Capitals' Mike Green leads NHL's free agent targets

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY Sports

The New York Rangers are trying to figure out how to beat Mike Green in the playoffs, while other NHL teams are trying to figure out how to persuade the Washington Capitals defenseman to join them.

Offensive-minded Green is among the more intriguing players available in this summer's free agent marketplace. Only eight teams are still alive in the NHL playoffs, and the other 22 are already formulating their free agent strategy.

Green might top the list because several teams are seeking a puck-moving defenseman, including the Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and Colorado Avalanche.

Green's positives include that he is 29 and is a right-hand shot. Coach Barry Trotz kept his ice time manageable this season, and Green responded by playing well defensively while netting 10 goals and 45 points.

Other intriguing potential free agents:

2. Right wing Drew Stafford (Winnipeg Jets): He recorded 19 points in 26 games after being traded to Winnipeg from the Buffalo Sabres.

If you project that over an entire season, that's about 27 goals and 57 points. His late offensive push reminded the hockey world that he once was a 31-goal scorer for Buffalo.

At 29, he is far from over the hill. Maybe Stafford's statistical decline in Buffalo was more about the team than his ability.

Wouldn't he be a good fit to play with Evgeni Malkin on the Pittsburgh Penguins?

3. Center Carl Soderberg (Boston Bruins): He's 6-3 and has averaged 46 points a season over the past two seasons.

He would be a good fit for the Arizona Coyotes or even the Chicago Blackhawks if they can find the cap space. He should have plenty of options.

4. Center Antoine Vermette (Blackhawks): Although Vermette didn't perform at a high level after his trade to Chicago (three points in 19 games), he remains the most appealing center because he can win faceoffs and check in addition to contributing points.

After starting the playoffs as a healthy scratch, Vermette played much better once he was reinserted into the lineup. He was plus 5 after six games.

Don't rule out Vermette returning to Arizona, where he was an effective player.

5. Center Mike Ribeiro (Nashville Predators): Considering the Predators gave him a second chance, it would seem likely Ribeiro would want to re-sign there.

He played quite well for coach Peter Laviolette. He's ideally suited to be a No. 2 center, a skilled player who can make a play even if there appears to be no room.

6. Left wing Matt Beleskey (Anaheim Ducks): With every team in the NHL looking to improve its secondary scoring, Beleskey's 22 regular-season goals are attractive. He had two more goals in Anaheim's first six playoff games.

He's 26, meaning a new team could be buying the best years of Beleskey's career.

His popularity in the marketplace will depend on his asking price. Teams will be less interested in him if he is looking to be paid like a star.

7. Defenseman Paul Martin (Penguins): Martin is 34, so his prime seasons might be behind him. But he is still viewed as solid, dependable and comfortable playing in a puck-possession system.

He isn't an elite offensive player, but he can push the puck up the ice.

8. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (Penguins): The Penguins expected more from him this season.

Undermined by injury, he had 14 points in 49 games.

Ehrhoff, 32, is a veteran offensive defenseman who can help a team's power play and transition game. He always has been an effective defender.

Although Ehrhoff missed 33 games this season, he has been durable during his career. He had missed four games total over his two previous seasons.

9. Defenseman Jeff Petry (Montreal Canadiens): After moving over from the Oilers, Petry, 27, played well enough to improve his stock.

The 6-3 right-handed shot has offensive upside.

Petry has 315 games of NHL experience and seems to be improving.

10. Center Eric Fehr (Capitals): He's 6-4 and scored 19 goals this season.

He is out with a shoulder injury, but the Capitals are hoping to have him back soon.

A strong playoff performance could help Fehr become even more marketable.

PHOTOS: Top 10 NHL free agents