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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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 /

1. Kevin Shattenkirk

The cream of this NHL free agency’s crop is defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. He’s coming off an extremely impressive season, during which he put up a career best 56 points and 43 assists. Shattenkirk also came just one goal short of tying his career high in goals with 13. He came within four seconds per game of having his sixth straight season averaging over 20 minutes of ice time per game.

Shattenkirk’s greatest strength is his offense. Very few blue liners can produce the way he does. Those that do are considered among the top defensemen in the NHL. On the power play, Shattenkirk is a force to be reckoned with, putting up 24 points with an extra man last season. He moves the puck extremely well and can drive possession at an impressive rate.

However, Shattenkirk isn’t perfect. His defense leaves a bit to be desired. The St. Louis Blues goaltending situation played a part in this, but he’s coming off two straight seasons with a negative plus-minus rating. However, what he does on offense far outweighs his flaws. Shattenkirk’s going to get paid a lot this offseason. Probably a bit too much. But this time of year, who doesn’t get overpaid?

Best fits: The worst kept secret in the NHL is that the New York Rangers would love to have Shattenkirk. He’s a New York native and would like to play for his hometown team. But the Buffalo Sabres, Vegas Golden Knights, Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Toronto Maple Leafs and Tampa Bay Lightning are all going to bid for his services as well.

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