Toronto Star

NHL: Free agency’s top-10 players

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As NHL GMs review the 2015 unrestrict­ed free agent class, they see plenty of serviceabl­e, dependable players. It’s like looking at a showroom full of four-door sedans when you were hoping to find a Ferrari. But there will be plenty of buyers when the market opens Wednesday. A look at the top 10 unrestrict­ed free agents:

1. Defenceman Mike Green (Washington Capitals)

Several teams are looking for an offensive defenceman and Green is the best one available. He’s 29 and he could be a 50- to 60-point defenceman if he signs with the right team. Good fit: New Jersey Devils. Having a puck-mover like Green would make them more dangerous.

2. Centre Antoine Vermette (Chicago Blackhawks)

With centres in short supply, Vermette, 32, should have a number of suitors. When he was traded by the Arizona Coyotes to the Blackhawks last season, he had trouble adjusting. But he scored two game-winning goals in the Stanley Cup final. He’s a strong two-way centre who can win a big faceoff. Good fit: Coyotes. Vermette played his best hockey there.

3. Centre Mike Ribeiro (Nashville Predators)

Considerin­g the Predators gave Ribeiro a chance after the Coyotes dropped him because of off-ice troubles, it was assumed he would resign with them. But it hasn’t happened yet and Ribeiro, 35, might end up as a free agent. He had 62 points last season.

Good fit: Carolina Hurricanes.

4. Left wing Matt Beleskey (Anaheim Ducks)

At 28, Beleskey is in the prime of his career. He scored 22 goals last season. His previous high was 11. Good fit: Devils. They need scoring.

5. Right wing Michael Frolik (Winnipeg Jets)

Frolik is a good all-around hockey player who had 19 goals last season. He can kill penalties and understand­s the defensive side of the game. He’s 27. Good fit: Ducks. They’re looking to replace Beleskey and Kyle Palmieri.

6. Defenceman Andrej Sekera (Los Angeles Kings)

The Kings wanted to keep Sekera but didn’t have the cap space. He has the tools to help a quality offensive team. Good fit: Colorado Avalanche.

7. Defenceman Cody Franson (Predators)

He didn’t play well for the Predators, but he has shown he can be a 40- to 50-point defenceman. He’s six-footfive and weighs 220. Good fit: Edmonton Oilers. At 27, Franson is young enough to be part of the Oilers’ future with Connor McDavid and company.

8. Right wing Martin St. Louis (New York Rangers)

At 40, St. Louis is not the dominant player he once was. He had a disappoint­ing playoff, but he did score 21 goals last season. Presuming St. Louis is willing to accept a one-year deal with a low base salary and a strong bonus package, he could be a good roll of the dice. Good fit: Pittsburgh Penguins.

9. Justin Williams (Kings)

Williams has three Stanley Cup championsh­ip rings — two with the Kings and one with the Hurricanes. Williams, 33, has a history of producing in the playoffs. He’s good for 18 to 20 goals a season. Good fit: Boston Bruins.

10. D François Beauchemin (Ducks)

The only negative about Beauchemin is he is 35. He’s a desirable, all-around defenceman. Good fit: Ducks. They need him.

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