Counting Down the Top 50 NHL UFA Skaters 40-31: Is There Still a Market for Phil Kessel?

Scott Cullen breaks down the Top NHL Free Agents this offseason with a top 50 countdown this week. You can see 50-41 here.The coming offseason in the National Hockey League is going to offer intriguing options on the free agent market which begins at 12 p.m. ET on July 13.

This week, we will break down the Top 50 skaters available via unrestricted free agency. On Monday, we listed 50 through 41, and today, we are tracking free agent skaters 40 through 31. We're starting with a winger who has accrued 956 career points and still generates varied opinions throughout the league (stats courtesy of Natural Stat Trick).

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40. Phil Kessel, RW, Arizona (8 goals, 44 assists, 44.4 Corsi for (CF)%, 42.4 expected goals for (xGF)%, 82 games played)

The reigning NHL ironman has not missed a game since 2009-2010, and that could be an issue for some teams that don’t want to be the ones to scratch the 34-year-old should the situation arise. There is also concern about a goal-scorer who scored just eight goals last season.

In the right circumstance, with the right talent around him, there is probably still a spot for Kessel to be effective.

39. Nicolas Deslauriers, LW, Minnesota (8 G, 5 A, 43.7 CF%, 45. xGF%, 81 GP)

While the 31-year-old has a limited game, his appeal is widespread because many teams feel like he can skate a regular fourth-line shift and drop the gloves with anyone, if needed. He was tied for second in the league with 13 fights last season and, even with the decline in fighting league-wide, that is probably going to draw substantial free agent interest.

38. Erik Gudbranson, D, Calgary (6 G, 11 A, 57.6 CF%, 53.2 xGF%, 78 GP)

The towering right-shot defenseman had a career-high 17 points and was very effective in a third-pair role for the Flames last season. The 30-year-old will never live up to his draft slot of third overall in 2010 but has found a role in which he can succeed, and it will bring him free agent offers.

37. Calvin de Haan, D, Chicago (4 G, 4 A, 47.3 CF%, 45.5 xGF%, 69 GP)

A 31-year-old who is focused on defensive zone play, de Haan got outscored handily in Chicago the past two seasons, but the Blackhawks fared better in terms of shots and scoring chances with de Haan on the ice, so it is reasonable to consider him as a contributor in a supporting role on a stronger team.

36. Colin Blackwell, RW, Seattle/Toronto (10 G, 10 A, 50.0 CF%, 47.3 xGF%, 58 GP)

A late bloomer who has played for Nashville, Seattle, and Toronto, Blackwell has 42 points (22 G, 20 A) in 105 games over the past two seasons. As a depth player who can move up the lineup, and never shortchanges on effort, 29-year-old Blackwell ought to find some security in the offseason.

35. Evan Rodrigues, RW, Pittsburgh (19 G, 24 A, 56.9 CF%, 57.7 xGF%, 82 GP)

Taking advantage of his increased role in Pittsburgh last season, Rodrigues tallied a career-high 43 points (19 G, 24 A) with excellent possession metrics. His versatility allows him to move around the lineup and can make the 28-year-old a strong addition in a supporting role.

34. Ben Chiarot, D, Montreal/Florida (9 G, 17 A, 49.2 CF%, 48.1 xGF%, 74 GP)

One of the most sought-after defensemen on the trade market last season, Chiarot landed in Florida at the deadline. He was fine, but he is not necessarily an impact player.

The 31-year-old can contribute a little bit offensively and will play a physical game so there will be a market for him, but the concern will be that a team goes too big in their free agent offer.

33. Nikita Zadorov, D, Calgary (4 G, 18 A, 59.2 CF%, 55.4 xGF%, 74 GP)

Gudbranson’s tag-team partner with the Flames last season, Zadorov played a career-low 16:55 per game last season but sometimes less is more. He was very effective in that depth role with a strong team.

The 27-year-old is 6-foot-6, 235 pounds, is a punishing hitter, and will surely generate interest in free agency. The concern will be if a team pays him big money with an idea that Zadorov should move up the depth chart.

32. Johan Larsson, C, Arizona/Washington (7 G, 14 A, 50.3 CF%, 52.3 xGF%, 43 GP)

A checking center who can drive play, the 29-year-old put up a career-high 21 points (7 G, 14 A) in 43 games with Arizona and Washington last season. He should be a solid addition in a third or fourth-line role and because he has not scored a ton, should come at a reasonable price.

31. Alexander Edler, D, Los Angeles (3 G, 16 A, 56.9 CF%, 58.3 xGF%, 41 GP)

After a long career in Vancouver, the 36-year-old moved to Los Angeles last season. While he missed half of the season due to injury, Edler was highly effective for the Kings, so he should draw some interest for next season, whether that is returning to the Kings or taking his game elsewhere.

With the puck dropping for the Stanley Cup Final Wednesday, here are the latest series odds via DraftKings Sportsbook, FanDuel Sportsbook, and Caesars Sportsbook.

https://datawrapper.dwcdn.net/3R9Md/2/

Make sure to keep an eye on our live odds page throughout the week to get the best lines possible and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sports betting forum.