Top 15 Free Agent Forwards

SI Staff | Jul 2, 2010

Top 15 Free Agent Forwards /

Top 15 Free Agent Forwards

Ilya Kovalchuk, LW

Explosive scorer with 50-goal capability, but a defensive liability and he certainly won't come cheap. 2009-10 stats (Atlanta and New Jersey): 76 GP 41 G 44 A 85 Pts

Teemu Selanne, RW

The greybeard Finn still has some juice left, as evidenced by his 27 goals and nearly point-per-game production last season. 2009-10 stats (Anaheim): 54 GP 27 G 21 A 48 Pts

Ray Whitney, LW

Signed with Phoenix Coyotes (2 years, $6 million) Smart, elusive if undersized 17-year veteran brings some scoring punch and wealth of experience. 2009-10 stats (Carolina): 80 GP 21 G 37 A 58 Pts

Alexander Frolov, LW

Has great size (6-2, 204), but has been dogged by inconsistency during his seven years in Los Angeles. Has topped 30 goals twice, but is sometimes cited for lack of intensity. 2009-10 stats (Los Angeles): 81 GP 19 G 32 A 51 Pts

Matthew Lombardi, C

Signed with Nashville Predators (3 years, $10.5 million) Undersized and speedy, with solid face-off, penalty-killing and playmaking skills. 2009-10 stats (Phoenix): 78 GP 19 G 34 A 53 Pts

Saku Koivu, C

Re-signed with Anaheim Ducks (2 years, $5 million) Slick playmaker whose lack of size is offset by his huge heart. A cancer survivor, Koivu is a respected veteran leader. 2009-10 stats (Ducks): 71 GP 19 G 33 A 52 Pts

Maxim Afinogenov, RW

Blessed with spectacular speed and great moves, but cursed by a maddening knack for blowing scoring chances off the rush. Had a surprisingly productive season for the Thrashers after being punted by Buffalo, where he spent his first nine seasons. 2009-10 stats (Atlanta): 82 GP 24 G 37 A 61 Pts

Lee Stempniak, RW

A trade deadline revelation, the quick, versatile forward scored 14 goals and 18 points in 18 games down the stretch for the Coyotes after coming over from the Leafs. 2009-10 stats (Toronto, Phoenix): 80 GP 28 G 20 A 48 Pts

Vinny Prospal, C

A versatile, veteran playmaking forward with 13 years experience, he's not the flashiest skater and he sometimes gets carried away by his intensity, but he can be a valuable ingredient. 2009-10 stats (NY Rangers): 75 GP 20 G 38 A 58 Pts

Paul Kariya, LW

Savvy veteran still has good hands and quickness, but injuries have taken their toll during the course of his 15 seasons in the NHL. 2009-10 stats (St. Louis): 75 GP 18 G 25 A 43 Pts

Pavol Demitra, C

A quick, versatile playmaker and former All-Star (1999) with a good finishing touch, he has been dogged by injuries during his 16 year career and is not the most physical player. 2009-10 stats (Vancouver): 28 GP 3 G 13 A 16 Pts

Alexei Ponikarovsky, LW

Big (6-4, 220), strong and not short on two-way grit, he seems to offer more offensive upside than he actually delivers. His biggest value is as a physical presence. 2009-10 stats (Toronto, Pittsburgh): 77 GP 21 G 29 A 50 Pts

Olli Jokinen, C

Signed with Calgary Flames (2 years, $6 million) Generally viewed as a consistent disappointment, given his size (6-3, 215), hands, and scoring touch. He's done time with six teams in 12 seasons and earned a reputation for turning his game on and off. 2009-10 stats (Calgary, NY Rangers): 82 GP 15 G 35 A 50 Pts

Matt Cullen, C

Signed with Minnesota Wild (3 years, $10.5 million) A smart, creative veteran playmaker with good speed and special teams skills. 2009-10 stats (Carolina, Ottawa): 81 GP 16 G 32 A 48 Pts

Eric Belanger, C

Undersized and an offensive underachiever, he nevertheless is a smart player who handles the defensive aspects of the game well. Also an accomplished face-off man. 2009-10 stats (Minnesota, Washington): 77 GP 15 G 26 A 41 Pts

Published Jul 2, 2010

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