The 12 Most Coveted FAs

[Parker 1st MRB]

From sportsnet.ca

1. Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators

2011-12 salary: $3.5 million

Remember when Ilya Kovalchuk was the NHL’s biggest free agent -- ever! -- in 2010? Suter, 27 years old and entering his prime, is the defensive equivalent to that. In Nashville he’s the Robin to Shea Weber’s Batman. On any other team, Suter would be battling against Weber for all-star bids and Norris Trophy nominations.

Suter, coming off a career-best 46-point campaign, says he wants to finish his career with the team he signs with this off-season. This is his one chance to cash in big in free agency -- he will earn upwards of double his salary from this past season -- and many believe he will test the free agent waters on July 1, which puts the Predators in a tough spot.

2. Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

2011-12 salary: $6 million

As for Parise, he may be the best free-agent forward since teammate Kovalchuk signed his 15-year, $100 million contract with the Devils two summers ago. Despite coming off major knee surgery, Parise scored 31 goals in 2011-12 -- his fifth 30-goal campaign since the lockout -- and was a factor in getting the Devils to their first Stanley Cup final since 2003. Some pundits doubt the Devils have the goods to match any contract offer Parise would receive in the frenzy. Like Suter in Nashville, it comes down to Parise’s commitment level to the Devils, the only organization he has ever known. Parise is the captain of the Devils and the heartbeat of the offense, but money speaks volumes.

3. Alexander Semin, Washington Capitals

2011-12 salary: $6.7 million

One of the more intriguing names on the market this summer will be Semin. The Capitals winger is the definition of an enigma; some nights he’s nonexistent, others he sets the world on fire. His ups and downs and supposed lack of dedication could steer a lot of general managers away from signing Semin, who has seen his goal total drop in each of the last two years. But as they say, all it takes is one GM to think Semin can be a difference-maker -- which he can be when he’s on his game.

4. Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes

2011-12 salary: $4.55 million

Doan’s future seems to go hand-in-hand with the future of the Coyotes organization. If they stay, he’ll stay. If they go, he could go to a team that has a prime chance of winning a Stanley Cup within the next two years. Doan, 35, has been a consistent producer throughout his career and would certainly draw interest -- if he decides to leave the organization this summer.

5. Jaromir Jagr, Philadelphia Flyers

2011-12 salary: $3.3 million

It’s safe to say ol’ Jagr exceeded expectations this season with the Flyers. His production tailed off at the end of the season -- 31 points in first 32 games; 23 points in final 41 games -- but he was an effective presence on the Flyers’ top line alongside Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell. It’s going to be interesting to see where he lands, whether it’s back with Philadelphia or elsewhere.

6. Jason Garrison, Florida Panthers

2011-12 salary: $700,000

One free agent who hasn’t gotten much publicity is Florida’s Jason Garrison. After going undrafted out of the University of Minnesota-Duluth, Garrison, 27, has been a late bloomer for the Panthers. He had his breakout season in 2011-12, posting career highs in goals, assists and points. If he doesn’t re-up with the Panthers, Garrison’s 16 goals and big shot from the blue line will be sought after on the open market.

7. Matt Carle, Philadelphia Flyers

2011-12 salary: $3.8 million

Like Garrison, Flyers defenceman Matt Carle should be coveted by teams looking for a puck-moving blue-liner not named Ryan Suter. Carle had three solid seasons in Philadelphia, averaging 37.5 points each year and missing just two games total. He’s not a top-pair rearguard, but he’s effective on both ends of the ice.

8. Olli Jokinen, Calgary Flames

2011-12 salary: $3 million

Teams are always looking for a boost up the middle in the off-season, and Jokinen is arguably the top centreman available. Jokinen did rack up 61 points in 82 games with Calgary last season, but his label of being a top-line centre isn’t what it once was. Someone will take a chance on him, though.

9. Dennis Wideman, Washington Capitals

2011-12 salary: $4.5 million

Wideman was an all-star for the Capitals last season, capitalizing on the absence of the frequently injured Mike Green. However, Wideman’s second half saw a considerable drop-off from his first half, which could put a seed of doubt in some teams’ minds. He also had a minus-7 rating in 14 playoff games. Still, a thin defence market increases Wideman’s value.

10. Dustin Penner, Los Angeles Kings

2011-12 salary: $4.25 million

Two months ago, Dustin Penner’s stock was at an all-time low. Penner tallied just 23 points in his first 84 regular season games in Los Angeles, failing to justify them surrendering a first-round pick to Edmonton for his services. Penner has kicked his game a notch or three this postseason (11 points through Monday), giving opposing GMs a reason to sign the quick-witted pancake aficionado.

11. P.A. Parenteau, New York Islanders

2011-12 salary: $1.25 million

After bouncing around with different teams over the years, Parenteau found his niche in Long Island. Parenteau, 29, put together back-to-back seasons of unexpected production, recording 53 and 67 points, respectively, in first two seasons with the Islanders. He’d be a good option for teams looking for secondary scoring.

12. Josh Harding, Minnesota Wild

2011-12 salary: $750,000

Vokoun’s signing in Pittsburgh was only good news for Harding. More goalie-needy teams will go the trade route to find their solution, but Harding won’t come cheap in free agency. If healthy and given an opportunity, Harding, soon to be 28, can put up solid numbers. The problem is, he’s never healthy.

[Pandalsson 1st MRB]

People can probably scratch off #5 on the list...

[Parker 1st MRB]

Isn't funny how every team is saying Parise will be with them next year because he has some sort of house, cottage, relationship with a player/personnel, or past history with that team. Lol Parise gets around!

[Englebretson 1st MRB]

Parise has one house he built in MN that he spends all his time not playing hockey in. He is getting married here this summer and has said he plans on raising his family here and would keep a very open mind to playing with the Wild this year.

[Parker 1st MRB]

Maybe, maybe, but what if the rumors are true then Parise and Suter both sign in Detroit?

Man, the things I would do to get Parise to sign with the Leafs....

[Pandalsson 1st MRB]

you'd have to wait in line Parker. Parise is the leader montreal needs.

I would even do stuff with Engle if that meant Parise signing with the Habs. Seriously. With Engle. That's how much.

[Yamagata 1st MRB]

This conversation just got a little awkward...

[Cozad]

Maybe, maybe, but what if the rumors are true then Parise and Suter both sign in Detroit?

it sure would be great to see that happen...

i just worry that parise will end up staying in new jersey. i know theres money issues, but with their success this year, i could see him staying.

[Englebretson 1st MRB]

I made a deal with the NHL stating if the Wild get Parise I will stab Tim Thomas and Zdeno Chara