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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Mar 2, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Florida Panthers left wing Thomas Vanek (26) against the Philadelphia Flyers during the first period at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Thomas Vanek

Thomas Vanek is one of the most consistent scorers in the NHL. Even at the age of 33, he has never had fewer than 40 points in a season. His career has started with 12 straight 40 point seasons and that’s a lot more rare than most people think. Vanek is a quality wing who you can pencil in for at least 40 points a season. Those are quite hard to come by.

So why is he so low in these rankings? Because scoring is about all that Vanek does. His puck possession game is at best unimpressive and at worst unbearable. Most likely, Vanek will be joining his seventh different team since the start of the 2013-14 season. It says something when six teams don’t find you worth enough to keep around.

Best fits: The Detroit Red Wings are open to bringing him back after a one-year deal went relatively well for both sides. It’s a weird fit because they’re a rebuilding team, though. Maybe a return to the New York Islanders could happen if general manager Garth Snow whiffs on acquiring Matt Duchene or James van Riemsdyk. A lot of teams could use his scoring, but they’re going to tread lightly because, as they say, when there’s smoke, there’s usually a fire.

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