8. Curtis Glencross – Calgary Flames – 32 years old
Prior contract: four years, $10.25 million ($2.55M cap hit)
Glencross is off to a respectable start with the Flames this year having recorded 23 points through 37 games.
His points/60 rate is down at 1.32, but he’s been at 1.82 over the last three seasons and is generally a safe bet for 20+ goals a season when healthy.
He’s been pretty consistent throughout the years and is fairly good in possession, so he should have plenty of suitors this summer.
7. Matt Beleskey – Anaheim Ducks – 26 years old
Prior contract: two years, $2.7 million ($1.35M cap hit)
Beleskey is in line for a huge raise this summer. He’s carrying a low cap hit, is 26, averaging just over 15 minutes per game, and he’s on pace for 30 goals.
Beleskey definitely doesn’t shy away from a physical game, likes to play around the paint and is actually a very good player in possession.
Among all regulars on Anaheim, he’s 1st with a 54.69CF%, which is almost 6% higher than the team’s CF% without him on the ice.
6. Michael Frolik – Winnipeg Jets – 26 years old
Prior contract: one year, $3.3 million ($3.3M cap hit)
Frolik has quietly developed into a very good two-way forward and is one of the more underrated players in the league. His versatility (can play center or wing) will surely make him very attractive to any team.
He skates well, can play in any situation and at 26 he still has plenty of good years ahead of him.
Frolik owns a respectable 1.63 points/60 at full-strength, and the Jets generate 51% of all shot attempts when he’s on the ice, so he tilts the ice a little bit in favor of his team.
5. Jaromir Jagr – New Jersey Devils – 42
Prior contract: one year, $5.5 million ($3.5M cap hit)
He is not the player he once was and his offensive production has dipped a bit this year playing on a terrible offensive team in the Devils, but he’s still a very good player.
He’s tied for the team-lead in points with 20 in 36 games, and owns a 53.12CF%, which ranks 1st on the Devils.
He was 7th in the NHL in CF% last year with a 59.2CF% and still generates a lot of chances at even-strength, which is pretty absurd given his age.
In the right situation he can still produce and be an effective player.
4. Mats Zuccarello – New York Rangers – 27 years old
Prior contract: one year, $3.5 million ($3.5M cap hit)
Zuccarello may not be the biggest guy in stature, but he’s not afraid to go to the dirty areas of the ice and won’t back down from anyone.
He’s an excellent skater who is very good in possession and he can play in any situation and be effective.
Zuccarello has been extremely productive at even-strength this year averaging 2.20 points/60 of 5 vs 5 play, and owning a 52.49CF%, which ranks 2nd on the team among regulars.
Most of every game is played at full strength and teams are putting a premium on players who can produce in that situation, so Zuccarello is going to cost a hefty price this summer.
3. Martin St. Louis – New York Rangers – 39 years old
Prior contract: four years, $22.5 million ($5.625M cap hit)
At 39 years of age St. Louis probably doesn’t have much time left, but he’s still an effective player and would be a big addition for any team looking for offense on the wing.
St. Louis has 11 goals and 26 points in 33 games for the Rangers, and owns a 2.21 points/60 at even-strength.
He’s always been good on the power play, too, so his ability to produce at such a high rate during even-strength play makes him that much more of an attractive option for teams.
2. Justin Williams – Los Angeles Kings – 33 years old
Prior contract: four years, $14.6 million ($3.65M cap hit)
Williams is another player who’s going to cash in if he decides to test the open market.
He’s not having the best of seasons offensively with 19 points in 35 games, but generally he’s a pretty consistent point producer who dominates in possession.
Over the last two seasons Williams owns a very respectable 1.91 points/60 at even-strength (50th in the NHL), and a 61.7CF%, which ranks 1st among all forwards in that span.
Factor in his playoff success headlined by last year’s Conn Smythe Trophy and I’m sure GMs will be able to get by his mediocre offensive start to this season.
1. Nick Foligno – Columbus Blue Jackets – 27 years old
Prior contract: three years, $9.25 million ($3.083M cap hit)
When you factor in his age, versatility and the kind of year he’s having with the Blue Jackets, it’s not hard to picture Folgino cashing in big this summer; whether that’s with Columbus or another franchise.
The Blue Jackets have been decimated by injuries all season, yet they still remain in the playoff hunt in large part due to Foligno’s play.
Foligno has 17 goals (6th in the NHL) and 31 points in 33 games on the year, and is averaging 1.94 points/60 of 5 vs 5 play. On top of the offensive production, he’s driving play at a high rate and faring very well in possession as he owns a 5.69 Corsi Relative%, which is 2nd on the team among regulars.
Foligno has also played some center, and isn’t afraid to mix it up physically, which makes him an attractive option to any team regardless of the style they play.
