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Early Predictions For Where the Top 15 NHL Free Agents Will Land in 2016

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15 Early Predictions For Top NHL Free Agents

Although it’s still early in the 2015-16 NHL regular season, the 2016 free-agent class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. From Steven Stamkos, to Anze Kopitar, to Eric Staal, there is seemingly no end to the talent pool in this potential free-agent class. Here’s a look at early predictions for the stacked 2015-16 free agent class.

Although it’s still early in the 2015-16 NHL regular season, the 2016 free-agent class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. From Steven Stamkos, to Anze Kopitar, to Eric Staal, there is seemingly no end to the talent pool in this potential free-agent class. Here’s a look at early predictions for the stacked 2015-16 free agent class.

15. Mikkel Boedker, New York Rangers

15. Mikkel Boedker, New York Rangers

The Rangers lost a key piece to their offense when they traded Carl Hagelin to the Anaheim Ducks. Mikkel Boedker could provide a similar offensive spark to complement their already-talented top-six. Boedker is an underrated young forward and could really flourish on a Stanley Cup contender.

14. Loui Eriksson, Calgary Flames

14. Loui Eriksson, Calgary Flames

Eriksson may not have the elite winger allure he once did, but he still has the talent to be a difference-maker in the offensive zone. The more points he scores this season, the more he will be able to command, but perhaps a team like Calgary is interested in bringing in a veteran forward with top-six ability. Eriksson is a fit.

13. Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings

13. Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings

Justin Abdelkader is a true meat-and-potatoes Red Wings player, a testament to their rugged identity that’s gotten them into the playoffs 24 consecutive seasons. Abdelkader is coming off a career-high 44 points, and there have already been positive contract discussions between both parties. This deal will get done sooner rather than later.

12. Jaromir Jagr, Detroit Red Wings

12. Jaromir Jagr, Detroit Red Wings

Jagr must have a masters in engineering because he’s modeled his career around the concept of a locomotive train, and he just keeps finding a way to keep chugging on. Despite the fact that Jagr will be 44 this coming February, he is in great shape, and the only way he doesn’t play hockey is if he’s dead or fighting nagging injuries. He truly is one of the best ever.

11. Jiri Hudler, New Jersey Devils

11. Jiri Hudler, New Jersey Devils

Many analysts and people in the know will tell you that Jiri Hudler is one of the most underrated players in all of the NHL. He was a big reason why the Calgary Flames shocked the hockey world last season and made it into the second round of the playoffs. If the Flames continue to underperform this season, Hudler may be moved in-season, and then left to test the free-agent market.

10. Cam Ward, Calgary Flames

10. Cam Ward, Calgary Flames

There’s no argument that the Calgary Flames have had to deal with a mess in between the pipes. Cam Ward could benefit from a fresh start with a team that's on the rise and shown that they are capable of competing for the Stanley Cup. Ward is off to a good start this season. He’s fully aware that he’s auditioning for his last big cash-in, but there’s still enough left in Ward’s tank.

9. Keith Yandle, Boston Bruins

9. Keith Yandle, Boston Bruins

A Boston native, Yandle may be at odds with this decision. Would he like to go home but miss the playoffs? I think the Bruins can retool quickly and make the playoffs, but it will still be a few more years for them to be true Stanley Cup contenders. Still, Zdeno Chara is in the swan song of his career, and the Bruins would like to have a veteran leader to complement rising star Torey Krug.

8. Milan Lucic, Vancouver Canucks

8. Milan Lucic, Vancouver Canucks

Although Milan Lucic is a perfect fit in Los Angeles, the Kings may have to let the big physical winger walk as they have other fish to fry, i.e. Anze Kopitar. Lucic has publicly stated that he has dreamed of playing in Vancouver, and I'm almost 100 percent certain if the Canucks offered Lucic a contract, he would sign it.

7. David Backes, Philadelphia Flyers

7. David Backes, Philadelphia Flyers

The St. Louis Blues have already shown that they’re ready to move in a different direction when they traded away All-Star forward T.J. Oshie last offseason. If this trend continues, long-time Blue David Backes may be on his way out next. Backes is a great two-way forward and still has a lot of hockey left in the tank. Although the Flyers have made awful free agent-decisions in the past, Backes would be a perfect fit in Philadelphia.

6. Dustin Byfuglien, Anaheim Ducks

6. Dustin Byfuglien, Anaheim Ducks

There’s still plenty of time for the Ducks to salvage this season, however, the team has a few holes it will likely want to address in the offseason. One of those needs is a top-flight defenseman. Since the departure of Francios Beachumin, the Ducks seem incapable of replacing him, especially on the offensive side of things. Byfuglien will provide offense and a strong veteran presence.

5. Kyle Okposo, Minnesota Wild

5. Kyle Okposo, Minnesota Wild

Kyle Okposo, a Minnesota native, would be a perfect fit in the Wild’s system. With Jason Pominville slowly aging out, now would be the perfect time to replace him. Although Okposo is probably one of the more streaky offensive players in all of the league, the right winger would be a welcome fit in the land of 10,000 lakes. The only question here would be Minnesota’s willingness to spend money on a player the caliber of Okposo.

4. Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg Jets

4. Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg Jets

Both Ladd and Dustin Byfuglien are big pieces to the puzzle in Winnipeg. While I don’t think the team will be willing or able to re-sign both, I do believe the team would like to at least keep one. Byfuglien will likely command more on the open market, and Winnipeg can’t afford to lose their two biggest locker room leaders. Ladd stays the captain in Winnipeg.

3. Eric Staal, Nashville Predators

3. Eric Staal, Nashville Predators

I know Nashville isn’t known for their free agency spending, but Eric Staal makes a ton of sense for this team. The Predators desperately crave a true No. 1 center. Staal could provide the stability on offense that has eluded the team and cost them in the postseason. The pieces are in place for the Predators; now it’s time to take the next step.

2. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

2. Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

Anze Kopitar’s value to the Kings is almost immeasurable. The All-Star two-way forward was the centerpiece player for both of the Kings' Stanley Cup titles, and I don’t believe this team can even compete for another without the Slovenian center. He’ll probably receive a deal that averages .2 million annually, and he’s worth every penny.

1. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

1. Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

As with Anze Kopitar, Steven Stamkos is a franchise player. He’s got the skill set that you can build a championship team around. The Lightning will have some roster decisions to make, but unless Stamkos wants out of Tampa, there’s no legitimate reason the Lightning would want to let go of a player the caliber of Stamkos.

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