If Wings decide to go shopping, here are the NHL’s top 20 free agents

Detroit News

Ted Kulfan
 
| The Detroit News

Here is a list of top 20 unrestricted free agents that are hitting the market at noon Friday, as compiled by Detroit News sports writer Ted Kulfan:

Alex Pietrangelo, defenseman, St. Louis: Excellent player, great captain, just won the Stanley Cup a  year ago. Shocking the two sides couldn’t work something out.

Taylor Hall, left wing, Arizona: Had one MVP season and many others filled with injuries. Some team will sign Hall, cross its fingers, and hope for the best.

Torey Krug, defenseman, Boston: The Livonia native is determined to test the market after a fine career with the Bruins. A return home wouldn’t be shocking, but a bit surprising given the Wings’ rebuild.

Jacob Markstrom, goaltender, Vancouver: Markstrom really broke through this season but the Canucks are cap-strapped and have a great prospect ready.

Tyson Barrie, D, Toronto: Things didn’t work out in Toronto, so Barrie will look to resurrect his career. This offensive defenseman would be a good fit with the Wings.

Mike Hoffman, LW, Florida: A consistent 25- to 30-goal scorer with a lethal shot, Hoffman will find a team somewhere. He may not be paid what he thinks he’ll get, though.

Braden Holtby, G, Washington: Holtby’s statistics have been slipping and many scouts feel he’d be a gamble for most teams.

T.J. Brodie, D, Calgary: The Flames are cap-strapped and likely will be forced to let Brodie go. Another defenseman that would strengthen the Wings.

Evgenii Dadonov, right wing, Florida: An underrated goal-scorer who loves in Florida, the feeling is Dadonov will circle back to the Panthers.

Anton Khudobin, G, Dallas: Khudobin had an outstanding playoffs and he’d like to stay in Dallas. But the Stars have to clear from under the cap.

Corey Crawford, G, Chicago: The two sides officially parted ways Thursday after multiple Stanley Cup victories in Crawford’s career. Will he settle for less than a starter’s job?

Tyler Toffoli, right wing, Vancouver: Toffoli was a great trade deadline acquisition, and he appears to love it in Vancouver, but the Canucks are cap strapped.

More: With NHL’s finances uncertain, Wings among teams taking ‘conservative’ approach to free-agency

Kevin Shattenkirk, D, Tampa Bay: Was a big help in Tampa’s Stanley Cup victory, but there’s little chance the Lightning can afford him given their cap issues.

Travis Hamonic, D, Calgary: Another key Flames defenseman who likely will be forced out because of cap issues.

Sami Vatanen, D, Carolina: A good trade-deadline acquisition, but Hurricanes can’t afford him going forward. Vatanen has helped whatever team he’s been on throughout his career.

Thomas Greiss, G, New York Islanders: Crowded out of the crease in Long Island, Greiss is suited for whatever role he’s given.

Vladislav Namestnikov, center, Colorado: Namestnikov played for Steve Yzerman in Tampa, he has family ties to the area, and he’s been a steady offensive player in his career. Nice fit for Wings.

Wayne Simmonds, RW, Buffalo: Simmonds is 32 and there’s a lot of hard miles on that body. But for a contending team looking for leadership and grit, he’d be a fine acquisition.

Justin Schultz, D, Pittsburgh: Schultz has been a key part of Pittsburgh’s success, but he’s been injury-prone. Can supply offense, though.

Alexander Wennberg, C, Columbus: Bought out Thursday by the Blue Jackets, Wennberg could be a low-cost option for teams looking for depth.

tkulfan@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @tkulfan

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