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UPDATED The NHL’s Top 2010 UFA’s

Written by: Jesse Michael on 1st July 2010

PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images

The Devils traded for Ilya Kovalchuk at the trade deadline last year. Will they pay up and re-sign the star winger? | read this item

With such a mediocre class of unrestricted free agents this season, it’s more difficult than usual to rank a top-ten list. One thing is for sure, left winger Ilya Kovalchuk is the most sought after free agent on the market, and it will take top dollar – most likely making him the highest paid player in the league – to get a deal done.

From there out, our top ten list includes Evgeni Nabokov, previously of the San Jose Sharks, 37-year old Ray Whitney and defeceman Sergei Gonchar.

From ten down to one, here is OIH’s list of the top ten free agents, their likely destination, and the payday they’re most likely to receive.

Ten

Olli Jokinen — A team will take a chance on Olli, even though he has an awful year with Calgary and then with his trade to the NY Rangers. He is typically known for wilting under the pressure, which was example A last year in New York, scoring 15 points in 26 games. If he wants a job next year, he should be asking for less than the $5.25 million he earned last year.

UPDATE – Jokinen has signed a 2 year, $3 million/season deal with the Calgary Flames

Nine

Alexander Frolov — Based on potential skill, he is in the top three UFA’s, however he’s way too inconsistent. If his asking price isn’t too high, and he doesn’t bolt to the KHL, Frolov could be a solid pick up for a team looking for a 50-70 point guy. He has also scored thirty goals twice in his career, something not many of the players on this list have.

Possible Destinations – Florida, Atlanta, NY Islanders

Pay 2009-10: $2.9 million, Increase/Decrease in 2010-11: Increase $1-1.5 million/season

Eight

Matthew Lombardi – After posting 53 points in 78 games, helping propel the Phoenix Coyotes into the playoffs, Lombardi will be looking for upwards of a 2-3 million/year raise, which could be too rich for Phoenix’s blood. He has drawn significant interest from around the league, as he is only 28 years old.

UPDATE – Lombardi has signed a 3 year, $3.5 million/season deal with the Nashville Predators

Seven

Teemu Selanne — Scoring 27 goals in 54 games last season with the Ducks, Selanne can still bring it night after night. He has had some injury troubles over the last few seasons, but as long as his salary demands aren’t outrageous, he should be a nice fit somewhere around the league – if he doesn’t retire.

Possible Destinations — Anaheim, Edmonton, Florida

Pay 2009-10: $2 million, Increase/Decrease in 2010-11: Decrease $0.5-1 million/season

Six

Dan Hamhuis — A solid acquisition for whichever team gets him. He will stabilize most bluelines and has a veteran presence in the dressing room. Not known for his offensive prowess, Hamhuis is great in his own end, but still managed to put up 20 points or more in his six seasons in the league.

UPDATE – Hamhuis has signed a 6 year, $4.5 million/season deal with the Vancouver Canucks

Five

Anton Volchenkov — According to sources the Capitals have the inside track on Volchenkov, but who knows once free agency actually starts. There has been said to be as many teams as ten interested in the services of the former Ottawa Senator. A tenacious, shot blocking, hard hitting defenceman, Volchenkov should see a substantial raise on the open market.

UPDATE – Volchenkov has signed a 6 year, $4.25 million/season deal with the New Jersey Devils

Four

Ray Whitney — Whitney wants more than a one-year deal, and should be able to land a two-year deal since he has had a lot of interest from as many as four teams. “The Wizard” has scored over 20 goals and 30 assists his last four seasons, and at age 37, should still be able to put up solid numbers wherever he goes.

UPDATE – Whitney has signed a 2 year, $3 million/season deal with the Phoenix Coyotes

Three

Sergei Gonchar — Even though Gonchar is getting up in age, he is still able to produce points and play at a high level. This was on full display throughout his last three years patrolling the Penguins’ defence, making it to the second round of the playoffs three straight seasons, playing in two Stanley Cup finals, winning it in 2009. He will get a raise, whether it be in Pittsburgh or somewhere else. *Note* J.P. Barry, Gonchar’s agent, as of July 1st at midnight said talks have stalled and Gonchar will most likely test the open market.

UPDATE – Gonchar has signed a 3 year, $5.5 million/season deal with the Ottawa Senators

Two

Evgeni Nabokov — A perennial playoff under achiever, Nabokov should still get a fair amount of interest around the league, as long as he keeps his salary demands affordable. With many teams around the league having shored up their goaltending positions, there are only a few destinations with the room, both on the roster and cap, to fit Nabokov in.

UPDATE – Gonchar has signed a 4 year, $6 million/season deal with SKA St. Petersburg of the KHL

Ilya Kovalchuk — Kovalchuk has signed with the New Jersey Devils no one. According to reports, Kovalchuk had signed a 17-year deal worth over $102 million dollars, but the NHL said no, and cancelled the deal based on the fact that the contract violated the collective bargaining agreement between the players and the NHL. Kovalchuk remains a free agent.

Possible Destinations – NJ, LA, Anaheim, Florida

Pay 2009-10: $6.39 million, Increase/Decrease in 2010-11: Increase $2.5-3.5 million/season

Topics: Ilya Kovalchuk, NHL, NHL Free-Agency, NHL UFA's, NHL UFA's 2010, Top Ten UFA's