NHL free agents 2017: Ranking the top 25 potential UFAs

While general managers may be spending considerable time plotting moves before the March 1, 3 p.m. ET, NHL trade deadline, they are also starting to define their objectives for this summer’s free agent availability.

Here’s our ranking of the top 25 most intriguing potential July 1 unrestricted free agents. Players such as Brian Campbell (expecting him to re-sign in Chicago), Shane Doan and Jarome Iginla (retirement candidates) weren't included.

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1. T.J. Oshie, right wing: Picked a perfect time to uncork the best season of his NHL career. He’s 30 and he’s on a pace to score 34 goals.

2. Kevin Shattenkirk, defenseman: With several contenders looking for a defenseman, he might get $7 million per season. At 28, he’s the only difference-making offensive blueliner available in the market.

3. Ben Bishop, goaltender: You can’t coach someone to be 6-7. That and the fact that he’s been to the Stanley Cup Final make him attractive. The Dallas Stars and Calgary Flames, among others, will have to consider him.

4. Alexander Radulov, right wing: It’s clear that with a creative playmaker, he might score 25-30 goals.

5. Martin Hanzal, center: He’s a 6-6 center who can score 15 goals and match up effectively against any top-line player.

6. Thomas Vanek, right wing: He’s a gifted offensive performer who has impressed the Detroit Red Wings with his hockey IQ. They will attempt to re-sign him.

7. Joe Thornton, center: The assumption is he will return to San Jose. He’s still one of the top passers in the game.

8. San Gagner, center: While it seems as if he’s been around forever, he’s only 27. He’s a skilled player who can help a power play.

9. Brian Boyle, center: A 6-7 checking center who can score 10-15 goals and win faceoffs can be important to championship-caliber teams.

10. Michael Stone, defenseman: Because many teams are looking for a dependable defenseman, Stone’s age (26), size (6-3) and experience (324) make him desirable.

11. Patrick Marleau, left wing: Can still skate and score, two attributes that serve him well in the modern game. Would not be surprising if he finished his career with a team other than San Jose.

12. Justin Williams, right wing: At 35, he is still a 20-goal scorer with a wealth of big-game experience. He’s Mr. Game 7, a man with a history of rising up in do-or-die situations.

13. Patrik Berglund, center/wing: The read on Berglund is that you are always left wanting a little more. But he’s 6-4, and he has scored 17 goals this season.

14. Ryan Miller, goalie: He’s always been a student of his position and that may explain why he has been effective this season at age 36. Miller could be a bridge goalie for a team waiting for a youngster to mature.

15. Karl Alzner, defenseman: He’s hard-edged, durable, reliable and he’s 28. He owns 567 games of NHL experience. What’s not to like?

16. Nick Bonino, center: Was an important contributor to the Penguins’ championship run last spring. Can’t carry a load by himself, but can be an important contributor.

17. Jaromir Jagr, right wing: Best guess is that he will return to Florida, but if he doesn't he still has the hands and drive to help a team’s offense.

18. Radim Vrbata, right wing: The 35-year-old is on pace for 58 points while playing with the Coyotes, the 27th-ranked offense.

19. Dwight King, left wing: He’s a 6-4, 230-pound role player with the potential to score 10-12 goals. You need players like King to be win Stanley Cups.

20. Brendan Smith, defenseman: Good teammate. Prickly. Can move the puck well enough. Has some offensive ability. Downside is he is a risk-taker. Still only 28.

21. Kris Russell, defenseman: At 29, he leads the NHL with an average of three blocked shots per game. Depending upon the strength of a team’s defense, he can play 16-20 minutes per game.

22. Trevor Daley, defenseman: Has proven in Pittsburgh that his skating ability can be a valuable asset.

23. Johnny Oduya, defenseman:  At 35, he is not a long-term contract candidate. But his defensive mindset, championship experience and poise make him marketable.

24. Michael Del Zotto, defenseman: Watching how Justin Schultz’s game has come together in Pittsburgh enhances Del Zotto’s value. He’s only 26.

25. Scott Darling, goalie: Is he this year’s Cam Talbot, a player who is waiting for his chance in his late-20s (28) to be a starting goalie?