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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Feb 24, 2017; Sunrise, FL, USA; Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr (68) skates before a game against the Calgary Flames at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Jaromir Jagr

Age tends to catch up to and shut down most older players. Jaromir Jagr has been laughing in the face of decline since his return to the NHL in 2011-12. He’s 45 years old, but remains one of the league’s best wings. Jagr has lost a step physically, but thanks to his incredible strength and sky high hockey IQ, he remains an extremely effective player.

Who knows what he will seek to do should he hit free agency. Jagr has won several Stanley Cups, meaning he’s not necessarily limited to just contenders. Embracing a role as a mentor/team dad with the Florida Panthers seems to have given his life more purpose, so maybe that’s something he wants to do. Even at 45 years old, Jagr put up 46 points.

Best fits: Expect the man with the mullet to stay with the Panthers. Jagr has embraced his role down there and he’s doing some excellent work playing alongside Aleksander Barkov. But should he choose to leave, he’ll get countless one-year deal offers. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Montreal Canadiens kick the tires on him. Claude Julien enjoyed Jagr a lot while they worked together with the Boston Bruins. The Nashville Predators have options to replace James Neal and NHL’s grandpa could be one of them.

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