NHL free agent class of 2017

By Brendan Savage | bsavage@mlive.com

There will be plenty of players available, both of the inexpensive and high-priced variety, when NHL free agency opens Saturday, July 1.

The Detroit Red Wings expect to be active but they won't have much money to spend so there's no telling who they might be able to land barring any trades or other player moves late this week. Although they're unlikely to sign a forward given the salary cap space they have available only time will tell what GM Ken Holland will do. And although a goalie is highly unlikely, we've included a couple of the top netminders who will be on the market.

The Red Wings' needs are many since they missed the playoffs this year for the first time in 26 seasons. In alphabetical order, here's a look at some of the top free agents that are expected to hit the market barring any last-minute agreements with their current teams.

Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

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Karl Alzner

Position: Defense | Age: 28

2016-17 team: Washington | Salary: $2.8 million

Statistics: 82 Gm, 3 G, 10 A, 28 PIM, plus-23

Three must reads:

Karl Alzner interested in Canadiens

Karl Alzner doesn't sign with Golden Knights during three-day window

Report: Blackhawks interested in Alzner

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Nick Bonino

Position: Center | Age: 29

2016-17 team: Pittsburgh | Cap hit: $2.1 million

Statistics: 80 Gm, 18 G, 19 A, 16 PIM, minus-5

Three must reads:

Nick Bonino and Trevor Dailey are key dominoes for Penguins in free agency

'Pretty good interest' in Pens' UFAs could complicate free agency

Bonino 'an inspiring guy' for these Penguins

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Brian Boyle

Position: Center | Age: 32

2016-17 team: Toronto-Tampa Bay | Salary: $2 million

Statistics: 75 Gm, 13 G, 12 A, 66 PIM, plus-3

Three must reads:

Brian Boyle says returning to Lightning 'a huge option'

Lightning free agency: Yes on Boyle, no on Shattenkirk

Leafs' Boyle in wait-and-see approach at free agency approaches

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Brian Campbell

Position: Defense | Age: 38

2016-17 team: Chicago | Salary: $1.5 million

Statistics: 80 Gm, 5 G, 12 A, 24 PIM, plus-12

Three must reads:

Making case for return of Brian Campbell to Chicago

Days as Stanley Cup contenders drawing to close for Blackhawks

Brian Campbell, family visits Santa Claus

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Trevor Daley

Position: Defense | Age: 33

2016-17 team: Pittsburgh | Salary: $2.7 million

Statistics: 56 Gm, 5 G, 14 A, 37 PIM, plus-7

Three must reads:

Nick Bonino and Trevor Daley key dominoes for Penguins entering free agency

Trevor Daley on emotions of winning Stanley Cup after last year's knee injury

Penguins have holes to fill as free agency approaches

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Michael Del Zotto

Position: Defense | Age: 27

2016-17 team: Philadelphia | Salary: $4 million

Statistics: 51 Gm, 6 G, 12 A, 28 PIM, minus-5

Three must reads:

Looks likes end of the road in Philly for Michael Del Zotto

Michael Del Zotto talks DJing, making mixes for teammates

Michael Del Zotto on trade watch as deadline nears

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Brian Elliott

Position: Goalie | Age: 32

2016-17 team: Calgary | Cap hit: $2.7 million

Statistics: 49 Gm, 26-18-3, 2.55 GAA, .910 save%

Three must reads:

Should Blues bring back Brian Elliott?

Flyers lookin for goalie in thin free-agent market

Does Winnipeg want Brian Elliott

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Mike Fisher

Position: Center | Age: 37

2016-17 team: Nashville | Salary: $4 million

Statistics: 72 Gm, 18 G, 24 A, 55 PIM, plus-1

Three must reads:

Mike Fisher considering retirement after 17 seasons

Mike Fisher, Carrie Underwood spur Predators success on and off ice

Mike Fisher not ready to make decision about future

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Cody Franson

Position: Defense | Age: 29

2016-17 team: Buffalo | Salary: $2.6 million

Statistics: 68 Gm, 3 G, 16 A, 34 PIM, minus-5

Three must reads:

Maple Leafs should bring back Cody Franson

Cody Franson profile

Cody Franson report card

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Dan Girardi

Position: Defense | Age: 33

2016-17 team: Rangers | Salary: $6 million

Statistics: 63 Gm, 4 G, 11 A, 16 PIM, plus-8

Three must reads:

