Fansided

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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Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) stands on the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 15, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Capitals right wing Justin Williams (14) stands on the ice against the Toronto Maple Leafs in game two of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Justin Williams

Justin Williams is rightfully known as “Mr. Game 7.” He has won three Stanley Cups during his career, one with the Carolina Hurricanes and two with the Los Angeles Kings. Williams won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs in 2014. Even though he will turn 36 years old in October, expect Mr. Game 7 to get a lot of interest in free agency.

A huge reason for this is Williams is a very productive forward despite his age. He has six consecutive 40 point seasons (excluded the lockout shortened 2012-13 season). Williams had a terrible start to his season with just four points in his first 21 games. After that, he put up 44 points in his final 59 games. Williams should be a serious target for any Stanley Cup contender because of his postseason excellence. In 140 playoff games, he has 94 points.

Best fits: Two years ago, Williams nearly signed with the Montreal Canadiens. Should they miss out on Alexander Radulov, Mr. Game 7 could make sense for the NHL’s most historic franchise. The Nashville Predators would be a great fit, especially since they just lost James Neal to the Vegas Golden Knights. Considering the Dallas Stars are in win now mode, adding Williams would make sense. The Toronto Maple Leafs would have to ship out a forward, but he’d be a fantastic fit with the young team.

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