Ted Kulfan's top 25 NHL free agents

1. Kevin Shattenkirk, defenseman, Washington. Age: 28. 13 goals, 43 assists in 2016-17. The marquee player on this free-agent list -- which tells you something about this free-agent class. A good player, but hardly one that can put a team over the top to a Stanley Cup.

2. Alexander Radulov, forward, Montreal. Age: 30. 18 goals, 36 assists. Returned from Russia last summer, signed a one-year contract with Montreal, and it worked out brilliantly for both sides. Suddenly wants six years at $7 million per season. Good luck with that.

3. Karl Alzner, defenseman, Washington: Age: 28: 3 goals, 10 assists. A traditional, old-fashioned defensive defenseman who might be losing a step, which is always a red flag in today's game. But some team definitely will overpay, and sign him.

4. Nick Bonino, forward, Pittsburgh: Age: 29. 18 goals, 19 assists. Seems to have found a home in Pittsburgh, but the Penguins are strapped under the cap and may not be able to bring Bonino back. Too bad, because it's been a nice fit.

5. Michael Stone, defenseman, Calgary: Age: 27. 3 goals, 12 assists. Calgary acquired Stone (26) at the trade deadline and he was a bit disappointing. A hot rumor has Stone going to play in Ottawa with his brother Mark.

6. Brendan Smith, defenseman, New York Rangers: Age: 28. 3 goals, 6 assists. The Red Wings probably wouldn't mind having Smith back, but he's likely going to get a longer term, and more money, than the Red Wings would be willing to give.

7. Michael Del Zotto, defenseman, Philadelphia: Age: 27. 6 goals, 12 assists. A pretty good offensive defenseman who struggles in the defensive zone, it wouldn't be shocking to see him settle on a one-year deal with a team like the Red Wings.

8. Trevor Daley, defenseman, Pittsburgh: Age: 33. 5 goals, 14 assists. Definitely slowing down, and many scouts don't feel like he's a top-4 defenseman anymore, but will land somewhere after a good showing in the playoffs for Pittsburgh.

9. Brian Boyle, forward, Toronto: Age: 32. 13 goals, 12 assists. Age is becoming a factor, but few are better on faceoffs and penalty kill. Had a great relationship in Tampa, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him land back with the Lightning.

10. Ryan Miller, goaltender, Vancouver. Age: 36. 2.80 GAA, .914 SVS. The East Lansing native showed the last two seasons he can still be a No. 1 goalie. Whether Miller gets an opportunity to show that further will be interesting to see this summer.

11. Sam Gagner, forward, Columbus: Age: 27. 18 goals, 32 assists. Another one of those cases where a player finally seems to have found the perfect fit – and now is going to look for greener pastures. Gagner was a pleasant surprise for the Blue Jackets.

12. Justin Williams, forward, Washington: Age: 35. 24 goals, 24 assists. Williams is at the point of his career where he'll latch on only with a Stanley Cup contender – and likely will help its chances of winning it. Still possesses knack for scoring key goals.

13. Drew Stafford, forward, Boston: Age: 31. 8 goals, 13 assists. Don't be surprised if the Bruins and Stafford work something out in the days ahead. Acquired at the trade deadline from Winnipeg, Stafford did a good job in Boston and fit well in their scheme.

14. Thomas Vanek, forward, Florida: Age: 33. 17 goals, 31 assists. Do the Red Wings really want to re-visit this situation? Vanek played well for them last season, but bringing him on again for a season might be asking for too much.

15. Radim Vrbata, forward, Arizona: Age: 36. 20 goals, 35 assists. A veteran who knows how to score goals and doesn't break the bank. Some contender would be wise to sign him on a short-term deal.

16. Mike Condon, goaltender, Ottawa: Age: 27. 2.48 GAA, .914 SVS. Did an outstanding job backing up in Ottawa last season, and the Senators want Condon back. But he might get a pay raise on the free-agent market.

17. Steve Mason, goaltender, Philadelphia: Age: 29. 2.66 GAA, .908 SVS. It's a bit surprising the Flyers didn't work something out with Mason, who has done a steady job for them. Should be able to land a good deal for himself somewhere.

18. Brian Elliott, goaltender, Calgary: Age: 32. 2.55 GAA. .910 SVS. Things didn't work out well in Calgary for much of the season and playoffs. But Elliott is trusted enough around the league that he'll wind up somewhere and figures to do a decent job.

19. Martin Hanzal, forward, Minnesota: Age: 30. 20 goals, 19 assists. Minnesota overpaid for Hanzal at the trade deadline and he didn't come close to being the final piece in a playoff run. He likely cost himself money on the free-agent market.

20. Dan Girardi, defenseman, N.Y. Rangers: Age: 33. 4 goals, 11 assists. The Rangers bought Girardi out of his contract after two declining seasons. Will likely have to settle on a one-year deal somewhere to show he still has something left (Red Wings?).

21. Kris Versteeg, forward, Calgary: Age: 31. 15 goals, 22 assists. Versteeg is getting up there in age, but for what likely will be the price you pay him, you can do a lot worse. He’s proven to be a solid pro over the years and puts up decent offensive numbers.

22. Patrick Sharp, forward, Dallas: Age: 35. 8 goals, 10 assists. Age is catching up, and Sharp has also been injury prone the past few seasons. Could land one more short-term deal with a contender.

23. Jordan Weal, forward, Philadelphia: Age: 25. 8 goals, 4 assists. The Flyers want to keep this promising forward, who showed unexpected offense last season, but it appears Weal could be headed to his hometown of Vancouver.

24. Dmitry Kulikov, defenseman, Buffalo: Age: 26. 2 goals, 3 assists. His stock is way down currently after a poor season in Buffalo, but Kulikov is still really young and some team could wind up with a shrewd steal.