Rangers buying out Dan Girardi's contract

Why Dan Girardi will always be considered Rangers royalty

Girardi's departure from NY draws the end of an NHL era even closer

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Ron Hainsey

Position: Defense | Age: 36

2016-17 team: Pittsburgh-Carolina | Salary: $2.5 million

Statistics: 72 Gm, 4 G, 13 A, 21 PIM, minus-8

Three must reads:

Ron Hainsey calls getting Cup a 'tremendous honor'

Hainsey grateful to get a shot at Stanley Cup

'Pretty good interest' in Pens' free agents could complicate things

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Martin Hanzal

Position: Center | Age: 30

2016-17 teams: Arizona-Minnesota | Cap hit: $3.5 million

Statistics: 71 Gm, 20 G, 19 A, 53 PIM, minus-17

Three must reads:

Wild owner wishes team wouldn't have made Martin Hanzal trade

Possible destinations for Martin Hanzal

Wild pay the moon for Hanzal in trade with Coyotes

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Jaromir Jagr

Position: Right wing | Age: 45

2016-17 team: Florida | Salary: $4 million

Statistics: 82 Gm, 16 G, 30 A, 56 PIM, plus-2

Three must reads:

Panthers hope Jagr returns for 24th season

Should Panthers re-sign Jagr

If money is right, Panthers and Jagr would be perfect fit again

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Dmitry Kulikov

Position: Defense | Age: 26

2016-17 team: Buffalo | Salary: $4.5 million

Statistics: 47 Gm, 2 G, 3 A, 26 PIM, minus-26

Five must reads:

Dmitry Kulikov stuck in Sabres' doghouse

Panthers welcome back Dmitry Kulikov, who is off to rough start with Sabres

Sabres need to move on from Dmitry Kulikov

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Chris Kunitz

Position: Left wing | Age: 37

2016-17 team: Pittsburgh | Salary: $3.55 million

Statistics: 71 Gm, 9 G, 20 A, 36 PIM, even plus-minus

Three must reads:

Chris Kunitz makes history with fourth Stanley Cup

Chris Kunitz continues to stand out for Penguins at 37

Kunitz on top of game in Final

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Andrei Markov

Position: Defense | Age: 38

2016-17 team: Montreal | Salary: $4.25 million

Statistics: 62 Gm, 6 G, 30 A, 16 PIM, plus-18

Three must reads:

Canadiens have holes to fill but first task is dealing with Radulov, Markov

Markov wants two-year deal to stay with Canadiens

Markov seeking $12 million from Montreal

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Patrick Marleau

Position: Center| Age: 37

2016-17 team: San Jose | Salary: $6.5 million

Statistics: 82 Gm, 27 G, 19 A, 28 PIM, plus-4

Three must reads:

Sharks face key decisions with Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton

Jeremy Roenick: Marleau won't be back with Sharks

Sharks GM opens up on contract talks with Marleau, Wilson

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Steve Mason

Position: Goalie | Age: 29

2016-17 team: Philadelphia | Cap hit: $4.1 million

Statistics: 58 Gm, 26-21-8, 2.66 GAA, .908 save%

Three must reads:

Flyers free-agent goalie fits: Steve Mason

Steve Mason 'still in the mix' to be Flyers' goalie

Steve Mason's career with Flyers appears to have ended

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Ryan Miller

Position: Goalie | Age: 36

2016-17 team: Vancouver | Salary: $6 million

Statistics: 54 Gm, 18-29-6 record, 2.80 GAA, .914 save%

Three must reads:

Ryan Miller likely to sign in Anaheim

Canucks are thinking one-year, incentive-laden deal for Miller

Flyers looking for goalie in thin free-agent market

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Johnny Oduya

Position: Defense | Age: 35

2016-17 team: Dallas-Chicago | Salary: $3.75 million

Statistics: 52 Gm, 2 G, 7 A, 18 PIM, minus-4

Three must reads:

Blackhawks swing deal to bring back Johnny Oduya

How Blackhawks already won Johnny Oduya trade

Oduya feeling more up to speed with Blackhawks

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Alexander Radulov

Position: Right wing | Age: 30

2016-17 team: Montreal | Salary: $5.75 million

Statistics: 76 Gm, 18 G, 36 A, 62 PIM, plus-10

Three must reads:

Canadiens' first task is dealing with Alex Radulov, Andrei Markov

Is long-term deal for Radulov worth it?

