Radulov, Shattenkirk lead NHL free agents
Sharks veterans also could head elsewhere
The NHL free agent signing period starts Saturday at noon ET, and teams began talking to potential signees Sunday.
The most intriguing unrestricted free agents in this year’s class: 1. Right wing Alexander Ra
dulov: According to reports, Radulov, 31 on July 5, is seeking a long-term deal worth $7 million a season. If he insists on that level of pay, his options will limited. The Montreal Canadiens are considering moving Alex Galchenyuk. That decision will influence their thinking on Radulov, who is a difference-maker up front.
Good fit: Canadiens.
2. Defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk: He’s the best offensive defenseman in the market, and that alone will make him a bigticket signing. His defensive flaws showed in the playoffs, but he can quarterback a power play and move the puck out of the defensive zone. Good fit: Boston Bruins. 3. Defenseman Brendan Smith: He could attract interest from half the league because he should be reasonably priced. He showed his value after the Detroit Red Wings dealt him to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. Smith can defend, contribute offensively, play a feisty game and be a quality teammate. Good
fit: Rangers. 4. Center Joe Thornton: Thornton, 37, still might return to the San Jose Sharks, but they have opened the door to his possible departure by allowing him to talk to other teams. His numbers were down last season, but he had 43 assists and 50 points in 79 games. Thornton is coming off surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament. He still can serve as an elite setup artist and leader.
Good fit: St. Louis Blues or Nashville Predators. 5. Left wing Patrick Marleau: He also could end up returning to San Jose. At 37, he is still producing at a high level. He has scored 104 goals over the last
four seasons, including 27 in 2016-17. Can still skate and score.
Good fit: Dallas Stars.
6. Right wing Justin Wil
liams: A consistent 20-goal scorer with multiple Stanley Cup championships. Proven playoff performer. Perfect for a team looking to get over the top. Good fit: Predators. 7. Center Martin Hanzal: He’s a 6-6, 225-pound center who can score 20 goals. That’s all you need to know to understand his desirability. Good fit: Canadiens or Predators. 8. Center Nick Bonino: A valued member of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ championship team, he’s an ideal No. 3 center because he can kill penalties, block shots and contribute offensively. Has the skill to be a No. 2. Good fit: Predators. 9. Defenseman Trevor Da
ley: He could be a desirable consolation prize for a team that doesn’t land Shattenkirk. He can skate, move the puck and play on the power play. He won’t break the bank. Don’t rule out Daley circling back to talk to the Penguins. Daley and the Penguins
were comfortable with each other. Good fit: Detroit Red Wings. 10. Left wing Thomas Va
nek: Smart offensive player with 20-goal potential. At 33, he offers moderately priced scoring. Friendly presence in the dressing room. Good fit: New Jersey Devils. 11. Left wing Chris Kunitz: With Stanley Cup championships on his résumé, Kunitz could be a valuable leader and performer for a team on the rise. He seems to have the ability to step up in the postseason. At 37, he can’t expect multiple years, but he should have options. Good fit: Toronto
Maple Leafs. 12. Center Brian Boyle: The ultimate checking center, a 6-6 behemoth who can play physical and chip in clutch goals. Good fit: Columbus Blue Jackets.
13. Defenseman Michael Stone: The market for defensemen has been complicated by the Vegas Golden Knights’ cache of blueliners they need to move. But Stone, 27, is 6-3 and more offensively skilled than people realize. Consistently effective. Good fit: Washington Capitals.
14. Goalie Brian Elliott: Because of the expansion draft and the Flames and Stars moving early on goalies, there’s a limited market for free agent goalies. The Philadelphia Flyers need a No. 1, and the Buffalo Sabres and Winnipeg Jets might make a move. Steve Mason and Ryan Miller also are seeking jobs, but Miller wants to stay in the West. No goalie has much leverage in this situation. Good fit: Flyers. 15. Right wing Radim Vrbata: He has scored as many as 31 goals in a season and had 20 goals and 55 points last season. Good fit: Arizona Coyotes.