Every NHL fan knows that July 1 means the start of the free agent frenzy in the NHL. The sports betting sites are watching every move that every team makes to see which teams have improved enough to be called contenders. As the NHL general managers start putting together their free agency strategies, let's take a look at which players the teams will be competing for and which teams the online sportsbook experts think will get those highly-coveted free agents. Zach Parise – New Jersey Devils Unfortunately for Devils' fans, most of the bet online experts do not expect the left winger to stay in New Jersey. The Devils have a history of not paying the incredibly high salaries that players like Parise command at certain points in their careers. Parise will be a good impact player for the team he goes to, but he may be a bit overrated. But he stands as the top free agent prospect of 2012. The Buffalo Sabres will be a player in all of the top free agent signings this summer and Buffalo looks to be a top contender for Parise. Other potential teams include the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers and Philadelphia Flyers. Ryan Suter – Nashville Predators When Ryan Suter signs with another team, that will be a huge blow to the playoff chances of the Nashville Predators. The Predators had to sustain significant losses in last year's free agent circus, and Nashville will have to watch again as its top defenseman moves on to another team. The defending Stanley Cup champion Los Angeles Kings will have a strong interest in Suter as will the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs. Alexander Semin – Washington Capitals It is extremely difficult to imagine Semin leaving the Capitals. Alex Ovechkin wants this deal done, so there is a very good chance that Semin will be signed before July 1. Olli Jokinen – Calgary Flames There were a lot of rumors that had Jokinen going to the Buffalo Sabres at the trade deadline. Jokinen will probably make a move in July, but he might choose to go to a team like Minnesota or St. Louis. Jokinen is a player that a lot of teams want, but some teams may balk at the high salary that Jokinen will command. Sheldon Souray – Dallas Stars The situation surrounding Sheldon Souray is interesting. The Dallas Stars acknowledge Souray's value and want to sign him, but Souray is choosing to test the free agent waters. There is a chance that Dallas will get a deal done with Souray before free agency opens. But if Souray hits the open market, then he could wind up in places such as Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver or Pittsburgh. Jiri Hudler – Detroit Red Wings The Red Wings need to get a deal done with Hudler or the team will start to lose its growing core of younger players that are ready to step in for the aging veterans. But, to this point, a deal has not been done. If Hudler hits the open market then there will be a long list of teams that will want his services. Some of the best fits for Hudler include the Rangers and the Bruins. Click here for more information on the NHL free agents.
