Identifying Potential Destinations for the Top 2017 NHL Free Agents
The NHL's unrestricted free agent market opens on July 1. In the coming weeks, speculation will grow over where such notable free agents as Washington Capitals defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk and right wing T.J. Oshie could land.
Several teams could be interested in adding one of these players to their rosters. While most could go to new clubs, some could re-sign with their current teams. Several factors, such as salary-cap space, a player's age and a team's roster needs, could determine these potential UFAs they end up.
The following slideshow predicts possible destinations for this summer's top UFAs could land. Feel free to voice your views on this topic in the comments section below.
10. Steve Mason
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Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Steve Mason struggled this season. In 54 starts, he sported a record of 26 wins, 21 losses and eight overtime losses, with a 2.66 goals-against average, a .908 save percentage and three shutouts. But with Ben Bishop off the free-agent market, Mason can be considered the top starting goalie available this summer.
In each of the three seasons with the Flyers prior to 2016-17, Mason had a save percentage of .917 or better. The 29-year-old has the ability to bounce back from a rough season. He's completing a three-year, $12.3 million contract ($4.1 million salary-cap hit) but could accept a lesser deal for another opportunity as a starter elsewhere.
Mason could interest the Calgary Flames and Winnipeg Jets if they fail to bolster their goaltending via this summer's trade market. The Buffalo Sabres could also come calling if new general manager Jason Botterill opts for a more seasoned starting goalie.
9. Sam Gagner
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Center Sam Gagner enjoyed a bounce-back effort in 2016-17 with the Columbus Blue Jackets. After struggling through a woeful 16-point effort last season with the Philadelphia Flyers, Gagner reached a career-high 50 points. In 10 NHL seasons, he's exceeded 40 points seven times.
A bargain-basement signing last summer (one year, $650,000), the 27-year-old Gagner is in line for a multiyear deal with a considerable raise. However, he might not get it from the Blue Jackets. While he was a good fit in Columbus, the Jackets have over $70 million invested in 22 players for 2017-18 with young forwards Alexander Wennberg and Josh Anderson set to re-sign. Gagner could be the odd man out.
If he's unable to stay in Columbus, Gagner should be a more attractive free agent than he was a year ago. He's a versatile forward who can skate at center or the wing with good playmaking skills, especially on the power play. Contending clubs in need of an affordable power-play specialist, such as the Dallas Stars, Florida Panthers, Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks, could have an interest in Gagner.
8. Justin Williams
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In his two seasons with the Washington Capitals, right wing Justin Williams proved he was still a capable second-line scorer. He tallied 22 goals and 52 points in 2015-16 and 24 goals and 48 points in 80 games this season. The 35-year-old was also an effective postseason contributor, netting nine points in 13 games in the 2017 playoffs.
With over $50 million invested in 11 players for 2017-18 and several key players to re-sign, the Capitals could lack sufficient salary-cap space to re-sign Williams. He's completing a two-year, $6.5 million contract with an annual average salary of $3.25 million and could accept a similar deal elsewhere.
Williams could prove a worthwhile, affordable option for contending clubs seeking an experienced second-line scoring winger. Should the Edmonton Oilers ship out Jordan Eberle in a cost-cutting deal, they could take a look at Williams. He could also be a viable option for the Florida Panthers if they fail to re-sign Jaromir Jagr. The St. Louis Blues could also be a suitor.
7. Patrick Eaves
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Patrick Eaves enjoyed a career-best performance in 2016-17. He split the regular season with the Dallas Stars and Anaheim Ducks, tallying 32 goals and 51 points in 79 games. Until sidelined by injury, he collected four points in seven playoff games with the Ducks. His versatility and affordability could make him quite attractive in this summer's free-agent market.
A two-way forward who can skate at either wing, Eaves is completing a very affordable one-year, $1 million contract. While his age (33) and long injury history ensures he won't get a lucrative long-term deal, he could get offers of two or three years for around $3 million annually.
During his short tenure in Anaheim, Eaves played well alongside top-line center Ryan Getzlaf. With over $71 million tied up in 23 players for 2017-18, the Ducks don't have much cap space. If Eaves is willing to agree to an affordable contract, they might be able to squeeze him in.
6. Martin Hanzal
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Center Martin Hanzal split this season between the Arizona Coyotes and Minnesota Wild. He reached the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career and finished with 39 points in 71 games. Despite a long history of injuries, the 30-year-old's size (6'6", 226 lbs) and solid two-way skills make him among this summer's top 10 unrestricted free agents.
