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NHL free agency: Top 25 players available

By Dave Stevenson

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
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 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Washington Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner (27) against the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center. The Capitals defeated the Wild 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Karl Alzner

Karl Alzner is a rarity in the NHL. A player who rarely misses a game. Alzner has played in over 500 consecutive regular-season contests, even though he missed multiple playoff games due to injuries. He’s not a point producer like some of the defensemen available in free agency, but he has a track record of being a very reliable shutdown blue liner.

Analytics folk will raise red flags over his possession numbers, and rightfully so. However, it’s worth noting he’s consistently been a net positive in the goals for department, if you exclude the 2012-13 and 2013-14 seasons. Alzner has some health questions to answer and he was noticeably worse last season than in previous years. However, he’s easily the third best defenseman available, so getting a deal shouldn’t be an issue.

Best fits: The Canadiens wouldn’t be a terrible fit, depending on how much money Alzner wants. He has reportedly gotten interest from at least five teams, including Montreal, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. The Colorado Avalanche could certainly use the help defensively, but they seem against making big splash signings. If Alzner can’t get a long-term deal, he’ll drop his price tag and look for a one-yer deal. That’s when he could gain a lot of suitors.

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