean Bergenheim

In the 2010-11 season, Sean Bergenheim was 10th among Tampa Bay Lightning point scoring leaders, with 14 goals and 29 points total.

He stepped up his game tremendously in the playoffs, scoring nine goals and a total of 11 points in 16 games, tied for seventh in Lightning playoff scoring. His goal total was second only to Martin St. Louis, the team's leading playoff scorer.

If the Lightning cannot re-sign Bergenheim, he should be up for a great season in 2011-12 and would be a great pickup.

Simon Gagne

In Simon Gagne's professional career, he has only scored less than 40 points on two occasions—two years that he played only about half of the season or less.

He has been able to be counted upon for bringing the offense.

Gagne has suffered from concussions and his production has gone down subsequently; however, he was still able to tally 40 points the past two seasons.

In 15 playoff games this season, Gagne started to look like his old self, scoring 12 points. That's the same number of points he tallied in four more games last postseason with the Flyers.

Gagne definitely has some more good years in front of him.

Centers

Centers

1. Brad Richards: UFA

2. Steven Stamkos: RFA

3. Marcel Goc: UFA

4. John Madden: UFA

5. Jason Arnott: UFA

6. Tomas Fleischmann: UFA

7. Tomas Kopecky: UFA

Brad Richards

Brad Richards is the most talked-about free agent of 2011 free agency, as the top forward available.

The two most likely teams in the running, according to rumors, are the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, with the Tampa Bay Lightning another distinct possibility.

In 11 seasons in the NHL, Richards has scored over 60 points in eight of them and over 90 points in two of them.

At just 31, Richards definitely has at least a few more great seasons ahead of him to lead the offense of his future team.

Steven Stamkos

Steven Stamkos is set to become an RFA on Friday, but it seems very unlikely that he and the Tampa Bay Lightning won't work out a long-term deal.

After being the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2008, Stamkos scored 46 points in his rookie season, with 23 goals and assists apiece.

No sophomore slump for Stammer, as he more than doubled both of those numbers in his second season, tying Sidney Crosby for the Rocket Richard with 51 goals. He scored a total 95 points that season.

This past season, Stamkos scored 45 points and 91 overall.

In just three seasons, Stamkos has proven himself to be on par with the other league superstars, Crosby and Alex Ovechkin, and earned himself the cover of the NHL 2012.

Marcel Goc

Marcel Goc may be a lesser-known name, but he's sure to attract some teams come free agency.

In his first season with the Nashville Predators, Goc had his best season yet and best since his rookie season, scoring 30 points, 12 of which were goals.

With his contract this past season at under $1 million, Goc would be a bargain asset.

John Madden

John Madden is set to become an unrestricted free agent this Friday. The Minnesota Wild center has attracted the attention of teams like the Washington Capitals, for his veteran presence.

He also has won three Stanley Cup championships, another experience that could help him lead a team to a championship.

At 38, his point production has gone down in recent years, but a team can't measure the experience he brings to the table.

Jason Arnott

Jason Arnott was traded to the Washington Capitals before the trade deadline this past season. The Capitals brought Arnott in, hoping that his experience and leadership would help the Capitals go farther into the playoffs than they have in previous seasons.

His leadership immediately helped some young players on the Capitals, but unfortunately it didn't help the team in their quest for the Cup.

It seems unlikely that Arnott will return to Washington. The team that picks him up will benefit from his veteran presence.

Tomas Fleischmann

Once upon a time, Tomas Fleischmann was poised to become a young star in the NHL.

Unfortunately for Fleischmann and his teams, he suffered multiple conditions that obstructed his development.

After rehabbing this summer, Fleischmann will hopefully return and be better than ever, finally meeting his full potential.

The team that takes a chance will be rewarded.

Tomas Kopecky

Tomas Kopecky is a top right-wing free agent this summer and clearly the Florida Panthers agree, as GM Dale Tallon traded for the rights to the winger.

This past season was Kopecky's best in the NHL, as he scored 15 goals for 42 points.

The Panthers hope to sign Kopecky and that he'll help them generate some offense.

