Can the Winnipeg Jets find the next Mathieu Perreault on July 1?

That’s the multi-million dollar question as the opening bell of free agency is set to sound on July 1 at 11 a.m. CT.

Perreault wasn’t a big fish in the free agency pond, but he proved to be one of the best value additions from the summer class of 2014.

The numbers (18 goals, 41 points in 62 games) were impressive enough, as Perreault was on pace to shatter career highs for both goals and points before a high-ankle sprain put him on the shelf for an extended period of time.

But it was the versatility that Perreault brought and the competitiveness he played with that enhanced his overall value.

Originally brought on board to be the third-line centre, Perreault made a seamless transition to left wing, spent much of the campaign on the top two lines, and was a major contributor to the power play, all for the reasonable price of $3 million per season on a three-year term.

While the Jets’ focus remains on trying to take care of their own free agents first, being able to bring another Perreault-type of player on board is important for a franchise trying to build on its first playoff appearance since 2007.

At this point, it seems almost certain the Jets won’t be able to bring back both Drew Stafford and Michael Frolik.

Stafford seems like a better bet, depending on how things went during the interview period for both players.

As it stands, 2014 first-rounder Nikolaj Ehlers will be given every opportunity to be on the opening-day roster but he won’t be handed a job in the top six. That’s something he’ll have to earn with a strong training camp.

Ducks winger Matt Beleskey is coming off a career-best 22-goal season and plays with the physical force the Jets covet, but the price tag of $5 million or higher on a multi-year deal likely keeps them out of that bidding war.

If the Jets miss out on both Stafford and Frolik, then all bets are off and chances are good they’ll have to pay someone more than the $4.75 per season Carl Soderberg got from the Colorado Avalanche earlier this week.

The Jets won’t be looking for a goalie in free agency and things look pretty set on the back end as well, though Adam Pardy is a candidate to be brought back on a one-year deal.

With that in mind, here are six forwards who could be of interest to the Jets on July 1 (age in brackets):

Shawn Matthias LW/C Vancouver Canucks (27)

Finished tied for third in goals on club last season with 18, Matthias has the versatility the Jets like as he’s a winger who could slide over to centre when he needs to. Hit double-digits in goals in four NHL seasons.

Patrick Eaves RW Dallas Stars (31)

While he’s had some injury concerns in the past, Eaves has the ability to play up and down the lineup and is a very smart player. Had 14 goals and 27 points in 47 games last season, would bolster the third line and could eat up some of the penalty-killing minutes if Frolik goes elsewhere. Has five double-digit goal-scoring seasons and put up 20 for the Ottawa Senators back in 2005-06.

Curtis Glencross LW Washington Capitals (33)

Had 13 goals and 35 points split between the Capitals and Calgary Flames last season. He’s from Saskatchewan and has put together seven consecutive double-digit goal-scoring seasons — including back-to-back campaigns of 20-plus in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Blake Comeau LW Pittsburgh Penguins (29)

Has three double-digit seasons of goal scoring on his resume, including 16 goals and 31 points last season. Another Saskatchewan product that plays with an edge.

Daniel Winnik LW/C Pittsburgh Penguins (30)

Coming off a season that saw him produce nine goals and a career-high 34 points in 79 games with the Penguins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Strong penalty killer who is competitive and versatile.

James Sheppard C/LW New York Rangers (27)

A first-round choice (ninth overall) of the Minnesota Wild in 2006, Sheppard hasn’t reached his potential in the NHL yet, but he had three productive seasons playing under Jets assistant Pascal Vincent with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles of the QMJHL. Perhaps a reunion could bring out the best in Sheppard.

ken.wiebe@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @WiebeSunSports