NHL Free Agents: Ranking the Top 20 Free-Agent Scorers and Where They'll Go

When it comes to the NHL free agency during the offseason, a lot of focus is set on the players with the biggest expiring contracts, and the players who are contemplating retirement.

In this upcoming list, we will try to rank the top 20 scorers who will be available as free agents on the market this summer.

Please note: there are both restricted and unrestricted free agents on this list.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Sullivan and Tim Connolly

Steve Sullivan

Games Played: 44
Goals: 10
Assists: 12
Points: 22
Points per Game Average: 0.50
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.750

Starting off our honorable mentions is Steve Sullivan, who is turning 36 years old this summer, and is probably going to be spending his July 6 birthday as an unrestricted free agent, unless Nashville acts quickly.

Sullivan had another consistent year in his 14th NHL season, and his sixth season in a Nashville jersey. Sullivan helped Nashville into the postseason and tallied three points, including one game winning goal, in nine games played.

Prediction: Sullivan should be expected to stay in a Nashville Predators sweater for at least next season.

Tim Connolly:

Games Played: 68
Goals: 13
Assists: 29
Points: 42
Points per Game Average: 0.62
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 4.500

Tom Connolly of the Buffalo Sabres is our second honorable mention player, considering at least all the statistics point to him being a big name to watch during free agency.

The 30-year-old center has been a valued member of the Sabres for eight of his 10 NHL seasons, and because of that I don’t expect to see him sporting any jersey aside from Buffalo’s for a while.

Prediction: Buffalo signs Connolly to a multi-year contract extension.

20. Andrei Kostitsyn

Games Played: 81
Goals: 20
Assists: 25
Points: 45
Points per Game Average: 0.56
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.250

We start the list with long-time Montreal Canadiens left wing, Andrei Kostitsyn, with an impressive 20 goals and 45 points in his 81 games played this past season.

The 6-foot forward has spent all six of his NHL seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, and after a pretty steady increase in talent, Kostitsyn has absolutely been on the radar of a few different teams.

As the first restricted free agent on our list, if a team gives Kostitsyn an offer sheet that Montreal can and wants to match, the Canadiens can hold onto him for a while longer.

Prediction: Kostitsyn gets an offer sheet, but Montreal matches it to keep him around.

19. TJ Oshie

Games Played: 49
Goals: 12
Assists: 22
Points: 34
Points per Game Average: 0.69
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 1.275

The first restricted free agent on our list is TJ Oshie of the St. Louis Blues. Oshie is definitely one to watch during this offseason, but in reality I don’t know how likely it is that Oshie switches teams over the summer.

After spending all three of his NHL seasons in St. Louis, I don’t think any other team will have the chance to sign Oshie. The 24-year-old center has shown that he has a lot of potential and he will have plenty of chances to continue growing with the Blues franchise.

Prediction: St. Louis signs Oshie to a long-term contract.

18. Antti Miettinen

Games Played: 73
Goals: 16
Assists: 19
Points: 35
Points per Game Average: 0.48
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 2.333

The first Finnish-born player on our list is Annti Miettinen, who turns 31 years old this offseason. Miettinen has split his seven-year professional career between the Dallas Stars, who drafted him, and the Minnesota Wild, who he has played with since 2008.

Over the most recent season, Miettinen set or matched personal records for the number of game winning goals, powerplay goals, and powerplay points. The experienced right wing could be an amazing asset to a few different teams.

Prediction: Miettinen might be headed to a team like the Anaheim Ducks, who are looking for a shutdown forward.

17. Tomas Fleischmann

Games Played: 45
Goals: 12
Assists: 19
Points: 31
Points per Game Average: 0.69
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 1.845

After seeing Tomas Fleischmann sport a Washington Capitals jersey for the first five seasons of his NHL career, it was a little bit of an unexpected move to see him traded to Colorado, where his point production doubled from the first half of the season.

Fleischmann is still young, at 27 years old, however considering he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism late in the season, meaning a blockage in the main artery of the lung. All in all, if he heals perfectly he could return to the NHL, but who knows if that is a risk that any team will take.

Prediction: Fleischmann does not return next season, and hopefully heals well enough to return after a season away, if he can play, I think Colorado will hold onto him for a while.

16. Jason Arnott

Games Played: 73
Goals: 14
Assists: 31
Points: 45
Points per Game Average: 0.62
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 1.016

Jason Arnott, center for the Washington Capitals, only spent 11 games in a Washington jersey this season, and he might not be wearing that sweater next season.

This veteran forward has jumped through three different franchises over the past two seasons, and still seems to be on the market for yet another team where his experience could be helpful.

Prediction: Aside from possibly staying in Washington, the only other team that really comes to mind as a home for Arnott would be Columbus.

