The NHL's annual free-agency period will begin at noon ET July 13. In December, we published our way-too-early rankings of the top 10 unrestricted free agents. With the trade deadline now history and the end of the regular season only a month away, it's worthwhile to revisit that list.
Several notable players will not be available, as they recently signed contract extensions. San Jose Sharks center Tomas Hertl, who was No. 8 in our previous top 10, is among them. And honorable mentions go to Joe Pavelski, who re-signed with the Dallas Stars, and Hampus Lindholm, who inked an eight-year deal with the Boston Bruins after they acquired him from the Anaheim Ducks.