from Matt Larkin of The Hockey News,

We’ll surely see a cluster of top-end UFAs re-signed before the off-season arrives, but we can expect a deep and talented list of players to choose from regardless. Giddyup.

And now, the rankings. Ages listed as of July 28, 2021, the current slated started date for unrestricted free agency.

1. ALEX OVECHKIN, LW, 35
2020-21 cap hit: $9,538,462

Hard to believe he’s concluding his 13-year, $124-million pact. It’s finally time. His next contract is expected to two to five years long – with the Capitals. The odds of Ovechkin pulling a Tavares – Would a Tom Brady be the better comparison? – and leaving are extremely slim....

2. DOUGIE HAMILTON, D, 28
2020-21 cap hit: $5,750,000

In the past three seasons and change, no defenseman has scored more goals than Hamilton – despite him missing significant time with a broken leg last season. The old guard may not like his body language or off-ice interests – LOL, says the new guard – but he’s a top-tier puck mover and play driver who has great size and a right-handed shot....

3. GABRIEL LANDESKOG, LW, 28

2020-21 cap hit: $5,571,429

Landeskog is the anti-Hamilton in that old-school hockey thinkers love Landeskog. Some league executives still talk about how impressed they were with his scouting interviews leading up to the 2011 draft. He’s a revered, heart-and-soul captain who blends top-line scoring touch with bruising physical play.

a bit more on each of the above plus 27 more names...