Report: Habs offer Radulov three-year deal

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Patrick Sharp

Position: Left wing | Age: 35

2016-17 team: Dallas | Salary: $5 million

Statistics: 48 Gm, 8 G, 10 A, 31 PIM, minus-22

Three must reads:

Patrick Sharp has 'zero chance' of returning to Blackhawks this summer

Ripple effect of Patrick Sharp trade still felt by Blackhawks two years later

Patrick Sharp 'back to normal' after dealing with concussion symptoms

Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

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Kevin Shattenkirk

Position: Defense | Age: 28

2016-17 teams: St. Louis-Washington | Salary: $5.2 million

Statistics: 80 Gm, 13 G, 43 A, 47 PIM, minus-7

Three must reads:

Lightning among early suitors for Kevin Shattenkirk

Lightning shifts search for defense to free agency

Sabres reportedly interested in Shattenkirk

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Brendan Smith

Position: Defense | Age: 28

2016-17 teams: Red Wings-Rangers | Salary: $3.25 million

Statistics: 51 Gm, 3 G, 6 A, 63 PIM, plus-1

Three must reads:

Rangers, Brendan Smith trying to get this done

Should Rangers re-sign the imposing Brendan Smith

What to do with Brendan Smith

Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

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Drew Stafford

Position: Right wing | Age: 31

2016-17 team: Boston-Winnipeg | Salary: $4.35 million

Statistics: 58 Gm, 8 G, 13 A, 24 PIM, plus-6

Three must reads:

Bruins should re-sign Drew Stafford under right circumstances

Drew Stafford gives Bruins options on the wing

Drew Stafford readies for Bruins debut

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Michael Stone

Position: Defense | Age: 27

2016-17 team: Calgary-Arizona | Salary: $4 million

Statistics: 64 Gm, 3 G, 12 A, 20 PIM, plus-5

Three must reads:

Flames open to re-signing Michael Stone

Stone's production stunted by injury

Flames land Michael Stone from Coyotes

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Joe Thornton

Position: Center | Age: 37

2016-17 team: San Jose | Salary: $6.75 million

Statistics: 79 Gm, 7 G, 43 A, 51 PIM, plus-7

Three must reads:

Joe Thornton hears from multiple teams prior to free agency opening

Should Blues take a run at Thornton

Would Bruins bring Thornton back to Boston?

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Thomas Vanek

Position: Left wing | Age: 33

2016-17 teams: Florida-Detroit | Salary: $2.6 million

Statistics: 68 Gm, 17 G, 32 A, 22 PIM, minus-5

Three must reads:

Red Wings' Ken Holland on Vanek trade: 'We did the best we could'

Thomas Vanek: 'No bitter feelings' toward Wild

Panthers should move on from Thomas Vanek

Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com

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Radim Vrbata

Position: Right wing | Age: 36

2016-17 team: Arizona | Salary: $1 million

Statistics: 81 Gm, 20 G, 35 A, 16 PIM, minus-18

Three must reads:

Vrbata decides he wants to keep playing

Arizona fitting backdrop for Vrbata's 1,000th game

Coyotes don't trade Vrbata, Shane Doan before deadline

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Justin Williams

Position: Right wing | Age: 35

2016-17 team: Washington | Salary: $3.25 million

Statistics: 80 Gm, 24 G, 24 A, 50 PIM, plus-14

Three must reads:

Caps re-sign RFA Brett Connolly; unlikely to retain UFAs

Four potential targets for Carolina

Justin Williams wants to return to Caps but knows it's not that simple

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Looking back at Red Wings 2016 free agent signings

The Red Wings signed three players via free agency a year ago. They added Frans Nielsen from the New York Islanders, Thomas Vanek after he was bought out by Minnesota and Steve Ott from St. Louis. Nielsen is still with the Red Wings -- he has a no-movement clause -- but Vanek and Ott were dealt before the trade deadline. The Red Wings also signed two of their own free agents last year when they inked Darren Helm and Alexey Marchenko.

Photo by Mike Mulholland | MLive.com