2016 NHL Free Agents: Latest Rumors and Predictions for Notable Names

While the San Jose Sharks and Pittsburgh Penguins still have their eyes on the Stanley Cup, the rest of the NHL has turned its attention to the offseason and the impending crop of free agents that could hit the market.

There are a number of impact players who could make the difference between a successful run to the postseason and a spot in the next draft lottery, but teams are also monitoring their own free agents as the summer approaches.

With that in mind, here is a look at some of the latest rumors from around the league, as well as predictions for where a few players will land.

Red Wings Looking to Bring Back Two Pieces

Paul Connors/Associated Press

“The Detroit Red Wings are trying to re-sign two of their impending unrestricted free agents, having made offers to forwards Darren Helm and Drew Miller," Ansar Khan of MLive.com reported. "A deal with Miller could be completed soon, but the Red Wings likely will be waiting a few weeks before Helm decides.”

Miller is an interesting case since he only played 28 games in 2015-16 because he broke his jaw on Dec. 3 and suffered a knee injury on Jan. 10. Khan noted the fact the winger spent more than 100 days on injured reserve means Detroit can bring him back on a contract that features bonuses for games played.

The winger has been with the Red Wings since the 2009-10 campaign. While he saw limited action last season, he did manage 25 points in 2011-12 and a combined 28 points in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

His plus/minus was in the negatives each of the last four years, per ESPN.com, but Detroit can theoretically sign him for a reasonable deal after he dealt with injury problems. If nothing else, Miller would provide a veteran presence for the team.

General manager Ken Holland suggested as much, per Khan: “We're working away, hopefully find a solution. He's a good penalty-killer, he's a good leader in the room. He doesn't wear a letter, but he's well-respected by the younger players.”

As for Helm, Khan said he will wait until the free-agent interview process ends before he chooses to either come back to Detroit or hit the open market on July 1. He has been with the Red Wings his entire career since they drafted him in 2005 and proved his durability the last two years by playing in 152 of a possible 164 regular-season games.

He scored 26 points in 2015-16 and a solid 33 in 2014-15, which marked a career high.

Khan wrote “the Red Wings value Helm’s speed and versatility” as someone who can play wing or center but pointed out the playmaker “said after the playoffs that he wanted his role more clearly defined.”

Helm will turn 30 years old during the 2016-17 season, which means this could be his last chance at a significant contract. He will take that chance on the open market and find a team that promises that clearly defined role. 

Prediction: Detroit brings Miller back but watches Helm sign elsewhere.

P.A. Parenteau Could Stay in Toronto

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P.A. Parenteau led the Toronto Maple Leafs with 20 goals and was second with 41 points (behind only Nazem Kadri’s 45 points) in 2015-16, and Luke Fox of Sportsnet said “he may be the only impending [unrestricted free agent] Toronto seriously considers re-signing.”

Fox also noted Michael Grabner (nine goals) and Brad Boyes (eight goals) “yielded such low production in 2015-16, the likelihood of them re-signing appears slim.”

That Toronto would want Parenteau back after he led the team in goals makes sense, but it did buy low on the winger last year with a one-year, $1.5 million contract, per Fox, after he struggled some in 2014-15 with the Montreal Canadiens (22 points in 56 games).

Parenteau’s agent, Allan Walsh, said his client “loved playing in Toronto” and “believes in the direction of the organization,” per Fox, but he will likely command a much higher salary after the impressive offensive effort he turned in on his one-year deal.

Even though Parenteau wasn’t at his best in 2014-15, his 2015-16 numbers were not a random breakout showing for the 33-year-old. He notched 67 points in 2011-12 and 53 points in 2010-11 for the New York Islanders and had 43 points in 48 games in 2012-13 for the Colorado Avalanche.

Parenteau is a proven playmaker who will look for a bigger deal after playing for less than what he could likely make on the open market in 2015-16. Fox also pointed out the Maple Leafs attempted to trade the winger before the deadline last season, which indicates they probably don't see him as indispensable.

Prediction: Parenteau’s days on the Maple Leafs are over.

No More Sweet Home Chicago for Andrew Shaw?

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

Andrew Shaw has spent his entire career with the Chicago Blackhawks since the organization drafted him in 2011, but he is a restricted free agent. Craig Custance of ESPN.com said, “No shock here, but the Blackhawks are trying hard to move winger Bryan Bickell's contract, a move that would help them get a new contract done for restricted free agent [Shaw].”

However, Custance raised the idea general manager Stan Bowman may have to trade Teuvo Teravainen in a deal to “get rid of” Bickell’s contract. Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune said the Blackhawks were “in trouble when it comes to room under the cap,” which suggests they may need creative solutions like that to keep Shaw.

Shaw helped Chicago win Stanley Cups in 2013 and 2015 and is a durable force in the middle of the ice who played 80, 79 and 78 games the last three seasons, respectively. He notched 34 points last season and is only 24 years old with a bright future ahead of him.

He is also part of a Chicago core alongside Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Corey Crawford and Duncan Keith that made the Blackhawks one of the most successful organizations in the league in recent years.

Still, Teravainen is only 21 years old and a former first-round pick with an incredibly bright future as well. The youngster tallied 35 points in 78 games last season and figures to be an important part of Chicago’s attack for years to come. The Blackhawks likely don’t want to risk losing him, even if it means watching Shaw sign elsewhere.

Prediction: Chicago values Teravainen’s future too much and will ultimately lose Shaw.