15. Andrew Brunette

Games Played: 82
Goals: 18
Assists: 28
Points: 46
Points per Game Average: 0.56
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 2.333

Andrew Brunette is a veteran left winger who played last season in a Minnesota Wild jersey. This seasoned vet is turning 38 years old during this off-season, so plenty of eyes will be on Brunette about his decision to retire or not.

Following 15 seasons in the NHL, Brunette has had the luxury to make a name for himself, and acquire plenty of experience that can make him very valuable to a young team who need that veteran presence.

Prediction: Brunette could end up with a team who is looking for experienced talent to pair with their resident superstar, such as Calgary. The Flames might like him to pair up with star Jarome Iginla.

14. Blake Wheeler

Games Played: 81
Goals: 18
Assists: 26
Points: 44
Points per Game Average: 0.54
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 0.615

From the statistical perspective, Blake Wheeler of the newly resurrected Winnipeg Jets, really found his niche when he was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers earlier in the 2010-2011 season.

Wheeler started off the season in Boston with a 0.47 points per game average, yet ended the season with 17 points in 23 games with the Thrashers, giving him a 0.73 average.

Wheeler really stepped his game up and found ways to contribute in Atlanta that he struggled to find as a Bruin. The young right winger has shown a lot of potential, and considering he is a restricted free agent his options are more limited by what Winnipeg wants to do.

Prediction: Winnipeg will match any offer sheets that Wheeler gets.

13. Michael Ryder

Games Played: 79
Goals: 18
Assists: 23
Points: 41
Points per Game Average: 0.52
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 4.000

31-year-old Michael Ryder has split his seven seasons in the NHL between the two rival teams of Montreal and Boston, including winning a Stanley Cup with Boston just a few weeks ago.

In the most recent playoffs, Ryder tallied an impressive 17 points, which seemed perfectly on track with the regular season stats he posted.

Ryder scored eight of his 18 regular season goals on the powerplay, and had six game winning goals. Overall, Ryder is a mature player who, as an unrestricted free agent, can really help any team he is signed by.

Prediction: I could see a young team picking up Ryder for his experience and talent, so he could make a new home with the Carolina Hurricanes or the Winnipeg Jets.

12. Zach Parise

Games Played: 13
Goals: 3
Assists: 3
Points: 6
Points per Game Average: 0.46
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.125

Zach Parise of the New Jersey Devils had an abbreviated year this past season due to suffering a knee injury back in October 2010. Parise had just six points, including one powerplay assist, and one game winning goal, in just 13 games.

The left wing, who is turning 26 this summer, had been posting impressive numbers all the way back to his rookie season in the 2005-2006 season; however, after a year with just 13 games played, he has a bit of a question mark next to him.

Prediction: I think, since he is a restricted free agent, he stays in New Jersey.

11. Radim Vrbata

Games Played: 79
Goals: 19
Assists: 29
Points: 48
Points per Game Average: 0.61
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.000

Radim Vrbata of the Phoenix Coyotes is next on our list. He is an unrestricted free agent who, at 30 years old, is still posting better numbers than previous seasons.

At the prime age of 30, Vrbata is definitely going to be a hot player on the market for teams who want the balance of skill and experience. He also tends to be lethal on the powerplay, including 10 goals and 7 assists on the powerplay this past season.

Prediction: I could see Vrbata finding a new team in the Chicago Blackhawks, who look for players with his speed and consistency. 

10. Ville Leino

Games Played: 81
Goals: 19
Assists: 34
Points: 53
Points per Game Average: 0.65
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 0.800

Philadelphia’s left wing, Ville Leino, is the first player in our top ten, and the first on the list who broke through the 50-point barrier. '

Leino is an unrestricted free agent; however, Philly gave him a real chance this year to make a difference, and he delivered with 53 points in 81 games played.

The 27-year-old Finn now seems to have a more stable position on the Flyers roster considering the recent trade that sent center Jeff Carter to the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Prediction: Philadelphia re-signs Leino to a multi-year deal.

9. Sergei Kostitsyn

Games Played: 77
Goals: 23
Assists: 27
Points: 50
Points per Game Average: 0.65
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 0.550

The Predators’ left wing, Sergei Kostitsyn, had an impressive year, reaching the 50-point barrier, and setting personal career records in games played, goals, assists, points and hits.

Kostitsyn found a bit of a niche on the Nashville powerplay unit, tallying four goals and nine assists with the man advantage.

The 24-year-old player has only spent four seasons in the NHL, yet he seems to play with the skill and confidence of a much more experienced player.

Prediction: I think Nashville will re-sign Kostitsyn.

8. Simon Gagne

Games Played: 63
Goals: 17
Assists: 23
Points: 40
Points per Game Average: 0.63
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 5.250

31-year-old Simon Gagne of the Tampa Bay Lightning is an unrestricted free agent come this Friday’s free agency. Gagne has spent 11 seasons in the NHL, 10 of which were played in a Philadelphia Flyers’ jersey.

