Blue Bloods / Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding
USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen offers his top 25 unrestricted free agents expected to be available on July 1:
1. Defenseman Matt Niskanen (Pittsburgh Penguins): The defenseman pool is shallow, and Niskanen, 27, is coming off a breakthrough season. He's a puck mover and has improved his defensive play. With the Philadelphia Flyers' Andrew MacDonald signing for $5 million a season, Niskanen's expectations might start at $5.5 million and move upward. The Penguins want to re-sign him, and he likes it in Pittsburgh. He'll have to decide whether he wants to swing with all of his might or take slightly less to stay with the Penguins.
2. Right wing Ryan Callahan (Tampa Bay Lightning): He wants a lot of money, but he's a tough-minded, gritty forward with offensive spark. He's a leader, always popular in the dressing room. He's first in line when there's a scrum, and his style is very effective in the playoffs.
3. Left wing Marian Gaborik (Los Angeles Kings): Interest would have been moderate until his trade to Los Angeles. He was a different player with the Kings, effectively using his speed and being intensely engaged in their playoff run. He seems like the perfect winger for Anze Kopitar. You would think he would be interested in staying in Los Angeles. They like him, and he likes them.
4. Jarome Iginla (Boston Bruins): He is aging (37 on July 1), but he's tough, physical and still skilled enough to score 30 goals if surrounded with high-quality players.
5. Defenseman Andrei Markov (Montreal Canadiens): He's a veteran defenseman, power-play quarterback, smart and effective. The only worries are his age (35) and durability. He has had bad injury luck in recent years.
6. Center Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche): With several teams looking for centers and/or skilled offensive players, he will be sought after. In addition to being a high-quality playmaker, he's exceptional on faceoffs and strong defensively. The Avalanche should make every effort to re-sign him.
8. Left wing Matt Moulson (Minnesota Wild): You know what you will get from Moulson: He's a 24- to 30-goal scorer, and he should be good for 50 points.
9. Left wing Thomas Vanek (Montreal): He will have his share of suitors because of his history as a highly productive scorer. But his lack of playoff production for the Canadiens is worrisome.
10. Defenseman Dan Boyle (New York Islanders): The Islanders acquired his rights so they could talk to him before he becomes a free agent, but he is expected to enter the market. Many teams are looking for puck-handling defensemen, including the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers.
11. Center Brian Boyle (New York Rangers): Good role players are difficult to find, and Boyle is a big man who can win a faceoff, check and play physical. He's exactly the kind of player the Penguins are seeking.
12. Center Steve Ott (St. Louis Blues): The feisty, competitive agitator plays a sound defensive game and chips in a goal now and then. He's perfect for a team seeking an edgier look for the playoffs.
13. Left wing Mike Cammalleri (Calgary Flames): Although not as quick as he once was, he can find the net with some frequency. He is a high-quality option for teams looking for scoring.
14. Goalie Ryan Miller (St. Louis): He is the best available goaltender, but only a few teams are looking for a No. 1 goalie. He would be an attractive option for the Vancouver Canucks.
15. Center Brad Richards (New York Rangers): His quickness isn't what it once was, but he still has offensive instincts. Don't forget that he has 20 goals and 51 points this season. Half of the NHL teams seem to be looking for a center. It won't hurt him financially to be bought out because he likely will get a deal of two or three years at $3.5 million or more.
16. Defenseman Anton Stralman (Rangers): This would be a tough loss for the Rangers because he played well during the playoffs. He is a dependable performer and he won't break your budget. He could have a strong collection of interested teams.
17. Goalie Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils): There is genuine excitement about having this future Hall of Famer in the marketplace. No one expects him to be the Brodeur of old. But he is an appealing backup or insurance policy.
18. Center David Legwand (Detroit): He's a 40- to 50-point guy with skating ability and defensive savvy. He could have value if you are not counting on him to be a go-to goal scorer.
19. Right wing Brian Gionta (Montreal): The Canadiens might re-sign him, but if they don't, he will have options because of his scoring ability and leadership.
20. Center Dave Bolland (Toronto Maple Leafs): He would fit nicely into the No. 2 or No. 3 center role. He can check and contribute some scoring.
21. Defenseman Nikita Nikitin (Columbus Blue Jackets): He didn't fit into the Blue Jackets' plans, but he is a veteran defenseman who could help a contending team. The Oilers have been given permission to talk to him, but it seems like he would want to pursue free agency.
22. Left wing Ales Hemsky (Ottawa Senators): The romance of this highly skilled player might be more fun than the reality. But he will be enticing for puck-possession teams or teams needing to upgrade their skill level.
23. Left wing Benoit Pouliot (Rangers): His strong playoff showing, which included some important goals, has helped his value.
24. Goalie Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks): If you are looking for a potential starting goalie at a reasonable price, he might be the right guy. It's always dicey for free agent goaltenders because there simply aren't that many goaltending jobs available.
25. Left wing Mason Raymond (Toronto Maple Leafs): He had 19 goals this past season and made only $1 million. He's 28.
Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding / Carrie - Stephen King
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