NHL Free Agents 2011: Top Defensemen Still Available and Where They Will Go

It is now almost a month-and-a-half into NHL free agency, which means we are down to the bits and pieces of the market.

The players left are those that can supply depth to a team's third or fourth line, and some who are still just looking for the right situation to join.

With training camp right around the corner, the next couple weeks should be extremely active for those teams who are looking to solidify their team's blue line.

Here are the top defensemen still available and where they will end up.

9. David Hale

After being the 22nd overall pick in the 2000 NHL Draft, Hale has spent eight seasons on five different teams.  It is no surprise that he is currently searching for work in the NHL.

With only five points in 25 games last season, Hale may be looking for anything and everything if he wants to play in the NHL next season.

New Team:  Chicago Blackhawks

8. Steve Staios

At age 37, Staios is at that stage of his career where he needs to decide whether to have another go at another NHL season, or retirement.  With the amount of teams asking about him at a slow minimum, it seems it may be the latter.

Staios' playing time has been reduced these past few seasons, and the Flames have pretty much decided to move on without him.

New Team:  Retire

7. Paul Mara

If Mara can stay healthy, he can still play in this league. However, teams are not buying it—at least so far.

He has played in a total of 95 games in the past three seasons and could be a liability more than an asset if a team takes a chance on him.

At the most, Mara will play deep on the third line.

New Team:  St. Louis Blues

6. Jeff Woywitka

Woywitka has played the last two seasons with the Dallas Stars, tallying 14 points in 99 games played.

Because of his age, 28, a team will take a chance on him, but he will most likely play a role on the third line, if that.

New Team:  Minnesota Wild

5. Nick Boynton

Boynton will be looking for a job on the bottom pair of third line this next season.  After a year in which he put up eight points in 51 games, that should be all that is expected from him.

The bonus to Boynton is that he is capable of so much more than what he has showed as of late, which is why a team is likely to take a chance on him and get back so much more in return.

New Team:  Phoenix Coyotes

4. Anton Stralman

A 2010-11 season piled with injuries is why Stralman is left without a team this far into free agency.  However, at 25 years old, he should find a home within the next couple weeks.

He is another one of those players on this list that can return a lot more than expected, which is why a team is likely to sign the Swede sooner than later.

New Team:  New York Islanders

3. Chris Campoli

Evidently, there are several teams interested in the 27-year-old, so do not expect him to be available past next week.

There is huge upside for this defenseman, as he he is still capable of producing good numbers.even though the Blackhawks walked away from his arbitration deal.

New Team:  Calgary Flames

2. Scott Hannan

Hannan will give you one thing and one thing only these days, and that is a good defender.  Offense is not his specialty by any means, but every team has been pleased with what they have gotten out of the 32-year-old.

Teams looking for an upgrade on defense will be inquiring about Hannan's services this coming week.

New Team:  New York Rangers

1. Bryan McCabe

Arguably the best defenseman still available, McCabe can really help a team on the offensive side of the blue line.  This late in free agency, the teams in need of defense will go after Hannan, and the teams in need of a little offense will inquire about McCabe.

At 36 years old, he is no long-term solution, but given the opportunity, he can provide strength on the blue line and help on the power play.

Teams like the Coyotes or Flames will be taking a serious look at him.

New Team:  Phoenix Coyotes