Hanzal is finishing a five-year, $15.5 million contract with an annual salary-cap hit of $3.1 million. He's becoming an unrestricted free agent for the first time and will make the most of it. He could seek a five-year deal worth between $4.5 to $5 million annually. With over $61 million invested in 15 players for next season, the Wild are unlikely to re-sign him.
Teams in need of big-bodied centers, such as the Carolina Hurricanes and Montreal Canadiens, could target Hanzal. If he's keen to return to Arizona, where he spent most of his career, perhaps the Coyotes could bring him back. The Vegas Golden Knights have considerable salary-cap room and could use someone of his talents on their expansion roster.
5. Joe Thornton
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Age could be catching up with longtime San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton. After tallying 19 goals and 82 points in 2015-16, the 37-year-old managed only seven goals and 50 points in 79 games this season. Still, he remains a notable name among this summer's class of unrestricted free agents.
Thornton is finishing a three-year, $20.25 million contract, with an average salary-cap hit of $6.75 million and a full no-movement clause. Given his age and this season's decline in production, he won't get a long-term deal via free agency. On April 25, he underwent surgery on his left knee, potentially raising concerns over its impact on his performance next season.
Despite Thornton's age, he remains a gifted playmaker. After nearly 12 seasons in San Jose, it's unlikely he wants to move on at this stage. If he's willing to accept a pay cut to around $5 million annually on a one- or two-year deal, the Sharks could consider re-signing him.
4. Karl Alzner
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A key member of the Washington Capitals' blue line since 2010-11, Karl Alzner is among this summer's notable unrestricted free agents. The 6'3", 219-pounder is a rugged, durable top-four rearguard. In 2016-17, he led the Capitals in short-handed time on ice per game (three minutes and three seconds) and blocked shots (162).
Alzner, 28, is completing a four-year, $11.2 million contract ($2.8 million annual average value) and will seek a substantial raise. The defenseman could double his cap hit on a long-term deal via the open market. With over $50 million invested in 11 players and notable free agents such as Evgeny Kuznetsov and T.J. Oshie to re-sign, the Capitals probably can't afford him.
Should Alzner test the free-agent market, several clubs with cap space looking for a big shutdown defenseman will come calling. The Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Colorado Avalanche, New Jersey Devils and Toronto Maple Leafs could be among the suitors.
3. Alexander Radulov
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Alexander Radulov's return to the NHL after four seasons in Russia was a big success for the Montreal Canadiens. He finished second on the Habs during the regular season in points (54) and was their leading scorer in the playoffs with seven points in six games.
A physical, energetic right wing, the 6'2", 205-pound Radulov brought a welcome measure of size and scoring ability to a Canadiens team lacking those attributes. Inked to a one-year, $5.75 million contract last summer, he could land a five-year deal worth around $6.5 million per season.
Radulov's style of play will make him an attractive option for clubs seeking a physical scoring winger. However, he enjoyed playing in Montreal and the Canadiens can't afford to lose him. On April 23, former ESPN.com writer Craig Custance reported both sides would like to get a deal done. As long as he's not seeking something longer than five years and over $7 million, the Habs should re-sign him.
2. T.J. Oshie
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This season was among the best in Oshie's nine-year NHL career. Skating on the Capitals' top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, the 30-year-old right wing tallied a career-high 33 goals in 68 games. He also finished with 56 points, marking the fifth time he's exceeded the 50-point plateau.
A strong, physical two-way player who's deadly in shootout situations, Oshie's become an invaluable member of the Capitals roster in his two seasons in Washington. He's completing a five-year, $20.875 million contract ($4.175 million annual average value) and could command over $6 million per season as a free agent.
On June 1, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reported Washington general manager Brian MacLellan listed signing Oshie among his offseason priorities. MacLellan has over $50 million invested in 11 players next season, but he could come up with a way to hang onto Oshie. Given his chemistry with Ovechkin and Backstrom, Oshie could be keen to stay put.
1. Kevin Shattenkirk
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Shattenkirk's value as a puck-moving defenseman with a right-handed shot makes him the top player in this summer's unrestricted free agent market. In his seven NHL seasons, the 28-year-old reached or exceeded 40 points six times. In 80 games split between the Capitals and St. Louis Blues in 2016-17, he netted a career-best 56 points.
Coming off a four-year, $17 million contract ($4.25 million annual average value), Shattenkirk is in line for a significant pay raise. Given his offensive skills, he could seek a seven-year deal worth around $6.5 million per season. That could price him out of the Capitals' market.
Shattenkirk won't lack for suitors if he hits the open market on July 1. The New Jersey Devils, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs could use a mobile rearguard who shoots from the right side. However, the New York Rangers could have the inside track on the New Rochelle, New York, native.
Players stats via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.
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