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 18, 2017; Saint Paul, MN, USA; Minnesota Wild forward Martin Hanzal (19) against the New York Rangers at Xcel Energy Center. The Rangers defeated the Wild 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Martin Hanzal

Martin Hanzal was one of the top prizes available at the NHL trade deadline. The Minnesota Wild traded for the center, hoping he would be the missing piece to their Stanley Cup puzzle. Unfortunately, Hanzal was a disappointment in the State of Hockey, putting up just one goal in five postseason games. Still, he’s the best long-term option at center available in free agency, so expect the former Arizona Coyotes forward to cash in.

Hanzal will benefit from a weak free agency class. He’s not a true number one center, but he’s a pretty solid number two center and an excellent number three center. However, Hanzal’s career high in points is just 41, set in 2015-16. Considering his reputation around the league and his excellence at winning face-offs, he’ll get offers. Expect Hanzal to emerge as one of the most overpaid players from this NHL free agency class.

Best fits: A return to the Coyotes is still plausible, even after they acquired Derek Stepan. They’ll need a veteran presence sans Shane Doan and Hanzal could help fill the role. The Kings would be a nice fit as well, though he would need to come at their price. Consider the New Jersey Devils to be a dark-horse candidate to sign him. Their cap space needs to go somewhere, and if they can’t sign Kevin Shattenkirk, Hanzal might be their next best option to make a splash in free agency.

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