Sportsnet releases a list of their top-10 in the 2022 UFA class
I don't know if I can recall a summer where so many marquee players could be available on the open market. There are intriguing options available at all positions, and plenty of names who will undoubtedly be able to immediately improve whichever team signs them.
On Saturday, Sportsnet dropped their list of the top-10 free agents and it was no surprise to see Johnny Gaudreau as the top free agent available, after his remarkable 40-goal, 115-point season.
It's really anyone's guess where Gaudreau will end up this summer, as rumours have begun to surface that he could be an option in New Jersey to play alongside franchise center Jack Hughes. It is worth noting that Gaudreau is a native of nearby Salem, NJ.
Right behind Gaudreau, Sportsnet has Kris Letang listed at #2. There is a strong belief that Letang will be back in Pittsburgh next sesaon, with heavy speculation that it will be on a two-year deal, but if Letang does reach free agency and finds a new home next season, it would not be shocking in the least to see the Montreal, PQ native sign with his hometown Habs - especially if the Canadiens move Jeff Petry.
The top 3 is rounded out by Filip Forsberg in the #3 spot and while the rumour is that Forsberg and the Preds have already begun negotiating a contract extension, it would not surprise me to see the Kings make a push to reunite Viktor Arvidsson with his best friend in LA.
Of the names available on this list, I can't really see any one of them, aside from maybe Andrew Copp, being an option for the Leafs. However, a very successful run with the New York Rangers since coming over from Winnipeg at the deadline may find Copp in a good position to sign an extension to remain a Ranger longer term.
