10 NHL Players to Watch in Their Contract Years During 2016-17 Season
Among next summer's crop of NHL unrestricted free agents, San Jose Sharks defenseman Brent Burns and Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop will garner most of the headlines. However, Burns' teammate Joe Thornton will be among other notables worth following in the coming season.
Aging stars, such as Thornton, face the challenge of maintaining a strong level of performance in their contract year. Others, such as Boston Bruins right wing Brad Marchand, must build upon last season's solid effort to bolster their free-agent value. A few, such as Philadelphia Flyers goalie Steve Mason, must prove they're still top-level players.
In the following slideshow, we'll examine the 10 potential NHL unrestricted free agents worth watching in 2016-17. You can express your opinion on this topic in the comments section below.
10. Alexander Radulov, Montreal Canadiens
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Player profile
After spending the last four seasons playing in Russia, right winger Alexander Radulov signed a one-year, $5.75 million contract on July 1, 2016 with the Montreal Canadiens. In 154 previous NHL games, the former Nashville Predators winger scored 47 goals and 55 assists for 102 points.
Key factors
Radulov was a scoring star in the Kontinental Hockey League, tallying 492 points in 391 games with CSKA Moscow. The 6'1", 200-pounder possesses good size and strong offensive skills. He showed considerable promise in his previous NHL seasons, but maturity was an issue. Now 30, Radulov must demonstrate he can be a reliable NHL scorer.
Outlook for 2016-17
The Canadiens need skilled scoring depth at right wing. They're taking a gamble on Radulov, though only a short-term one. Should he perform well, he will earn a long-term deal from the Canadiens or another NHL team via free agency. If not, this return to the NHL could be his last.
9. Steve Mason, Philadelphia Flyers
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Player profile
Winner of the 2009 Calder Memorial Trophy, goaltender Steve Mason joined the Philadelphia Flyers during 2012-13 in a trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets. He's won 174 regular-season games, with a career goals-against average of 2.69, a .911 save percentage and 30 shutouts.
Mason, 28, is approaching the final season of a three-year, $12.3 million contract. His annual salary is $4.1 million.
Key factors
Since his debut in 2008-09, Mason struggled to establish himself as a reliable starting goalie. A solid outing in 2014-15 (2.25 GAA, .928 SP) was followed by an inconsistent effort (2.51 GAA, .918 SP) last season.
Backup Michal Neuvirth put up better stats last season (2.27 GAA, .924 SP), challenging him for the stater's job. Injuries have also dogged Mason throughout his career (Mason was put on the injured reserve in 2014-15 and has been listed as day-to-day with an injury six times in the last three seasons).
Outlook for 2016-17
To fend off Neuvirth and improve his bargaining position, Mason needs a strong bounce-back effort this coming season. He cannot afford to be relegated to backup duty. Another sub-par performance could turn him into a trade candidate or lead to his departure next July via free agency.
8. Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks
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Player profile
Left wing Patrick Marleau is approaching his 19th NHL season, all of them spent with the San Jose Sharks. He's the franchise leader in games played (1,411), goals (481) and points (1,036). In 2015-16, the 36-year-old finished third among Sharks scorers in goals (25) and fourth in points (48).
Marleau is completing a three-year, $20 million contract. His annual salary-cap hit is $6.66 million, though in actual salary he'll earn $6.5 million. He also carries a full no-movement clause.
Key factors
Despite Marleau's stellar career numbers, his stats have declined since his 70-point effort in 2013-14. While he's rebounded from similar slumps earlier in his career, age and 18 NHL seasons are taking their toll. At times in 2015-16, Marleau skated on the third line. He's also at the point where he'll no longer receive long-term contract offers.
Outlook for 2016-17
Marleau faces an uncertain future. The Sharks are transitioning toward younger players, such as Logan Couture, Tomas Hertl and Joonas Donskoi. If Marleau doesn't have a bounce-back season, the Sharks could attempt to trade him or let him walk next July via free agency. An ongoing production decline will hurt his trade and free-agent value.
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7. Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks
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Player profile
In 655 career regular-season games with the Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues and Vancouver Canucks, goaltender Ryan Miller amassed 340 victories. He's won 30-or-more games seven times.
In 2010, Miller was awarded the Vezina Trophy as the league's top goaltender. He also backstopped the United States to a silver medal in men's hockey at the 2010 Winter Olympics.
Miller is entering the final season of his three-year, $18 million contract. His annual salary is $6 million and he carries a modified no-trade clause.
Key factors
Since 2009-10, Miller's performance has steadily declined. In 51 games last season, he posted a 17-24-9 record, with a 2.70 goals-against average and .916 save percentage.
Now 36, age could be taking its toll on the 6'2", 168-pounder. Miller cannot handle the heavier workloads of his youth. He's at an age when he'll no longer receive a lengthy and expensive contract.
Outlook for 2016-17
At this point in his career, Miller must prove he's still a reliable starting goaltender. He probably doesn't have a long-term future with the rebuilding Canucks. A solid effort in the upcoming season could bolster his value at the February trade deadline and as a unrestricted free agent.
6. Patrick Sharp, Dallas Stars
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Player profile
In 14 NHL seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Dallas Stars, left wing Patrick Sharp established himself as a versatile and productive forward. Capable of playing either wing, the 34-year-old has six seasons with 55-or-more points. He also helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cup championships.
Sharp is entering the final season of his five-year, $29.5 million contract. He has a annual salary-cap hit of $5.9 million, though he'll earn $5 million in actual salary.
Key factors
Dealt last summer to Dallas from the Blackhawks, Sharp's experience, two-way skills and leadership proved invaluable to his new club. He finished fourth on the Stars in goals (20) and fifth with 55 points.
