June is an incredibly busy month for the NHL, but that doesn't mean we can't look ahead to what's coming. Free agency begins at 12 p.m. ET on July 1, and we're ranking the top 80 unrestricted free agents in a seven-post series ahead of the madness.
We're working our way up from No. 80 to No. 1, with that, here are the 65-51 ranked UFAs heading into July 1:
65. Jay McClement (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 34
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.2M
Jay McClement played an average of 11:23 a night and managed just eight points in 65 games with the Carolina Hurricanes this season.
He might provide great intangibles, but he'll fill out a fourth line and that's about it.
64. Tommy Wingels (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 29
2016-17 Cap Hit: $2.475M
Tommy Wingels has seen his point totals drop in each of the past three seasons and he was a healthy scratch a number of times following his deal to the Ottawa Senators in January.
He's likely heading into free agency just hoping to find work.
63. Lauri Korpikoski (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 30
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1M
There aren't a ton of things that Lauri Korpikoski does well, if we can be honest.
He posted 10 goals or more just twice since the 2011-12 season and collected 20 points in 69 games this past campaign while averaging just 12:24 of ice time. Like a lot of players on this list, he might help to fill out a bottom trio, but don't expect much outside of that.
62. Dominic Moore (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 36
2016-17 Cap Hit: $900K
Dominic Moore is entering the final years of his career.
However, he's a player that still gives his all every shift. He will slot in on a fourth line somewhere with the ability to play up and down the lineup.
61. Matt Cullen (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 40
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1M
His age is the biggest knock against him, but Matt Cullen posted a solid 13 goals and 31 points during the regular season, which is great value at $1 million.
He might hang them up at the end of the year or he might give it another go. If he re-ups for another season he might be able to give you 10 goals, and if you're OK with that for a third or fourth liner then he might be a nice depth addition.
60. P.A. Parenteau (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 34
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.25M
P.A. Parenteau's production took a hit last season after posting 20 goals on a dismal Toronto Maple Leafs team in 2015-16. He still managed 13 goals, but was a non-factor after being acquired by the Nashville Predators.
He can still put the puck in the net here and there, but don't expect another 20-goal season, those days are dead and gone.
59. Matt Hunwick (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 31
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.2M
His play during the regular season was forgettable, but during the postseason following Roman Polak's freak injury, Matt Hunwick appeared to really step up for the Maple Leafs.
He could slot in on a third pairing, but don't expect too much from the aging rear guard.
58. Nate Thompson (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 32
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.6M
He's not going to give you much offensively, but on the other side of the puck Nate Thompson provides some value.
He kills penalties, throws the body, and blocks shots. He's a defensive forward who won't break the bank. Expect him to put pen to paper somewhere.
57. Kyle Quincey (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 31
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.25M
Kyle Quincey is a steady, reliable defender. He might fly under the radar, which, for a defenseman, can be as much of a compliment as it is a criticism.
He blocks a lot of shots, can contribute occasionally on the scoreboard, and over his career has averaged over 20 minutes of ice time per game. He's a decent depth option for a strong defense corps.
56. Darcy Kuemper (G)
Age on Oct. 1: 27
2016-17 Cap Hit: $1.55M
Darcy Kuemper hasn't received much attention in terms of backup options ever since Devan Dubnyk came to Minnesota.
For a time he looked to be on track to be the next great backup turned starter, but he stumbled along the way. That being said, he's still young, has something to prove, and can be nabbed at a good price.
55. Chad Ruhwedel (D)
Age on Oct. 1: 26
2016-17 Cap Hit: $575K
You probably wouldn't know Chad Ruhwedel's name if Kris Letang was healthy.
The Pittsburgh Penguins defender has helped his club stay afloat on the back end and has been a steady contributor, collecting a solid 10 points in 34 games during the regular season.
Helping his club reach the Stanley Cup Final - despite only playing six games - might help boost his notoriety and give him some pull in the market.
54. Derek Ryan (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 30
2016-17 Cap Hit: $600K
Despite being 30-years-old, Derek Ryan just got his first real taste of the NHL this season.
He fared admirably, tallying 29 points in 67 games and was a positive possession player. He won 55.5 percent of the faceoffs he took and also contributed on the power play.
He might not have a lot of NHL experience, but with a little more ice time Ryan could prove to be a great bargain pickup.
53. Ales Hemsky (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 33
2016-17 Cap Hit: $4M
To put it lightly, Ales Hemsky's time in Dallas was not great.
He failed to exceed the 40-point mark in any of his three seasons, with injuries playing a big part. Nevertheless, there is still some skill there and if healthy he has the ability to tally 40 or more points.
He will make less than his $4 million per season - that's for sure - so as a depth third line option Hemsky could add value.
52. Jordan Weal (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 25
2016-17 Cap Hit: $650K
The Philadelphia Flyers and Jordan Weal are negotiating a potential extension. And while he played a career-high of just 23 games, Weal tore up the AHL.
He could try to test the free agent market, but even with his high AHL stats, he's unlikely to command much more than his previous $650,00 deal.
51. Shane Doan (F)
Age on Oct. 1: 40
2016-17 Cap Hit: $3,876,134
Shane Doan is driving the bus here.
He might hang them up, he might return to the Coyotes, he might try to join a contender for one last chance at a Cup. Only he knows.
Whatever he chooses, he shouldn't break the bank.
Free Agent Rankings
Copyright © 2017 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.