Consistent goal scoring proved to be a problem for the Blues last season, but can they afford any of the top free-agent forwards? A look at the best:

 

Ilya Kovalchuk

Team • New Jersey

Age • 27

2009-10 statistics

76 games, 41 goals, 44 assists

2009-10 salary

$7.5 million

Comment

The 2001 No. 1 overall pick is the cream of the free-agent crop after turning down a 12-year, $101 million offer from Atlanta.

 

Alexander Frolov

Team • Los Angeles

Age • 28

2009-10 statistics

81 games, 19 goals, 32 assists

2009-10 salary

$4 million

Comment

The left winger has posted more goals than assists only once in his seven-year career: 2008-09 (32 goals, 27 assists).

 

Olli Jokinen

Team • New York Rangers

Age • 31

2009-10 statistics

82 games, 15 goals, 35 assists

2009-10 salary

$5.5 million

Comment

The well-traveled center has played on four teams (Florida, Phoenix, Calgary and New York) since the lockout in 2005.