Right Wings

Right Wing

1. Teemu Selanne: UFA

2. Joel Ward: UFA

3. Radim Vrbata: UFA

4. Scottie Upshall: UFA

5. Jaromir Jagr: UFA

6. Alex Kovalev: UFA

7. Matt Bradley: UFA

Teemu Selanne

At 41 years old on Sunday, Teemu Selanne is one of the oldest players left in the league.

Yet, he's still better than most other forwards. He tallied 80 points this past season, his best total since 2006-07.

Selanne probably has another year, maybe two if he wants, left in him and it's likely he'll end his career as a Duck.

But Winnipeg fans sure would like to see him back in Jets uniform...

Joel Ward

Joel Ward actually had his lowest point total in the 2010-11 season, with just 29 points.

However, Ward turned it up in the playoffs, helping the Nashville Predators win the franchise's first playoff series.

In 12 playoff games, Ward scored 13 points, seven points and six assists. That's almost half what he scored in the regular season, in about an eighth of the time.

Ward looks to continue that momentum into next season and the Predators look to keep him for that very reason.

Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata has put up pretty good numbers in his NHL career.

This past season, Vrbata put up 48 points, good for fourth on the team in scoring. Those 48 points consisted of 19 goals and 29 assists.

Scottie Upshall

Scottie Upshall finished the 2010-11 season with 34 cumulative points between his time with the Phoenix Coyotes and with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

It was his best season in his NHL career.

The Blue Jackets traded for Upshall to help generate offense and Upshall will contribute with whatever team he ends up on in 2011-12.

Jaromir Jagr

Jaromir Jagr was one of the greats in the NHL, playing for the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals and New York Rangers between 1990 and 2008, when he left for the KHL.

While in the NHL, Jagr helped the Penguins to two Stanley Cup championships and led the league in scoring on five occasions.

Jagr has announced his intentions to return to the NHL in the fall, with the Penguins supposedly very interested in the veteran winger, who helped them clinch the Cup—20 years ago.

Alex Kovalev

Alex Kovalev made his return to the Pittsburgh Penguins, scoring seven points in 20 games as a Penguin.

At 38, Kovalev's best years are probably behind him, as Penguins GM Ray Shero recognizes when he announced that the team would not re-sign the veteran forward.

Despite this, Kovalev can still add value to a club through his veteran experience. When a team is still looking for veteran presence close to the season, they can turn to Kovalev.

Matt Bradley

I'm sure a lot of people will question this choice. However, Capitals fans should understand.

Matt Bradley is a fan favorite in Washington because of his sense of humor that keeps his teammates light when need be and his willingness to drop the gloves to defend a teammate, even though he might not be the best fighter.

Fourth-liners like Bradley are great additions to teams because even though they may not score very often, they help keep the other team on their toes, making it easier for the top lines to put up the points.

Defensemen

Defenseman

1. Shea Weber: RFA

2. Tomas Kaberle: UFA

3. Ed Jovanovski: UFA

4. Christian Ehrhoff: UFA

5. Joni Pitkanen: UFA

6. Bryan McCabe: UFA

7. James Wisniewski: UFA

Shea Weber

Shea Weber will only be an RFA this Friday, but there is considerable interest in the defenseman.

Weber is a physical defenseman with a powerful shot. He puts up points, vying for his team's lead in points, despite being a defenseman.

The Nashville Predators hope to retain their star defenseman and captain, but if Weber demands too high a price, they may have to walk away.

In which case, the Detroit Red Wings could be very interested in Weber on their blue line.

Tomas Kaberle

Tomas Kaberle will very likely not be a Boston Bruin next season because of salary-cap issues.

However, Kaberle will find a good home and a top contract elsewhere. Detroit in particular is looking for a top defenseman since Brian Rafalski has retired.

In addition to being a top defenseman, Kaberle puts up points. He scored 47 points this past season, between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins.

Whatever team lands Kaberle in free agency will be very lucky.

Ed Jovanovski

Ed Jovanovski is the Phoenix Coyotes' top defenseman. Since the team has lost their star goaltender, Ilya Bryzgalov, they'll need to retain Jovanovski to keep their team's chances alive.

Although Jovanovski could attract more on the free-agent market, he may be more interested in staying in Phoenix.

