from Pete Jensen of NHL.com,
NHL.com takes a closer look at the top UFA wings expected to be available when the market opens Saturday:
Alexander Radulov, MTL
Radulov, who turns 31 on July 5, is the biggest prize among unrestricted free agent forwards. He is seeking a six-year contract with an average annual value of $7 million, TSN reported June 22.
His 54 points (18 goals, 36 assists) were second on the Montreal Canadiens this season, and he had an NHL career-high 16 power-play points in 76 regular-season games after returning to the NHL from the Kontinental Hockey League. He led Montreal with seven points (two goals, five assists) in six Stanley Cup Playoff games. He has scored at least 54 points in two of his three full NHL seasons; he had 58 (26 goals, 32 assists) in 81 games with the Nashville Predators in 2007-08.
Possible landing spots: Canadiens, Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks
Thomas Vanek, FLA
Vanek quietly was one of the most productive players in the NHL when healthy this season. The 33-year-old had 48 points (17 goals, 31 assists) in 68 games with the Panthers and Detroit Red Wings. He was fifth in the League in 5-on-5 points per 60 minutes (2.61; minimum 750 minutes played) this season, according to stats.hockeyanalysis.com.
Vanek, who played his first eight NHL seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, has played for six teams over the past four seasons. He has 697 points (333 goals, 364 assists) in 885 NHL games and has a 14.3 shooting percentage in his career, second-highest among active players with at least 2,000 career shots behind Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins (14.7).
Possible landing spots: Panthers, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers
more UFAs....
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