NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

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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Jun 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Nick Bonino (13) skates with the Stanley Cup after defeating the Nashville Predators in game six of the 2017 Stanley Cup Final at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

13. Nick Bonino

Nick Bonino enters free agency as a two-time Stanley Cup champion. With the Pittsburgh Penguins, he put up some impressive numbers in the postseason, with 25 points in 45 games. Not bad from a third line center, eh? Bonino should cash in free agency as the best long-term option as far as third liners are concerned.

There’s also an aura about him. It feels like Bonino still has some untapped potential. The way he has taken over games in the playoffs, you think he could be a second line center. But it’s worth noting Bonino has only one 40 point season to his credit. Though, to be fair, in 2014-15 and 2016-17, he missed the 40 point plateau by a combined three points. Bonino has shown he can play a fast, skilled game and be a top 9 center.

Best fits: He thrived when he was the third best center on his team. So obviously, the Pittsburgh Penguins would be a solid fit for him. But they’re targeting bigger fish. Perhaps the Edmonton Oilers would make sense for him, as he’s a quality defensive center who can produce at a respectable rate. The Arizona Coyotes still need to add another center, so maybe he’s a fit there. Don’t count out the Dallas Stars, who have to replace Cody Eakin.

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