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 7, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Michael Del Zotto (15) during the game against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Michael Del Zotto

Michael Del Zotto is one of the most offensively-gifted defensemen in the NHL. He has an undeniable impact on shot attempts for whenever he’s on the ice. In a league dominated by speed and puck possession, Del Zotto should have multiple suitors. Of course, there is a huge issue with him – he’s kind of bad in his own zone.

As beautifully as Del Zotto plays in the offensive zone, he struggles in the defensive zone. He’s a very high risk and high reward player. Coming off two straight shortened seasons due to injuries, getting a long-term deal will be hard for Del Zotto, even though you could make the argument he’s one of the best defensemen available. Expect him to seriously consider signing a one-year deal to rebuild his value.

Best fits: The Tampa Bay Lightning would be able to give Del Zotto the playing time he wants. And he’d be a nice fit in their system. Del Zotto would have to take a pretty big pay cut, but the Washington Capitals could offer him second pairing minutes. And if how they use their second pairing is close to how they used it last season, he’d get borderline first pairing minutes. Del Zotto has a pulse, so expect the Montreal Canadiens to inquire about him.

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