As the NHL's annual free agency period approaches on July 1, hockey fans are eagerly anticipating which top players will hit the open market. ESPN's latest rankings provide a comprehensive breakdown of the league's most coveted free agents, grouped into tiers based on their expected value and potential impact on their next team. At the top of the list are elite players like Johnny Gaudreau and Nazem Kadri, who are expected to command massive contracts and reshape the fortunes of their new franchises. Further down the tiers, teams will also be eyeing mid-tier players like Ryan Dzingel and Ryan Hartman, who can provide a boost to their lineups without breaking the bank. With the NHL's salary cap expected to remain relatively flat, teams will need to be strategic in their free agency pursuits to maximize their chances of success.

NHL free agency rankings: Tiers of players available on July 1  ESPN