Fansided

25 top NHL free agents teams will be dying to sign in 2018

By David Rouben

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 30: James van Riemsdyk #25 of the Toronto Maple Leafs and John Tavares #91 of the New York Islanders battle for the puck during their game at the Barclays Center on October 30, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 18: Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) collides with New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore (2) during the third period of the First Round Stanley Cup Playoff Game 4 between the New Jersey Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 18, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ – APRIL 18: Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Alex Killorn (17) collides with New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore (2) during the third period of the First Round Stanley Cup Playoff Game 4 between the New Jersey Devils and the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 18, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

12. John Moore

John Moore being ranked this high on this list is a clear sign of how weak this free-agent class is for defensemen. This isn’t a knock on Moore, who has far exceeded expectations for the Devils since they first got him in 2015.

Since joining them, he has logged the most minutes of his career, been a lot more durable and has seen his production rise ever so slightly. He’s still considered a stay-at-home defenseman, but there is room to grow on offense, while his value has never been higher than it is now as he enters free agency.

Why he’s in demand: Moore had a career year and is still 27, which means he’s about to enter his prime. While there are limitations to his game — he’s unplayable on the power play — his size and ability to play tough minutes are perfect qualities for a defenseman.

His cap hit is only $1.67 million and even though this is silly season, it would be hard for him to drive up the asking price beyond $4 million. And despite being in a top-four role with the Devils, he’d be willing to play as a no. 6 if he can get a raise and play for a contending team.

Teams with the best chance to sign him: The Devils may be tempted to re-sign him if they can convince him to take a bridge deal, but that’s unlikely to happen. The Colorado Avalanche, however, should consider Moore since he would upgrade their defense while still having enough space to sign Mikko Rantanen to a long-term deal.

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