I would imagine that FAs have to be a part of whatever solution the Bruins are searching for. To that end, here is
USA Today's list of Top 25 FAs. Given the ages of most of these guys, the pickings are slim, and USA Today considers only Justin Williams (kings) and Paul Martin (Penguins) as "good fits" for Boston.
1. Defenseman Mike Green (Washington Capitals) (Age = 29): Several teams are looking for an offensive defenseman and Green is the best one available. He could be a 50- to 60-point defenseman if he signs with the right team. Good fit: New Jersey Devils. Having a puck-mover like Green would make them more dangerous.
2. Center Antoine Vermette (Chicago Blackhawks) (Age = 32): With centers in short supply, Vermette should have a number of suitors. When he was traded by the Arizona Coyotes to the Blackhawks, he had trouble adjusting last season. But he scored two game-winning goals in the Stanley Cup Final. He's a strong two-way center who can win a big faceoff. Good fit: Coyotes. Vermette played his best hockey there.
3. Center Mike Ribeiro (Nashville Predators) (Age = 35): Considering the Predators gave Ribeiro a chance after the Coyotes dropped him because of off-ice behavior, it was assumed he would re-sign with them. But it hasn't happened yet, and Ribeiro might end up as a free agent. He had 62 points last season. Good fit: Carolina Hurricanes. They need an offensive spark.
4. Left wing Matt Beleskey (Anaheim Ducks) (Age = 28): Beleskey is in the prime of his career. He scored 22 goals last season. His previous high was 11. Has he blossomed into a consistent 20-goal scorer or did he have a career season? That's what NHL teams have to decide. Good fit: Devils. They need scoring.
5. Right wing Michael Frolik (Winnipeg Jets) (Age = 27): Frolik is a good all-around hockey player who had 19 goals last season. He can kill penalties and understands the defensive side of the game. Good fit: Ducks. They're looking to replace Beleskey and Kyle Palmieri.
6. Defenseman Andrej Sekera (Los Angeles Kings) (Age = 29): The Kings wanted to keep Sekera but didn't have the cap space. He has the tools to help a quality offensive team. Good fit: Colorado Avalanche. Joe Sakic is looking for a blue-chip defenseman.
7. Left wing Drew Stafford (Jets) (Age = 29): He has scored as many as 31 goals in a season. He has 19 points in 26 games after he was traded from Buffalo to Winnipeg last season: Good fit: Jets. They would like to re-sign him.
8. Defenseman Cody Franson (Predators) (Age = 27): He didn't play well for the Predators, but he has shown he can be a 40- to 50-point defenseman. He's 6-5 and weighs 220. Good fit: Edmonton Oilers. Franson is young enough to be part of the Oilers' future with Connor McDavid and company.
9. Right wing Martin St. Louis (New York Rangers) (Age = 40): St. Louis is not the dominant player he once was. He had a disappointing playoff, but he did score 21 goals last season. Presuming St. Louis is willing to accept a one-year deal with a low base salary and a strong bonus package, he could be a good roll of the dice. Good fit: Pittsburgh Penguins. St. Louis might be a good fit for Sidney Crosby or Evgeni Malkin.
10. Justin Williams (Kings) (Age = 33): Williams has three Stanley Cup championship rings — two with the Kings and one with the Hurricanes. Williams has a history of producing in the playoffs. He's good for 18 to 20 goals a season.
Good fit: Boston Bruins. They say they aren't rebuilding. If that's true, they will need to replace traded Milan Lucic's goals.
11. Defenseman Francois Beauchemin (Ducks) (Age = 35): The only negative about Beauchemin is his age. He's a desirable, all-around defenseman. He boasts a hard shot. He defends aggressively and he has bite to his game. Most of the contenders would be interested in him. Good fit: Ducks. They need him.
12. Defenseman Johnny Oduya (Blackhawks) (Age = 33): Oduya is a very effective defensive defenseman. He is a second-pairing guy who is comfortable playing against the NHL's top-line players. Many teams will be interested. Good fit: Kings. With suspended Slava Voynov's status still unknown, the Kings need another defender.
13. Defenseman Paul Martin (Penguins) (Age = 34): Martin probably can't command a long-term deal. But that means he probably will have more interested parties. He's an effective one-on-one defender.
Good fit: Bruins. They have to replace Dougie Hamilton. Martin might be a quality short-term solution.
14. Defenseman Christian Ehrhoff (Penguins) (Age = 32): He has been a 50-point offensive defenseman in the past. He is probably a 40-point guy. Good fit: San Jose Sharks. He started his career there, and they would benefit from his abilities.
15. Center Mike Richards (Kings) (Age = 29): The Kings put him on waivers for the purpose of buying out his contract. Unquestionably, Richards has been a disappointment in LA. But he will get his buyout money and then sign a modest contract and be a gritty No. 4 center for some team. Good fit: Coyotes. They could give him a chance to rebuild his reputation. They need help at center.
16. Center-wing Eric Fehr (Capitals) (Age = 29): He's 6-4 and you can count on him for 15-plus goals every season. He had 19 this season. He was at $1.6 million and he's looking for a raise. Good fit: Vancouver Canucks. They're looking to supplement their secondary scoring.
17. Right wing Joel Ward (Capitals) (Age = 34): He scored 19 goals this past season and is the role player general managers are looking for at the trade deadline: Good fit: Calgary Flames. They are looking to fine-tune their roster.
18. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek (St. Louis Blues) (Age = 32): With 711 NHL games on his résumé, Michalek is the veteran defenseman that every team is seeking. Good fit: Toronto Maple Leafs. Even a rebuilding team needs veteran defenders.
19. Center Mike Santorelli (Predators) (Age = 29): The versatile role player can chip in 12 to 15 goals. He understands his role and could be an inexpensive source of NHL experience. Good fit: Coyotes. They have to spend to get to the salary cap floor.
20. Center Shawn Matthias (Canucks) (Age = 27): At 6-4, 216, Matthias can offer size and third-line effectiveness. He scored 18 goals last season. Good fit: Capitals. They will be looking to replace Fehr.
21. Center Brad Richards (Blackhawks) (Age = 35): He is still a sharp passer and reads the play extremely well. He can still contribute to a high-powered offense. Good fit: Blackhawks. They would probably re-sign him if he is willing to sign a one-year deal for a modest salary.
22. Right wing Chris Stewart (Minnesota Wild) (Age = 27): He's 6-2, 231 and he once scored 28 goals for the Colorado Avalanche. Coaches are always left wanting more from Stewart, but he is 27 and he does enough to draw interest. Good fit: Florida Panthers. They can use size and goals.
23. Left wing Curtis Glencross (Capitals) (Age = 32): He has proved that he can generate 40 or more points per season. Given the league-wide need for secondary scoring, Glencross has value. Good fit: Hurricanes. They have to score more this season or they will fall to the very bottom.
24. Goaltender Karri Ramo (Flames) (Age = 28): Ramo has had some stretches when he looks like he could be a No. 1 goalie. Good fit: Sharks. They are the only team that doesn't have a projected No. 1 goalie.
25. Defenseman Barret Jackman (Blues) (Age = 34): Jackman would be a safe pickup for a contending team looking solidify its defense. He's a stay-at-home defender who plays with intensity. Good fit: Blackhawks. He could be a dependable No. 6 for them. They will be looking for a veteran because they will be losing Oduya and Michal Rozsival.