With Ilya Kovalchuk off board, an updated ranking of the top 15 potential unrestricted free agents

Kevin Allen | USA TODAY

DALLAS — The Los Angeles Kings got a jump on the NHL’s free agency signing period by persuading Ilya Kovalchuk, 35, to agree to a three-year contract worth $6.25 million per season.

In Kovalchuk, the Kings add a player known for his explosive scoring ability. The Russian winger has scored 417 NHL goals, but hasn’t played in the league since 2012-13. Since then, he has been a dominant performer in the Kontinental Hockey League, recording 31 goals and 63 points in 53 games last season.

No winger available in the free agent market, or the trade market, can match Kovalchuk’s game-breaking ability even in his mid-30s.

Kovalchuk made it clear this season he wanted to return to the NHL, and his ability was further advertised when he played a major role in helping Russian athletes win the Olympic Gold medal last February.

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The Kings didn't need to wait until July 1 because Kovalchuk had no recent NHL contract.

His signing could open up the trade market because many teams were waiting to see if they landed Kovalchuk before trading. This likely means that Carolina will likely soon trade Jeff Skinner and it might give Montreal more suitors for Max Pacioretty.

Now that Kovalchuk is off the list, here is USA TODAY Sports’ list of top potential free agents:

1. Center John Tavares: With Lou Lamoriello now GM of the New York Islanders and Barry Trotz signed as coach, Tavares is expected to stay with the team.

Players usually appreciate Lamoriello’s no-nonsense style and Trotz’s coaching approach. Tavares knows Lamoriello’s history and saw what Trotz did in Washington.

Tavares will explore the marketplace, and the St. Louis Blues, San Jose Sharks, Montreal Canadiens, Nashville Predators, Toronto Maple Leafs, and even the Golden Knights, are possible destinations. Tavares is a franchise center who will command the most lucrative contract this summer. Best fit: Return to Islanders.

2. Defenseman John Carlson: Washington traded Brooks Orpik and Philipp Grubauer to clear cap space to re-sign Carlson, a key contributor to its Stanley Cup run. GM Brian MacLellan said he is close to an agreement with Carlson. Best fit: Return to Capitals. Signed: Capitals (Eight years, $64 million).

3. Left wing James van Riemsdyk: Would bet Lamoriello is interested. Expect the New Jersey Devils to be in the hunt. The Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers? Half of the NHL could come calling.

Van Riemsdyk scored 36 goals last season, and he has essentially been a 30-goal for the past five seasons. Best fit: Devils. He was born in Middletown, N.J., and the Devils need more scoring depth.

4. Center Paul Stastny: He’s an ideal two-way No. 2 center. The Winnipeg Jets would probably like to re-sign him, but he likely could earn more on the open market. Best fit: Canadiens. They desperately need more proven centers.

5. Goalie Carter Hutton: With the Islanders and Hurricanes still looking for starting goalies and several teams looking for a backup, Hutton should be a hot commodity. He’s not going to command a huge contract.

For him, it could come down to the opportunity to play more. He has always been considered a strong backup goalie. Could he thrive if given more starts? He posted a .931 save percentage last season and owns seven shutouts over the past two seasons (62 games). Best fit: Hurricanes. Should be hungry to see if he can be a No. 1.

6. Left wing James Neal: It’s mildly surprising that he hasn’t re-signed in Las Vegas because he would like to stay there. He’s one of the team leaders. It still could get done.

He would be popular if he enters the market because he’s a consistent scorer. He has scored 20 or more in all 10 of his seasons. Best fit: Return to Golden Knights.

7. Defenseman Mike Green: While the Red Wings are rebuilding, they would love to have him back. He was their best defenseman. He likes Detroit. But the Red Wings won’t give him a longer deal. Best fit: Return to Red Wings.

8. Left wing Thomas Vanek: It feels as if half the NHL has Vanek penciled in as their Plan B option. He’s a smart, likable, offensive player who can give a team a boost in scoring.

Every team can find room for him. For Vanek, it will come down to term. Who will give him multiple years? He’s up a few spots on the list because he could be a value player -- offering offense for a reasonable price. Best fit: Hurricanes. Even after trading for Elias Lindholm, the Flames need help on offense.

9. Left wing Rick Nash: Not the player he once was. But at the right price, he’s still a valuable piece as a 20-goal scorer. The Canadiens should be interested. Best fit: Columbus Blue Jackets. He was very popular when he played there before. The Blue Jackets could use more secondary scoring.

10. Left wing David Perron: With 66 points, Perron is coming off his best season. He’s 30. With so many teams looking for offense, he should have options. Best fit: Canadiens. The Canadiens need to spice up their offense.

11. Center Tyler Bozak: Proven 40-50 point forward. Good on faceoffs. Could be a nice addition for a contending team. Best fit: St. Louis Blues. Could fill the hole created by Stastny's departure at last year's trade deadline.

12. Right wing Michael Grabner: It’s a speed league, and Grabner can fly. Scored 52 goals over two seasons with the Rangers. Best fit: Vancouver Canucks. Younger Canucks could use a veteran who can provide secondary scoring

13. Left wing Patrick Maroon: Offers size, strength, grit and goals. He’s 6-3. Will have multiple options. Best fit: Return to Devils.

14. Defenseman Ian Cole: A veteran defenseman with Stanley Cup rings, Cole can help several teams. The Devils seem like an intriguing option. How about the Colorado Avalanche? Best fit: Buffalo Sabres. Need a veteran defenseman who can help develop a winning culture.

15. Center Jay Beagle: Can win big faceoffs and play against top players. He’s hard to play against. Understands his role. Best fit: Golden Knights. Coach Gerard Gallant would appreciate his ability.