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 25, 2017; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres right wing Brian Gionta (12) during the game against the Toronto Maple Leafs at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

18. Brian Gionta

If teams are looking to add to their top nine forwards, Brian Gionta could be a very solid option. At this stage in his career, he’s likely a third-line forward, albeit one who can fill in on the second line from time to time. Even though Gionta is 35, he’s still good for at least 30 points a season in a third line role. That’s valuable.

Most likely, Gionta will be looking to sign with a contender. While he did win a Stanley Cup with the New Jersey Devils back in 2003, he hasn’t experienced much postseason success since then. Gionta is coming off a tenure as the captain for the Buffalo Sabres, so perhaps he’d be willing to embrace that role once again. But more than likely, he’s going to look to sign with a Stanley Cup contender.

Best fits: The Montreal Canadiens are very familiar with Gionta. Depending on whether or not they re-sign Alex Radulov, he might get some interest from them. A return to the Sabres isn’t out of the question, as both sides have mutual interest. Just spitballing, but Gionta’s a right wing and the Florida Panthers have very weak depth there. He might be a fit with them.

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