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 defenseman Michael Stone (26) celebrates his goal against the Anaheim Ducks during the second period in game three of the first round of the 2017 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Michael Stone

Michael Stone could be a great target for teams needing to add to their blue line in the offseason. Or he could be a huge bust. It all depends on Stone’s health. Towards the end of his career year in 2015-16, he suffered a horrendous knee injury, taking damage to both his ACL and MCL. As anyone who has torn those ligaments will tell you, that’s a long road to recovery. Stone was never himself during the 2016-17 season, even after being traded to the Calgary Flames.

He will most likely have to sign a one-year prove it deal to show he’s healthy. When Stone is healthy, he’s proven he can be a second pairing caliber defenseman. In 75 games in 2015-16, he put up a career best 36 points with six goals and 30 assists. Teams will be hopeful the Stone they get is closer to his 2015-16 form than last season’s form.

Best fits: The Flames haven’t ruled out re-signing him. Thanks to the Travis Hamonic trade, Stone could play a third pairing role, potentially setting himself up for a nice contract next offseason. At 27 years old, he could afford to do so. The Andrej Sekera injury could lead Stone to end up with the Edmonton Oilers.

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