This season, Gagne was limited to just 63 games played, however was still able to tally 40 points, including 15 points on the powerplay.

Gagne has acquired enough experience to help groom and mature younger players with whatever team he signs with, and after this season, I’m not sure he will be seen in a Lightning jersey for much longer.

Prediction: Gagne gets picked up by a young team such as Tampa Bay.

7. Brandon Dubinsky

Games Played: 77
Goals: 24
Assists: 30
Points: 54
Points per Game Average: 0.70
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 1.850

Brandon Dubinsky is one of the many restricted free agents for the New York Rangers, and one that could be signed for a reasonable salary and continue to grow in upcoming seasons.

The 25-year-old center cleared the 50-point plateau for the first time in his career this season, setting personal records for goals and assists as well.

Dubinsky sees time both with powerplay and penalty killing units, tallying four powerplay goals, and two shorthanded goals. All in all, he is a very well-rounded player who deserves a reasonable contract.

Prediction: The Rangers lock Dubinsky in with a long-term contract.

6. Milan Hejduk

Games Played: 71
Goals: 22
Assists: 34
Points: 56
Points per Game Average: 0.79
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.000

The 35-year-old Milan Hejduk of the Colorado Avalanche is undoubtedly one to keep an eye on during the free agency. The veteran forward is notorious for his consistency, with his point totals never dipping below 40 points in any season.

Hejduk has spent each of his 12 seasons in the NHL with the Avalanche, and because of that, he has turned into a pretty household name in Colorado. 

Hejduk is a player that I don’t really expect to be switching jerseys, especially with the salary-cap increase loosening the restrictions for each team.

Prediction: Hejduk signs a short-term contract with Colorado.

5. Ryan Callahan

Games Played: 60
Goals: 25
Assists: 23
Points: 48
Points per Game Average: 0.80
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 2.300

When you play on a team like the New York Rangers, who have a few superstars in their lineup, including Gaborik and goalie Henrik Lundqvist, a lot of other younger players get overlooked, or lost in the shadows of the well-known players.

Callahan is a restricted free agent; however, considering all of the other free agents that New York will be struggling to re-sign, Callahan has a chance to move to another team.

Prediction: Callahan gets a price sheet that the Rangers can’t match, possibly from a team like the Winnipeg Jets.

4. Andrew Ladd

Games Played: 81
Goals: 29
Assists: 30
Points: 59
Points per Game Average: 0.73
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 2.350

Andrew Ladd is another restricted free agent who is likely to be held by (now) the Winnipeg Jets. Ladd spent just one season in Atlanta, and he posted career high statistics in goals, assists and points.

The 25-year-old left wing has consistently grown and found ways to become one of the well-known names in the league.

Ladd hasn’t necessarily gotten the same time in the limelight as some of his other, more experienced teammates; however, he has definitely commanded some second looks with the impressive numbers he has posted all year.

Prediction: The Jets sign Andrew Ladd to a multi-year deal.

3. Teemu Selanne

Games Played: 73
Goals: 31
Assists: 49
Points: 80
Points per Game Average: 1.10
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 4.500

Teemu Selanne is one of the names that isn’t expected to return, or, if he does, he won’t be switching homes, however he makes our list strictly for his scoring skills even his age.

The soon-to-be 41-year-old power forward has been proving his worth for years in Southern California, and the impressive No. 8 makes an even bigger splash on the power play opportunities.

Even at his age, Selanne is a free agent that plenty of teams would love to sign; however, only Anaheim really has a shot to convince this seasoned veteran for one more season.

Prediction: Anaheim coaxes one more year out of Selanne for a reasonable salary.

2. Steven Stamkos

Games Played: 82
Goals: 45
Assists: 46
Points: 91
Points per Game Average: 1.11
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 3.725

It shouldn’t be much of a surprise that Steven Stamkos is, in my opinion, one of the two biggest free agents to keep an eye on this free agency season. The main reason he isn’t in the No. 1 spot is because he is a restricted free agent for Tampa Bay.

Stamkos has had two pretty incredible seasons, with at least 90 points in each. Stamkos is a lethal scorer, and without a doubt one of the best young players to watch this off-season.

Prediction: Tampa Bay Lightning signs Stamkos to a long-term deal.

1. Brad Richards

Games Played: 72
Goals: 28
Assists: 49
Points: 77
Points per Game Average: 1.07
2010-2011 Cap Hit: 7.800

Honestly, who else would you expect to see sitting on top of the top free agent scorers, beating out names like Stamkos and Selanne? Brad Richards has had his name thrown around before the trade deadline, and because of that, he is a key free agent to watch this off season.

Richards had an impressive 77 points in just 72 games played with Dallas this season, and he has consistently posted impressive numbers; however, the Stars have passed on several chances to extend his contract.

Prediction: New York Rangers pick up Brad Richards with a good-sized contract offer.