12. Datsyuk – March 23rd, 2004 against San Jose
Datsyuk takes a pass from Brett Hull in the middle of the circle, dekes right around defenseman Scott Hannan who goes down block a potential shot. He pulls it across the top of the crease and slides it…
NHL Rumors: Canadiens, Red Wings and Lightning
On the Montreal Canadiens ... Eric Engels of Sportsnet: Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin has said that he won't make a trade to fill one hole by creating a hole elsewhere. There were reports that the Lightning's best contract offer to…
NHL Rumors: Red Wings, Pavel Datsyuk, and the Wild
On the Detroit Red Wings ... Ansar Khan of MLive: With the Red Wings eliminated last night, things quickly turned to Pavel Datsyuk and if he'll return to the Red Wings next season or if he'll be heading back to…
NHL Injuries: Flyers, Stars, Isles, Lightning, Pens and Wings
On the Philadelphia Flyers ... Adam Kimelman: The Flyers announced yesterday that forward Scott Laughton is out of the hospital and is doing well. He won't be joining the team in Washington. The Flyers will give another update on Laughton…
7. David Backes – St. Louis Blues
Entering the season David Backes’ stock may have been higher, but his scoring was down and some wonder about the wear and tear on the physical 31-year old captain. The center/right winger is in the final year of his…
Honorable Mention: Mikkel Boedker – Colorado Avalanche
After some failed contract negotiations before the trade deadline, the Arizona Coyotes sent Mikkel Boedker to the Colorado Avalanche. Boedker had been trying to get a five-year contract worth around $5.5 million a season. The Coyotes may have been…
1. Steven Stamkos – Tampa Bay Lightning
In a time when top unrestricted free agents rarely hit the open market, Steven Stamkos appears to be changing that. He was arguably the top pending UFA before the season started, and is definitely the top pending UFA after…
2. Loui Eriksson – Boston Bruins
The Bruins made the decision to hold on to Loui Eriksson at the trade deadline to improve their playoffs chances. In the end, they missed the playoffs and could lose Eriksson for nothing. Eriksson’s solid two-way play has the…
3. Keith Yandle – New York Rangers
Keith Yandle will be the top unrestricted free agent defenseman on the market on July 1st as it doesn’t appear the New York Rangers will be able to re-sign him. The 29-year will be looking for a long-term deal,…
4. Alexander Radulov – CSKA
Rumors out of Russia have the 29-year old (30 in July) Alexander Radulov wanting to return to the NHL. He’s rejected offers from CSKA, but they are still hoping to re-sign him. Now, does he really want to return…
5. Kyle Okposo – New York Islanders
The 28-year old Kyle Okposo is coming off a very friendly five year, $14 million contract – a $2.8 million salary cap hit, with a $4.5 million salary. Okposo will be looking for a long-term, big money deal. At…
6. Jimmy Vesey – Harvard University
Jimmy Vesey is the youngest UFA in our top 10 at just 22 years old. It’s not easy to rank him as he’s obviously unproven, but his age and potential move him up higher on our list. After finishing…