The Coyotes and their blue line would be very happy if they can keep him.

Christian Ehrhoff

The Vancouver Canucks have three of their defensemen eligible to become free agents on Friday.

It looks like they have re-signed Kevin Bieksa to a new contract and they would like to keep Christian Ehrhoff as well. Sami Salo is probably the odd man out.

Ehrhoff has been known as an offensive defenseman and has put up over 40 points in his two seasons with the Canucks.

He would probably have to give the Canucks the hometown discount to stay in Vancouver and he might be more interested in say, what the Detroit Red Wings might like to offer him.

Joni Pitkanen

Joni Pitkanen is another defenseman garnering significant attention already, even before free agency begins.

During the NHL draft this past weekend though, the Carolina Hurricanes made clear their intention to retain him.

In addition to his defensive abilities, Pitkanen has point up over 30 points each of his three seasons in a Hurricanes uniform.

Bryan McCabe

Despite playing three seasons for the Florida Panthers, Bryan McCabe enjoyed average point production with the team.

McCabe was traded to the New York Rangers before the trade deadline this past season and becomes a UFA on Friday.

James Wisniewski

James Wisniewski has moved around a bit in his NHL career, most recently between the New York Islanders and Montreal Canadiens this past season.

Set to become a free agent on Friday, Wisniewski could be a solid addition to a team's blue line.

Goaltenders

Goaltender

1. Dwayne Roloson: UFA

2. Tomas Vokoun: UFA

3. Ray Emery: UFA

4. Johan Hedberg: UFA

5. Jean Sebastien-Giguere: UFA

6. Jose Theodore: UFA

7. Brian Boucher: UFA

Dwayne Roloson

Dwayne Roloson is 41 years old. He's the oldest guy in the locker, not to mention older than his head coach, Guy Boucher.

Despite his age, Roloson is still a fantastic goaltender and proved it this season with his play for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Roloson was incredible in the playoffs; a very large part of the Lightning's extended success.

No chance the Lightning let him go to another team, but he still makes this list.

Tomas Vokoun

The internet trade rumors have had Tomas Vokoun's tenure in Florida ending. First, they had him traded by the trade deadline and when that didn't happen, they have him out in free agency.

There's a good chance that Vokoun remains a Panther though.

If he does entertain other locations though, the Phoenix Coyotes are looking for a veteran goaltender as part of their replacement of Ilya Bryzgalov.

Ray Emery

A year ago, Ray Emery wasn't sure he would be able to play in the NHL again. He suffered a torn abdomen muscle and then was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, a condition where cells die.

After a long journey back, Emery made his return for the Anaheim Ducks, helping them continue to win while Jonas Hiller was battling vertigo.

Emery won all of his first six starts for the Ducks and helped them into the playoffs. He was a finalist for the Bill Masterton Trophy for his perseverance.

There will probably be at least a few teams interested in the veteran goaltender this offseason.

Johan Hedberg

Johan Hedberg is set to become a UFA on Friday.

He has veteran experience that many teams, like the Coyotes, may be looking for in a goaltender come free agency.

Otherwise, with Martin Brodeur's career coming to a close, Hedberg may have some time as the Devils starter.

Jean-Sebastien Giguere

Jean-Sebastien Giguere is pretty much done in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs signed James Reimer to a three-year deal this offseason, making him their starter for the time being.

Giguere's experience will help him find another home.

Jose Theodore

Jose Theodore has played 11 full seasons in the NHL, with the Montreal Canadiens, Colorado Avalanche, Washington Capitals and Minnesota Wild.

After a pretty good end (despite the outcome) to his 2009-10 season, Theodore was not re-signed by the Capitals.

Eventually, he was signed to a one-year deal to play backup to Minnesota's Niklas Backstrom.

His veteran presence and solid performance should land him a new gig this offseason.

Brian Boucher

The Philadelphia Flyers have decided to go Russian with their goaltending. They have veteran Ilya Bryzgalov for the present and rookie Sergei Bobrovsky for the future.

They have two other backups in the wings that are probably unnecessary at this point.

Brian Boucher is one of them. Boucher has had his inconsistencies and been prone to injury, but he'll make a good backup for a team.