Last year we saw an increased numbers of one year deals in free agency. Perhaps Expansion had something to do with that, but this year we have a better crop of players to choose from. Whether this will bring down the overall cost of players remains to be seen, but if you come with deep pocket books there is a big opportunity to improve. Here are the best available from the group of forwards..

Mark Letestu - PP: 2:43  PK: 2:00

Letestu had a career year last season. He did not receive a whole bunch of time at even strength, but was a special teams killer. He finished the season with 35 points to boot. He is on pace to equal that this season while seeing more PP time too. Letestu is due for a pay raise. Buyer beware on a multi year deal.

Travis Zajac - PP: 1:57  PK: 2:09

As long as Zajac continues seeing lots of special teams time, he will be a useful BRHL2 player. His production is a fraction of what it used to be, and he may struggle to hit the 25 point barrier this year. Injuries have derailed him this season.

Jeff Carter - PP: 3:51  PK: 1:57

In only 6 games, Carter has managed a whopping 3:51 minutes of PP time. That number will come down as he gets healthy and starts playing again. Carter was the most sought after free agent forward last season, and if he returns to health soon, may be again.

Jason Pominville - PP: 1:55  PK: 0:02

Pominville had a hot start to the season but has been ice cold the last 20 games. His production is down this year but he could post numbers similiar to his 2015-2016 season. Still a useful player, but better off as a 3rd line player now. Buyer beware on a multi-year deal.

Zach Parise - PP: 2:36  PK: 0:26

An early candidate for the most intriguing player in this years free agent class. Parise's performance in the 2nd half of the season will be highly scrutinzed. He could be a prime candidate for a buy low multi year deal that could pay off in spades. He continues to get PP time, and when he is effective, will also see PK time, which is down from 1:03 last season.

Tyler Bozak - PP: 2:17  PK: 0.01

PP time is down for Bozak this season, production in general is down as well. His SC and PA ratings should take a significant hit. More suited as a 3C moving forward. Bounce back potential is low, given how deep the Leafs are at C. Needs a trade to replenish ratings.

Jason Spezza - PP: 2:09  PK: 0:02

Spezza's PP time keeps decreasing every season. With the star studded offense in Dallas, expect Spezza to continue losing his share of PP time. This will definately hurt his status going into free agency. Spezza cashed in with a $12,000,000 one year deal this offseason. He will get lucky to see even half of that this time around. He is on pace for just under 40 points this season, so he can still produce secondary scoring for most teams in the league. Buyer beware on a multi-year deal.

Corey Perry - PP: 3:10  PK: 0:02

Perry has been steady this season. While his durability will be in question, he is turning into a nice playmaker. His 25 points in 39 games indicates ratings that should easily put him into 2nd line territory. He is on pace to match his performance from last season of 53 points. He will need to stay healthy to achieve that. Expect a slight SC rating hit though, as Perry is transitioning into a pass first player.

Lars Eller - PP: 1:09  PK: 2:02

You may be surprised to see Eller on this list, but he is having a career year. He won't match his output of 30 points in 46 games during the lockout shortened season in 12-13, but he is on page for just under 40 points this year. His career high is 30. He continues to see special teams time and his over Time on Ice is up over 1:30 from last season.

Henrik Zetterberg - PP: 2:39  PK: 0:01

Zetterberg is continuing to produce despite being 37 and shooting a career low 5.7%. His 6 goals are an indication that his scoring his declining, but he is still able to produce offensively by contributing assists. He is on pace for over 60 points again, and should be command a paycheque equal to what he received last season.

Eric Staal - PP: 2:15  PK: 1:30

Staal is in discussion to be one of the higher paid Centermen this off-season. He is having an even better season then last year, on pace to hit the 70 point plateau for the first time since 2011-2012. He is getting more PK time this year as well while his PP time is slightly lower. Overall, Staal should command big salary next season.

Justin Williams - PP: 2:15  PK: 0:01

At 36 years old, Williams is continuing to produce at a steady clip. He is on pace to finish in the range of 45-55 points, where he has been most of his career. His increased PP time this year also makes him more intriguing to teams this offseason. His PK time is down almost entirely, and he's slowly becoming a PP specialist at his age.

Brian Boyle - PP: 2:40  PK: 0:17

At 33 years old, and coming off a health scare in the offseason, Brian Boyle is on pace for a career year. Seeing a huge increase in PP time, Boyle is on pace to match his rookie season in which he scored 21 goals and added 14 helpers for 35 points. Buyer beware on a multi-year deal.

Ryan Getzlaf - PP: 2:55  PK: 0:58

Despite thinking Getzlaf was old as shit, he is still just 32 years old. Lots of players play some of their best hockey at this age. While Getzlaf isn't setting career highs, he is playing at a PPG pace the last 2 seasons. His PP and PK time are down this season but he is still a true #1 center.

Blake Wheeler - PP: 3:19  PK: 1:10

The prize of the free agent class this year. There may be some higher salary handed out with a couple of the defensemen available, but in regards to forwards, Blake Wheeler is the belle of the ball. One lucky, or unlucky SOB will earn the right to add him to their team.. but at what cost?

Ryan Kesler - PP: 1:42  PK: 2:16

If Kesler can remain healthy for the rest of the season, he should see some solid ratings next season. He will not rerate as nicely as he did last year, as his PP time is down by over 1 minute, and his PK time is down roughly 30 seconds, but his production is about the same as over an 82 game season.

Patrice Bergeron - PP: 2:58  PK: 1:54

Another player pushing to be at the top of the Wanted List. Bergeron might be the best C available this offseason. His is outproducing his season from last year and is on pace for 82 points. His PP time is slightly up, while his PK time is slightly down. Still one of the best two way centers in the game. Oh, and he's a Boston Bruin... cha-ching.

Mikko Koivu - PP: 2:44  PK: 2:10

Junya slapped his lady balls on the table early last off-season as he went out and made one of the first signings. It was Mikko Koivu and it was around a 12m AAV. By the end of free agency it turned out to be one of the more reasonable signings. Koivu's PP and PK time are up this season, while his production is down. Maybe not as highly regarded this offseason, but still a nice consolidation prize for someone.

Rick Nash - PP: 2:05  PK: 1:46

Nice to see the extra PK time this year. Nash is a versatile two-way winger who hasn't aged well. He continues to produce at a 0.50 ppg clip which should still help him remain a 2nd-3rd line tweener, but his added PK time this year would make him an ideal 3rd line winger.

Henrik Sedin - PP: 3:03  PK: 0:01

Henrik is on pace to slightly beat out his total of 51 points from last season. 55 points are in the cards, but his SC rating will take a sizeable hit. With only 2 goals and 30 assists this year, Henrik should possess some great PH and PA ratings next season. #ReUniteTheSedins

Daniel Sedin - PP: 3:04  PK: 0:01

The Sedin sisters aren't quite done yet. In fact, they may very well be having a better season than last year. 55 points is a possibility for Daniel this year, which would be a nice improvement over the 44 from last season. His PP time is up a bit as well. There may be one last push for the Sedins. We can only hope they re-sign together this off-season.