Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

Top Free Agents

06/27/2016 at 10:51am EDT

from Scott Burnside of ESPN,

Here's a look at the top free agents who are available, as well as some notable players who could be on the move in the coming days and how the draft weekend might have impacted the marketplace.

Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders

I must admit, I continue to be baffled by the disinterest from the Islanders about locking up Okposo long term. But the powerful winger -- who has 25-goal, 70-point potential in the right setting -- will have no shortage of suitors when the market opens.

I spoke with Islanders captain John Tavares about Okposo last season. Tavares praised the 28-year-old's quiet leadership in the dressing room, and it's clear Tavares will miss his longtime pal if Okposo departs. For my money, Okposo is the most important free-agent forward after Stamkos in terms of upside. Assuming Okposo does bolt, the pressure will mount on New York GM Garth Snow to find some more offense if the Islanders, who advanced to the second round of the playoffs this spring for the first time since 1993, are to continue their upward trajectory. Stamkos anyone?

Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues and Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks

Both of these smart, puck-moving defenders have one more year left on their respective deals and are with teams that have significant defensive depth, which explains why GMs Doug Armstrong in St. Louis and Bob Murray in Anaheim have explored moving them in recent days. But the asking price obviously remains too high for most teams, even those desperate for defensive help, like the Edmonton Oilers.

The market was further tightened when Buffalo acquired top-four defenseman Dmitry Kulikov from Florida on Saturday morning. Kulikov isn't of the same caliber as Fowler and Shattenkirk, but the Sabres, who also received the 33rd pick in the draft, had to ship the 38th and 89th picks and former first-rounder Mark Pysyk to Florida to get Kulikov. That deal followed the signing of Keith Yandle to a long-term deal in Florida and Alex Goligoski signing on with the Arizona Coyotes -- and further reducing the number of buyers looking for defensive help.

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About Kukla's Korner Hockey

Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

From breaking news to in-depth stories around the league, KK Hockey is updated with fresh stories all day long and will bring you the latest news as quickly as possible.

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