As this year's free agent class thins out, I put together a list of the top five players by position that would be of help to the Red Wings with a brief explanation and a basic contract offer.

Forwards:

1. Erik Cole, RW. Good power forward with grit and Stanley Cup Finals experience. 3 years, $10.5 million ($3.5mil/yr)

2. Radim Vrbata, RW. Can score a lot of PPGs with Datsyuk, had 10 with offensively-challenged Phoenix. 2 years, $7 million ($3.5mil/yr)

3. Jaromir Jagr, RW. Can he keep up with the 82 game schedule? We shall see. 1 year, $1.5 million (with incentives).

4. Brad Richards, C. It is possible (and rumored) that he would take less to compete for another cup. 1 year, $6.7 million.

5. Tim Connolly, C. I would only sign Connolly if the Wings traded Filppula for a defenseman (Green, Bogosian, etc). Put him on the third line where can he be hidden (from injuries hopefully). 2 years, $5 million ($2.5mil/yr).

Honorable mention: Simon Gagne, LW; Scottie Upshall, RW.

Defensemen:

1. James Wisniewski. Right-handed shot on the PP, plays with grit. 4 years, $18 million ($4.5mil/yr).

2. Ed Jovanovski. Can kill penalties and the Windsor-native may want to return home. 2 years, $6.5 million ($3.25mil/yr).

3. Shane O'Brien. Fights, kills penalties, brings grit: the Wings' top priorities. 1 year, $2 million.

4&5. Sami Salo and Anton Babchuk. Both are special teams players. Booming shot from the point on the PP and kill penalties. 1 year, $2.5 million for one or the other.

Honorable mention: Scott Hannan, Jan Hejda, Randy Jones.

(Back up) Goalie:

1. Chris Osgood. He claims he is in the best shape of his life and is ready for what the Wings throw at him. I'll buy it (for now). 1 year, $900,000.

2. J.S. Giguere. Remember rumors years ago of the Wings trying to land Giguere after he demolished them in the '04 playoffs and again in '07? Now is the time. 2 years, $4 million ($2mil/yr).

3. Ray Emery. I have never been a fan of his goaltending, but he wins and that's the bottom line. Give him a chance to compete for the starting job. 1 year, $2 million.

4. Mathieu Garon. Good career back up goalie. 1 year, $1.5 million

5. Marty Turco. As an Ann Arbor native, I have to give Turco the benefit of the doubt that he will rebound from last year's awful season. 1 year, $1.75 million

Honorable mention: Johan Hedberg, Ty Conklin, Brian Boucher.

Any thoughts?