Detroit Red Wings set to acquire top goal-scoring forward if he tests the open market: Three teams are named

This year's free agency class left a lot to be desired.

Outside of a few notable signings, the market lacked true star power, and most teams were left searching for upgrades that never came.

Next summer, however, things should look very different.

A number of high-end players are projected to hit the open market, and Kyle Connor is among the biggest names set to be looking for a new contract.

Connor is coming off a dominant season in Winnipeg, where he tallied 97 points, including 41 goals, in 82 games.

At just 29 years old when his deal expires, he'll be in the prime of his career and one of the most coveted forwards available.

According to NHL Insider Frank Seravalli, Connor's camp isn't in any rush to sign an extension with the Jets, preferring instead to evaluate their options and test the waters. Three teams were even identified as potential candidates.

Detroit has already been identified as the leading landing spot.

GM Steve Yzerman has been aggressive in trying to add top-six scoring depth, despite missing out on the opportunity to acquire Brock Boeser in recent months.

Bringing in a Michigan-born star like Connor would provide exactly the kind of offensive boost the Red Wings need to take another step forward.

The competition won't be light, though.

Seravalli noted that both the Washington Capitals and Columbus Blue Jackets are also firmly in the mix.

Washington, with plenty of cap flexibility, has already been searching for a high-end forward after missing out on Nikolaj Ehlers.

Meanwhile, Columbus, sitting on $46 million in cap space, sees Connor as the potential missing piece to push them into a playoff spot.

If Connor does hit free agency, his next contract could approach $11 million AAV, a price tag that might push him out of Winnipeg but one that Detroit seems better positioned to handle.