NHL Rumors: Top 3 Forwards Available This Summer

This upcoming NHL offseason is going to be entertaining as there's a number of talented players expected to hit the open market. While we've already covered the best goaltenders and defensemen, for today's segment we showcase three of the best forwards available on the free-agent market:

Johnny Gaudreau

The Calgary Flames have enjoyed a bounce-back season and a big reason is because of the resurgence of Johnny Gaudreau. The shifty winger has once again found his playmaking touch as he's collected 105 points in 75 games. The 28-year-old will hit free agency coming off making $6.75 million and will be in line for a massive raise, likely north of $10 million per season. Flames head coach Darryl Sutter has done wonders for 'Johnny Hockey's game as he's not only enjoyed a career season in points, he's also posted a career-best +59 rating. We will see how the Stanley Cup playoffs shape up for Gaudreau, but regardless he's going to secure the bag this summer. Flames general manager Craig Conroy is confident he can get pen to paper however there's going to be a ton of interest from the likes of the Philadelphia Flyers and St Louis Blues. 

Nazem Kadri

The pesky center has enjoyed himself a career season in Colorado as the Avalanche relied heavily on Nazem Kadri's game throughout an injury-riddled campaign for the hockey club. While some big names went down, Kadri stepped up and has recorded a career best 83 points in 65 games. He's coming off a contract making $4.5 million per season and is likely to see something around $7-8 million annually. The 31-year-old is one of the best centers available on the open market and he's ahead of Patrice Bergeron and Evgeni Malkin on this list due to the fact both of those veterans are likely staying put with the respected teams. Kadri on the other hand could be on the move this summer and look for there to be a ton of interest in the two-way pivot. The Buffalo Sabres, Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets could all be interested enough to present contract offers this offseason. If there's another postseason suspension coming up, that will certainly change who's interested.

Filip Forsberg

After a season full of trade rumors, Filip Forsberg ended up sticking around with the Nashville Predators as general manager David Poile contemplated moving the pending free agent but likely due to his team's success decided against it. All Forsberg has done is post a career-high 75 points in 63 games and appears poised for another stellar performance in the Stanley Cup playoffs. The 27-year-old has an impressive 52 points in 71 postseason games and is one of the youngest unrestricted free-agents set to hit the open market. Look for the bidding war to be intense as Forsberg is likely going to receive a seven-year deal in the ballpark of $8-9 million per season. The Preds will have some competition from the likes of the Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings this summer.

Photo credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports