2016 Unrestricted Free Agents Most Likely to Re-Sign Before End of NHL Season
With the NHL's Feb. 29 trade deadline fast approaching, there's considerable speculation over which potential unrestricted free agents could be dealt. While some could be traded if unsigned before deadline day, others, like Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender James Reimer (pictured above), could be re-signed before season's end.
The players on this list fill important roles with their current teams. Some, like Reimer, could prove difficult to replace if allowed to depart via free agency. A few, like Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos, will be expensive to retain but worthwhile over the long term. Others, like New Jersey Devils right wing Lee Stempniak, could be affordable re-signings.
Here's a look at the 2016 unrestricted free agents most likely to re-sign with their current teams before season's end. Their statistics this season, current salaries and value to their respective clubs factored into the compilation. You can add your opinion in the comments section below.
Lee Stempniak, New Jersey Devils
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Stats and current contract: After 54 games, New Jersey Devils right wing Stempniak has 15 goals and 24 assists for 39 points. The 33-year-old is on a one-year, $850,000 contract.
Value to the Devils: Stempniak has been a pleasant surprise this season for the Devils, becoming one of their most reliable offensive forwards. He leads the Devils in points and is on pace for a career-best 60-point performance.
Projected new contract: With the Devils jockeying for a playoff berth, they could re-sign him rather than move him at the trade deadline. Given Stempniak's age, he won't get an offer longer than two years. He should be an affordable re-signing, perhaps around $2.5 million per season.
Kris Russell, Calgary Flames
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Stats and current contract: After 48 games, Calgary Flames defenseman Kris Russell has three goals and 11 assists for 14 points. The 28-year-old Russell is completing a two-year, $5.2 million contract with an average annual salary of $2.6 million.
Value to the Flames: Since joining the Flames in 2013-14, Russell's become an effective second-pairing blueliner. He can chip in offensively, especially on the power play. Russell is also a superb shot blocker, ranking among the league's best in that category.
Projected new contract: The Flames have young stars Johnny Gaudreau and Sean Monahan to re-sign to big raises, but they should have enough to keep Russell in the fold. A four-year deal worth $4.5 million per season could do the trick.
Frans Nielsen, New York Islanders
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Stats and current contract: After 51 games, New York Islanders center Frans Nielsen has 15 goals and 18 assists for 33 points. The 31-year-old is completing a four-year, $11 million contact with an average annual salary of $2.75 million.
Value to the Islanders: Nielsen's an effective two-way, second-line center. He's not only among their leading scorers but also one of their leaders in blocked shots and takeaways. The Isles cannot afford to lose such a versatile player to free agency.
Projected new contract: Nielsen's efforts are worth a significant raise, though his age will ensure he doesn't get a very lengthy contract extension. Figure a four-year deal worth $5 million annually.
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James Reimer, Toronto Maple Leafs
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2015-16 stats and salary: After 27 games, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Reimer has 10 wins, nine losses and six overtime losses. The 27-year-old also has a 2.23 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage. He's completing a two-year, $4.6 million contract with an average annual salary of $2.3 million.
Value to the Leafs: Despite missing a month to injury, Reimer has the confidence of Leafs head coach Mike Babcock. He's put up better stats this season than Jonathan Bernier. Given the dire dearth of quality goalies available in this summer's free-agent market, it would be worthwhile for the Leafs to re-sign him.
Projected new contract: Reimer could seek a long-term extension, but the Leafs could insist on a short deal. If he wants to remain a Leaf, he could settle on a three-year deal worth $4.75 million per season.
Mikkel Boedker, Arizona Coyotes
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Stats and current contract: After 52 games, Arizona Coyotes right wing Mikkel Boedker has 13 goals and 22 assists for 35 points. He's completing a one-year contract worth $3.75 million.
Value to the Coyotes: Boedker is one of the Coyotes' best players. He's among their leading scorers and on pace for 56 points. The 26-year-old is a key member of the rebuilding Coyotes and could be a key part of their long-term future.
Projected new contract: The Coyotes will have considerable cap space to invest next season, so there's plenty to pay Boedker a healthy raise. He could receive a five-year deal worth $5.75 million annually.
Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers
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2015-16 stats and salary: After 50 games, Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr has 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points. Jagr, who turns 44 on Feb. 15, is on a one-year, bonus-laden contract with a base salary of $3.5 million.
Value to the Panthers: Despite his age, Jagr's been an important player for the surging Panthers this season. Acquired days before last season's trade deadline, he quickly fit into their rebuilding roster. He's among their leading scorers, providing inspiration and leadership to their young players.
Projected new contract: Since returning to the NHL five seasons ago, Jagr's consistently signed one-year deals with bonus clauses. Expect more of the same from the Panthers. He'll likely get $3.5 million in base salary again, though the Panthers might increase the bonuses to more than $2 million.
Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings
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Stats and current contract: After 50 games, Los Angeles Kings left wing Milan Lucic has 12 goals and 18 assists for 30 points. The 27-year-old is completing a three-year, $18 million contract with an annual average salary of $6 million.
Value to the Kings: Having joined the Kings in an offseason trade from the Boston Bruins, he's fit in well. He's among their leading scorers. Lucic has indicated he enjoys playing in Los Angeles and is open to re-signing. The Kings freed up cap space after reaching a settlement with center Mike Richards and the return to Russia of defensemen Slava Voynov.
Projected new contract: Lucic might be willing to leave some money on the table for an opportunity to stick with a Cup contender like the Kings. A four-year deal worth $6.8 million per season could be a possibility.
Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
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Stats and current contract: In 52 games, Tampa Bay Lightning center Stamkos has 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points. The 26-year-old is completing a five-year, $37.5 million contract with an annual average salary of $7.5 million.
Value to the Lightning: Stamkos is the Lightning's captain, their franchise player and an NHL superstar. A two-time winner of the Maurice Richard Trophy, Stamkos was the Lightning's leading goal scorer in five of the last six seasons. Re-signing him will take a big chunk out of their salary-cap space, but he's vital to their championship hopes.
Projected new contract: While both sides are keeping negotiations out of the media, they appear to be ongoing. On Jan. 5, Stamkos told Joe Smith of the Tampa Bay Times there was no truth to claims his contract talks were at a stalemate. Re-signing Stamkos will be expensive. Figure a seven- or eight-year deal worth more than $10 million per season.
Players stats (as of Feb. 8) via NHL.com. Salary info via General Fanager.
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