Detroit News top NHL free agents

1. John Tavares, C, N.Y. Islanders: The best available player who could reach the market – by far - although the Islanders are likely to re-sign the star forward. An interesting option could be his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs, who could concoct an interesting financial package.

2. James van Riemsdyk, LW, Toronto: The best player in the NHL within 5 feet of the net. He scored a career-high 36 goals, a testament to his ability around the net. None of the other areas of his game really stand out, but van Riemsdyk sure knows how to score goals.

3. Paul Stastny, C, Winnipeg: The Jets are going to try really hard to re-sign Stastny, but the salary cap will make it difficult. Stasny would be a great fit with any number of playoff teams looking for a quality center.

4. Rick Nash, LW, Boston: He’s 34 now, and has battled some concussion issues. There’s mileage on Nash’s tires. But on the right fit – maybe Boston, or back to where it started in Columbus – Nash can have a positive impact.

5. James Neal, LW, Vegas: Neal scored 25 goals – he could probably do that in his sleep – but he’s 30 years old and there is a concern he could drop off soon. But with his size (6-foot-2, 220 pounds) and reach, some team will give him a multi-year deal.

6. David Perron, LW, Vegas: Another 30-year-old winger who was re-energized in Vegas, Perron had 50 assists (66 points) in 70 games. With Tomas Tatar waiting for a regular spot in the lineup, either Perron or James Neal (or both) are likely headed elsewhere.

7. Jack Johnson, D, Columbus: This burly defenseman – a former Michigan Wolverine – fell out of favor with the Blue Jackets. At 31, Johnson still plays a physical game, takes care of things defensively, and will find a home somewhere.

8. Mike Green, D, Detroit: Green’s season ended early in March because of neck surgery, but he’ll be ready to go for training camp. A team knows what it’s getting with Green – impressive offensive skills, questionable defense. Still, he’s likely to get a three-year contract from someone – maybe, even the Wings.

9. Michal Kempny, D, Washington: An underrated acquisition at the trade deadline, Kempny has earned himself a nice raise after a really good playoff run. He looked uncomfortable and average in Chicago, but found a system that utilized him correctly in Washington.

10. Thomas Vanek, LW, Columbus: Vanek has become one of the NHL’s premier hired guns, signed to one-year contracts and dealt at the trade deadline for playoff teams looking for offensive depth. At 34 you have to think he’s looking for a two- or three-year deal, and maybe in this barren free agent class, he can get it.

11. Ian Cole, D, Columbus: Cole provided quality minutes for the Blue Jackets, and they’d like to re-sign him. But given the lack of quality defensemen in this group, he’ll get a great offer somewhere.

12. Carter Hutton, G, St. Louis: Maybe the most interesting goaltending option on the market, Hutton has never been a No. 1 anywhere, but he’s been a fine backup in St. Louis the past couple of seasons. The Wings have interest in Hutton as a backup, but Carolina or the New York Islanders could offer a starting position.

13. Patrick Maroon, LW, New Jersey: A big power forward who has had flashes of being a productive force, but not enough of them. The feeling is he’ll re-sign with the Devils, where Maroon fit nicely with a younger, ascending roster.

14. Tyler Bozak, C, Toronto: Bozak gets a lot of grief from Maple Leafs fans and media, but he’s provided Toronto with steady production for eight-plus seasons, and he’s the kind of depth the Leafs can’t afford to lose. But very well could.

15. Brooks Orpik, D, Washington: Orpik was traded to Colorado for salary cap reasons, was bought out, and now appears headed back to the Capitals on a new, one-year deal. At 37, Orpik was an important Stanley Cup piece for the Capitals.

16. Valtteri Filppula, C, Philadelphia: Filppula is 34, and his role on the Flyers decreased as the season progressed. But the former Red Wing can be a good professional for a team on and off the ice for another year or two, and a contender is likely to take a chance.

17. John Moore, D, New Jersey: The defenseman has seemingly found a home in New Jersey, and it would be surprising to see Moore leave elsewhere. A complementary piece that fits well with what the Devils are building.

18. Riley Nash, C, Boston: Coming off his best season, scoring 15 goals with 41 points, but the Bruins will not overpay. Many people consider that type of production Nash’s ceiling.

19. Anton Khudobin, G, Boston: Khudobin had one of his best season backing up Tuukka Rask last season. The Wings are interested in Khudobin as a No. 2 to Jimmy Howard, but there will competition from other teams looking for depth in net.

20. Michael Grabner, RW, New Jersey: Grabner resurrected his career with the New York Rangers, was traded to New Jersey at the deadline, and faltered. The speedy winger will have offers, given his ability to score (although the New Jersey experience will leave marks).

21. Jonathan Bernier, G, Colorado: Bernier has re-established himself around the NHL the past two seasons and will have offers come his way next week. The Wings could circle to him if other options don’t come through. He won 19 games in Colorado last season, and helped get the Avalanche into the playoffs.

22. Jay Beagle, C, Washington: A checking, bottom-6 forward who knows his role, doesn’t complain, and does all the dirty work so well. The Capitals would love to keep him, but other teams might make it financially impossible.

23. Cam Ward, G, Carolina: The longtime Hurricane appears headed out the door and, at 34, it’s unclear whether Ward is projected as a starter or backup. Teams will undoubtedly be interested either way.

24. Chris Kunitz, LW, Tampa Bay: Kunitz is 38, but he scored 13 goals for Tampa, and some contender will sign him to a one-year deal. He knows how to win, and he provides an excellent example for younger players.