Fansided

NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

By Dave Stevenson

May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk (22) skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the second period in game four of the second round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the PPG PAINTS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Radim Vrbata (17) looks on during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Coyotes right wing Radim Vrbata (17) looks on during the third period against the Vancouver Canucks at Gila River Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Radim Vrbata

Radim Vrbata is a classic example of a Jekyll and Hyde. When he’s at his best, he can produce with the best of them. For example, take last season, when Vrbata put up 20 goals and 35 assists for 55 points on an awful Arizona Coyotes team. However, he’s also wildly inconsistent. Take Vrbata’s 2015-16 season, for example. He only had 27 points in 63 games for the Vancouver Canucks.

Vrbata is 36 years old, so a long-term contract is out of the question. At this point, teams might only want to sign him for a one year deal. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, Vrbata’s age is quite relevant. Age tends to be cruel and heartless to those over 35 years old. Secondly, Vrbata’s proven to be inconsistent from year to year. A one-year deal allows teams to assume minimal risk.

Best fits: The Arizona Coyotes would love to have him back. Perhaps now with their recent moves, they can sell Vrbata on the value of staying. The Florida Panthers could use more scoring in their lineup and also more right wings. Vrbata fits the description perfectly. Perhaps the Edmonton Oilers would be a good fit for him. Vrbata played for the Carolina Hurricanes early in his career. A return there makes quite a bit of sense.

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