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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Apr 17, 2017; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Calgary Flames goalie Brian Elliott (1) during the warmup period against the Anaheim Ducks in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Brian Elliott

May God have mercy on your soul if you’re going into free agency looking for a starting goaltender. Because the pickings are might slim. The best one available is probably Brian Elliott, who is coming off a terrible season for the Calgary Flames. After leading the NHL in save percentage with the St. Louis Blues in 2015-16, he saw his save percentage drop from .930 to .910.

At the age of 32, Elliott is likely done as a number one goalie. However, he could still serve as an excellent goaltender in a tandem or as a backup. Elliott has led the NHL in save percentage twice, which highlights how high his highest of highs can be.

It’s hard to project how he will do. Will Elliott find his 2015-16 form (or even his form with the Blues) or will he falter like he did with the Flames last season? He’d be a very risky signing, but he’d also provide a potentially huge reward.

Best fits: Once again, the Winnipeg Jets make sense here. Elliott has more of an upside than Mason, though he is several years older. The Philadelphia Flyers could make sense, depending on what they decide to do with Anthony Stolarz. One team who might need a cheap backup – the Anaheim Ducks. Could Elliott be a fit there?

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