Where will NHL's top free agents sign this offseason?
Paul Stastny
Almost everybody wants centers, and he's the top pivot on the market. At 28, Stastny had 25 goals and 60 points in 71 games. Small chance he might decide to stick with a rising Avalanche squad for less money.
Possible destinations:
St. Louis, Minnesota
Matt Niskanen
Like Stastny, expected to receive a seven-year-deal for more than $42 million. In a breakout season with Pittsburgh, the 27-year-old defenseman averaged 21 minutes and posted 46 points.
Possible destinations:
Tampa Bay, Colorado, Detroit
Thomas Vanek
With 27 goals and 78 points for three teams, including the Islanders, the numbers are there, if not the daily commitment. Some teams will offer a short-term package, but not the $7.1 million he was being paid.
Possible destinations:
Minnesota, Dallas, Florida
Christian Ehrhoff
Buffalo bought out the final seasons of a $40-million contract with the 31-year-old defenseman, who had 33 points in 79 games for a rebuilding club. Gifted offensively, the 6-2 blueliner will add punch to any team.
Possible destinations:
Detroit, Tampa Bay, Colorado
Jonas Hiller
To many, the best goaltender available, and only because the Ducks have two highly touted youngsters. At 32, the Swiss netminder has a 2.51 GAA and .916 save percentage in 326 NHL games with Anaheim.
Possible destinations:
Vancouver, Calgary, Washington
Anton Stralman
The underrated Swedish defenseman, 27, couldn't have picked a better time to be on the market. He's not bringing a lot of offense, but he was the Rangers' most consistent blueliner in the playoffs, having developed into a smooth-skating second-pair stopper who could triple his $1.7-million annual salary.
Possible destinations:
Detroit, Minnesota, Calgary
Ryan Miller
The veteran goalie was sent to St. Louis by the Sabres, and the Blues are going with youngsters in net. Miller, 33, has some game left and finished last season with a .918 save percentage and a 2.64 GAA. He'll get a short-term deal.
Possible destinations:
Vancouver, Calgary, Washington
Brad Richards
After a bounce-back season, the 34-year-old center, who slowed near the end, was bought out by the Rangers. Has an accurate shot (20 goals) and can provide experience with a young team.
Possible destinations:
Tampa Bay, Islanders, Washington
Jarome Iginla
Iginla, 36, who had 30 goals and 61 points on a $6-million contract for the cap-strapped Bruins, wants to play for a contender. But the right wing will have to take less.
Possible destinations:
Montreal, Detroit, Minnesota
Matt Moulson
The former Islander, 30, can contribute offensively. The winger had 51 points in 75 games, including eight power-play goals.
Possible destinations:
Minnesota, Islanders, Sabres
Radim Vrbata
At the right price, Vrbata, 33, could be a steal. The Czech winger, who finished 11th in the NHL in shots last season, scored 110 goals in the past five years for the Coyotes, who couldn't afford to give him a well-deserved raise from his $3 million per year.
Possible destinations:
San Jose, Pittsburgh, Dallas
Dan Boyle
Still can quarterback a power play but he'll turn 38 soon, and teams might be wary of a two-year deal. Still, righty defensemen are valuable, and although his numbers have diminished (10-29-39), his pedigree is unquestioned.
Possible destinations:
Rangers, Detroit
Jussi Jokinen
The Finnish left wing, 31, had 21 goals and 57 points for the Penguins. Will he put up as many points without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin? That's the gamble.
Possible destinations:
Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg
Honorable mention: Forwards Mike Cammalleri, Martin Havlat, Ales Hemsky, Dany Heatley, Mike Ribiero, Benoit Pouliot, Milan Michalek. Defensemen Mark Fayne, Willie Mitchell.