NHL Free Agency 2013: Analyzing Latest Buzz This Summer

With the 2013 NHL draft over and done with, now we look ahead to the upcoming free-agency period, which begins on July 5.

There are some big names on the market this summer, whether it be a veteran right wing or a productive center. One player is reportedly attempting to make a comeback after being shut down last season due to health concerns.

Here's a look at the latest buzz throughout the NHL, complete with analysis.

Will Penguins Be Able to Keep Pascal Dupuis?

According to Rob Rossi of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, the Penguins and veteran right wing Pascal Dupuis are not seeing eye-to-eye in negotiations, and it's likely that Dupuis tests free agency.

Rossi wrote on Sunday:

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Winger Pascal Dupuis is likely not to sign with the Penguins before the window that allows players to speak with other clubs prior to the start of free-agent season. Dupuis is a top-line winger who has averaged 20 goals the last four seasons, but he and the Penguins are not close on years or annual salary.

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With Evgeni Malkin, Chris Kunitz and now Kris Letang reportedly locked up long-term, the Penguins don't have a lot of cap space, but it's possible that Dupuis—at 34 years of age—is looking for a longer contract than the two-year extension he signed with the Penguins back in 2011.

It makes sense from Dupuis' standpoint. He's still a very productive player, posting 38 points (20 goals, 18 assists) in 48 games for the Penguins last season. Of course, the Penguins are hoping he sticks around.

Manny Malhotra Looking to Make a Comeback?

Manny Malhotra was shut down after just nine games with the Vancouver Canucks last season due to concerns with his vision. That was after he posted a modest 18 points in 78 games with the Canucks in 2011-12.

That being said, Malhotra's excellence in faceoffs and in penalty kills "has teams interested right now," according to Craig Custance of ESPN.com.

Custance notes that Malhotra's vision is still impaired in one eye, but can see fine in the other.

The 33-year-old center won 65 percent of his faceoffs in the nine games he played last season. He's also in excellent shape for his age. 

Who Will Sign Vincent Lecavalier?

Center Vincent Lecavalier has a wealth of suitors heading into free agency, according to Pierre LeBrun of ESPN.com. 

He's already met with the Dallas Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins. He's still scheduled to meet with the Detroit Red Wings and Calgary Flames, and possibly the Vancouver Canucks on Sunday.

LeBrun noted:

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Don't sleep on Dallas. The Stars have serious interest in Lecavalier. They want to make the playoffs next year, and new GM Jim Nill sees Lecavalier as a perfect addition. 

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According to the report, the Chicago Blackhawks are out of the mix, focused on re-signing Bryan Bickell. 

Lecavalier posted 32 points (10 goals, 22 assists) in 39 games with the Tampa Bay Lightning last season. That was after registering 49 points (22 goals, 27 assists) in 2011-12. It's no wonder why teams are so interested in the 33-year-old veteran.