Kevin Allen

USA TODAY Sports

USA TODAY Sports hockey columnist Kevin Allen offers his top 25 unrestricted free agents expected to be available on July 1:

1. Defenseman Matt Niskanen (Pittsburgh Penguins): The defenseman pool is shallow, and Niskanen, 27, is coming off a breakthrough season. He's a puck mover and has improved his defensive play. With the Philadelphia Flyers' Andrew MacDonald signing for $5 million a season, Niskanen's expectations might start at $5.5 million and move upward. The Penguins want to re-sign him, and he likes it in Pittsburgh. He'll have to decide whether he wants to swing with all of his might or take slightly less to stay with the Penguins.. Where he signed: Seven years, $40.25 million with Washington.

2. Jarome Iginla (Boston Bruins): He is aging (37 on July 1), but he's tough, physical and still skilled enough to score 30 goals if surrounded with high-quality players. The Minnesota Wild have talked to him. Where he signed: Three years, $16 million with Colorado.

3. Center Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche): With several teams looking for centers and/or skilled offensive players, he will be sought after. In addition to being a high-quality playmaker, he's exceptional on faceoffs and strong defensively. The Avalanche should make every effort to re-sign him. Where he signed: Four years, $28 million with St. Louis.

4. Left wing Jussi Jokinen (Pittsburgh): The Penguins will miss him if they don't re-sign him. He was an effective player after they landed him from the Carolina Hurricanes last spring. He's better than you think. Where he signed: Four years, $16 million with Florida.

5. Left wing Matt Moulson (Minnesota Wild): You know what you will get from Moulson: He's a 24- to 30-goal scorer, and he should be good for 50 points. Where he signed: Five years, $25 million with Buffalo.

6. Left wing Thomas Vanek (Montreal): He will have his share of suitors because of his history as a highly productive scorer. But his lack of playoff production for the Canadiens is worrisome. Where he signed: Three years, $19.5 million with Minnesota.

7. Defenseman Dan Boyle (New York Islanders): The Islanders acquired his rights so they could talk to him before he becomes a free agent, but he is expected to enter the market. Many teams are looking for puck-handling defensemen, including the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers. Where he signed: Two years, $9 million with New York Rangers.

8. Center Brian Boyle (New York Rangers): Good role players are difficult to find, and Boyle is a big man who can win a faceoff, check and play physical. He's exactly the kind of player the Penguins are seeking. Where he signed: Three years, $6 million with Tampa Bay.

9. Center Steve Ott (St. Louis Blues): The feisty, competitive agitator plays a sound defensive game and chips in a goal now and then. He's perfect for a team seeking an edgier look for the playoffs.

10. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (Buffalo Sabres): On the right team, he could be a 40- to 50-point defenseman. He would also be a plus-defenseman on a good team. Where he signed: One year, $4 million with Pittsburgh.

11. Left wing Mike Cammalleri (Calgary Flames): Although not as quick as he once was, he can find the net with some frequency. He is a high-quality option for teams looking for scoring. Where he signed: Five years, $25 million with New Jersey.

12. Goalie Ryan Miller (St. Louis): He is the best available goaltender, but only a few teams are looking for a No. 1 goalie. He would be an attractive option for the Vancouver Canucks. Where he signed: Three years, $18 million with Vancouver.

13. Center Brad Richards (New York Rangers): His quickness isn't what it once was, but he still has offensive instincts. Don't forget that he has 20 goals and 51 points this season. Half of the NHL teams seem to be looking for a center. It won't hurt him financially to be bought out because he likely will get a deal of two or three years at $3.5 million or more. Where he signed: One year, $2 million with Chicago.

14. Defenseman Anton Stralman (Rangers): This would be a tough loss for the Rangers because he played well during the playoffs. He is a dependable performer and he won't break your budget. He could have a strong collection of interested teams. Where he signed: Five years, $22.5 million with Tampa Bay.

15. Goalie Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils): There is genuine excitement about having this future Hall of Famer in the marketplace. No one expects him to be the Brodeur of old. But he is an appealing backup or insurance policy.

16. Center David Legwand (Detroit): He's a 40- to 50-point guy with skating ability and defensive savvy. He could have value if you are not counting on him to be a go-to goal scorer. Where he signed: Two years, $6 million with Ottawa.

17. Defenseman Willie Mitchell (Los Angeles): With Matt Greene re-signing, the Kings don't have room for Mitchell. He played well in the playoffs and many teams are looking for defensive help. Where he signed: Two years, $8.5 million with Florida.

18. Right wing Brian Gionta (Montreal): The Canadiens might re-sign him, but if they don't, he will have options because of his scoring ability and leadership. Where he signed: Three years, $12.75 million with Buffalo.

19. Right wing Milan Michalek (Ottawa Senators): It is a bit surprising that the Senators haven't re-signed him. His brother plays in Phoenix and that would be a good fit. He has 12 teams interested in him, but the Senators are still in the mix. Where he signed: Three years, $12 million with Ottawa.

20. Center Dave Bolland (Toronto Maple Leafs): He would fit nicely into the No. 2 or No. 3 center role. He can check and contribute some scoring. Where he signed: Five years, $27.5 million with Florida.

21. Left wing Ales Hemsky (Ottawa Senators): The romance of this highly skilled player might be more fun than the reality. But he will be enticing for puck-possession teams or teams needing to upgrade their skill level. Where he signed: Three years, $12 million with Dallas.

22. Left wing Benoit Pouliot (Rangers): His strong playoff showing, which included some important goals, has helped his value. Where he signed: Five years, $20 million with Edmonton.

23. Goalie Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks): If you are looking for a potential starting goalie at a reasonable price, he might be the right guy. It's always dicey for free agent goaltenders because there simply aren't that many goaltending jobs available. Where he signed: Two years, $9 million with Calgary.

24. Left wing Mason Raymond (Toronto Maple Leafs): He had 19 goals this past season and made only $1 million. He's 28. Where he signed: Three years, $9.5 million with Vancouver.

25. Defenseman Kyle Quincey (Detroit Red Wings): With the shortage of defenseman, Quincey will have a number of suitors because he is a relatively inexpensive option. Where he signed: Two years, $8.5 million with Detroit.