He'll turn 35 on Dec. 27 and is at the stage when performance tends to decline. His days of landing five-year contracts are in the past.
Outlook for 2016-17
This season will determine Sharp's long-term future in Dallas and his value as a potential free agent next summer. He could be a key piece in the Stars' push toward Stanley Cup contention. Another solid performance could net him a two-year deal worth around $5 million per season.
5. Brian Elliott, Calgary Flames
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Player profile
In nine NHL seasons with the Ottawa Senators, Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues, goaltender Brian Elliott has a record of 165-99-32. His career goals-against average is 2.40, with a .914 save percentage and 34 shutouts. On June 24, the Blues traded him to the Calgary Flames.
The 31-year-old Elliott will be completing the final season of his three-year, $7.5 million contract. His annual salary-cap hit is $2.5 million and he'll earn $2.7 million in actual salary.
Key factors
The 6'2", 209-pound Elliott is a proven veteran goalie. Despite his solid numbers, he's been unable to fully establish himself as a starter. During his five seasons with the Blues, he split the goalie duties with Jaroslav Halak, Ryan Miller and Jake Allen.
Outlook for 2016-17
Poor goaltending resulted in the promising Flames missing the playoffs last season. They brought in Elliott to rectify that problem.
This could be his last, best opportunity to entrench himself as an unquestioned NHL starter. If he can backstop the Flames into the 2017 playoffs, he could earn himself a lengthy new deal with a substantial pay raise.
4. T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
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Player profile
In his eight-year NHL career, right wing T.J. Oshie exceeded the 50-point mark four times. Last season, his first with the Washington Capitals, Oshie finished second on the team in goals (26) and fifth in points (51). He also tallied 10 points in 12 games during the 2016 playoffs.
Oshie is entering the final season of a five-year, $20.875 million contract. His annual salary-cap hit is $4.175 million. In actual salary, he'll earn $4.5 million.
Key factors
After being dealt to Washington last summer from the St. Louis Blues, the 29-year-old Oshie wasted little time fitting in well with the Capitals. He provided a much-needed boost of scoring depth to their right wing. He's a slick offensive forward who doesn't shy away from the physical game.
Outlook for 2016-17
Now in his playing prime, Oshie should remain a strong offensive presence for the Capitals. If he can help them reach the Stanley Cup Final, he could be rewarded with a long-term contract extension. Re-signing him might prove expensive, as Oshie could seek up to $6 million per season.
3. Alexander Steen, St. Louis Blues
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Player profile
Left wing Alexander Steen spent over seven of his 11 NHL seasons with the St. Louis Blues. He's emerged as a team leader and one of the Blues most consistent offensive players. Since 2010-11 he's exceeded the 50-point plateau three times.
Steen has one season remaining on his three-year, $17.4 million contract. He has an annual salary-cap hit of $5.8 million, though in actual salary he'll make $6.5 million. He also has a no-trade clause.
Key factors
The 32-year-old Steen is at the point in his career when performance begins to decline. The Blues are also transitioning toward younger players, which could affect his long-term future in St. Louis.
Despite Steen's offensive consistency, he also has a long history of injuries. Last season, an upper-body injury forced him to miss 15 games. On June 3, he underwent shoulder surgery and will be re-evaluated in September.
Outlook for 2016-17
If Steen fully recovers from his shoulder surgery, he should remain a vital part of the Blues core this season. Young left wings Jaden Schwartz and Robby Fabbri could make it challenging for him to remain on the top two lines.
His age and injury history ensures Steen won't receive a long-term contract extension. Depending on his play, the Blues could attempt to re-sign him to a short-term deal worth around $5.5 million per season.
2. Brad Marchand, Boston Bruins
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Player profile
Over seven NHL seasons, Brad Marchand became a valuable member of the Boston Bruins. He's exceeded 20 goals and 40 points five times. In 2015-16, he tallied career highs in goals with 37 and points with 61. He was the Bruins leading goal scorer last season.
Marchand is completing a four-year, $18 million contract. He has an annual salary-cap hit of $4.5 million, though in actual salary he'll earn $5 million. He also has a modified no-trade clause.
Key factors
Marchand is among the few remaining links to the Bruins 2011 championship roster. The 5'9", 181-pound right wing is a physical, pesky scoring forward. At 28, he's in his playing prime. His emergence as a team leader and reliable offensive threat makes him invaluable to a Bruins roster in transition.
Outlook for 2016-17
Expect Marchand to remain an important member of the Bruins' offense. Another 30-goal, 60-point season isn't out of the question. At his current performance level, he could command a six-year deal worth over $6 million per season. If the Bruins won't pay out that much, Marchand won't have difficulty finding that deal via free agency.
1. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks
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Player profile
Entering his 19th NHL season, San Jose Sharks center Joe Thornton has amassed 377 goals and 964 assists for 1,341 points. The 37-year-old is second all-time in points among active NHL players.
In 2015-16, Thornton finished fourth among the NHL's leading scorers with 82 points. He also finished fifth among the 2016 playoff scoring leaders with 21 points.
Thornton is entering the final season of a three-year, $20.25 million contract. His annual salary is $6.75 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.
Key factors
At an age when performance declines, Thornton remains among the league's elite playmakers. Still, he won't receive any long-term contract offers at this stage of his career. It's possible the wear and tear of nearly two decades in the NHL could catch up with him in 2016-17.
Outlook for 2016-17
It could be asking too much of Thornton to match last season's stellar numbers. Still, he should remain an important part of the Sharks' offense. Another strong effort could earn Thornton a one- or two-year extension with San Jose. It will also further enhance his free-agent value if he decides to test the open market next July.
Player stats via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly. Additional info via Hockey-Reference.com.
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