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 29, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames right wing Kris Versteeg (10) during the face off against the Los Angeles Kings during the second period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Kris Versteeg

Kris Versteeg could cash in this offseason after rebuilding his value with the Calgary Flames. His value was so low last year, he had to take a PTO from the Flames. Versteeg earned a spot on their NHL roster and put up 37 points in 69 games while averaging under 15 minutes a game. He’s a pretty consistent scorer who can thrive in a third line role.

Versteeg is a very good forward, but he’s not outstanding by any stretch of the imagination. Still, he’s a proven winner with two Stanley Cups, both with the Chicago Blackhawks. Versteeg should help any contender with forward depth. In today’s NHL, the concept of having top six forwards is dead. Rather, you need top nine forwards. Versteeg is without question a top nine forward. Expect him to get quite a bit of interest. Nobody’s going to give him a crazy contract, but Versteeg should have no issues finding a team.

Best fits: Maybe he’d like to cut out the middle man and just sign with the Blackhawks instead of being traded to them. Another former team of his, the Florida Panthers, might make sense. The Columbus Blue Jackets make some sense, but he’ll likely have to take less money. Ultimately, Versteeg will likely re-sign with the Calgary Flames.

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