The Top Early Storylines Surrounding 2017 NHL Free Agents

The recent re-signings of Brent Burns by the San Jose Sharks and Brad Marchand by the Boston Bruins took two top players out of next summer's pool of NHL unrestricted free agents. More focus is shifting upon those notables who still remain, such as Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Ben Bishop and St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. 

As this season progresses, circumstances could affect their value in the free-agent market. Performance will be a key factor, as will age, injury and their place in the lineup. 

Here's a look at the notable storylines surrounding each of the top players still available in next summer UFA market. Feel free to express your views on this topic in the comment section. 

Honorable Mention

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Patrick Eaves, Dallas Stars

With 18 points in 27 games, the 32-year-old Eaves is on track for a career-high 50-point season. Time will tell, however, if he can maintain that level of production. 

Brian Elliott, Calgary Flames

Acquired from the St. Louis Blues last summer as the Flames' new starting goaltender, Elliott has been a bust so far. With only three wins in 13 starts, he needs a quick turnaround to stay in Calgary beyond this season. 

Steve Mason, Philadelphia Flyers

After a horrible start to this season, Mason has bounced back recently with several strong performances. Whether he can maintain that high level of play remains to be seen. 

Andrei Markov, Montreal Canadiens 

With 18 points in 27 games, the 37-year-old Markov is having a good start to this season. He must maintain that output to bolster his chances for a new contract with the Habs. 

Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks

With only nine points in 27 games, time has caught up with the 37-year-old Marleau. Now in his 19th NHL season, this is likely the last hurrah for the longtime Shark in San Jose. 

Ryan Miller, Vancouver Canucks

Though no longer a Vezina Trophy candidate, the 36-year-old Miller might not be done in Vancouver. On Dec. 4, Ben Kuzma of the Province reported the Canucks could try to re-sign Miller. 

10. Sam Gagner, Columbus Blue Jackets

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Storyline

Coming off a career-worst 16-point season, forward Sam Gagner is fashioning a strong bounce-back performance with the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Factors

Gagner, 27, has become a valuable contributor to the Jackets' strong start. In 24 games, he's tallied 11 goals and eight assists for 19 points.

He leads the Jackets in goals and ranks among their leaders in points. With six 40-plus-point performances on his resume, Gagner is on pace for a career-best 60-point season. 

Possible outcome

The Jackets got Gagner for a song (one year, $650,000) via free agency last summer. If he reaches the 40-point mark again, it could cost around $3 million per season to re-sign him.

The Jackets already have more than $67 million tied up in next season's payroll and must re-sign young forwards Alexander Wennberg (22) and Josh Anderson (22). Unless the Jackets shed salary elsewhere, this could be Gagner's only season in Columbus. 

9. Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals

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Storyline

It could prove expensive for the Washington Capitals to re-sign defenseman Karl Alzner. On Nov. 26, Sportsnet's Rory Boylen cited Nick Kypreos suggesting it could cost up to $6 million annually.  

Factors

Alzner, 28, is a big (6'3", 219 lbs), reliable shutdown blueliner who is averaging 20 minutes, four seconds of ice time per game this season. He leads the Capitals in short-handed ice time (averaging 2:59 per game) and blocked shots (47) and is among their leaders in hits (30). 

While Alzner might not be flashy, he gets the job done in his own zone. He's in line for a significant raise over his current $2.8 million annual salary. If the Capitals don't re-sign Alzner, he'll attract considerable attention in the free-agent market. 

Possible outcome

The Capitals have more than $51 million invested in their 2017-18 payroll. In addition to Alzner, they must also re-sign or replace notable free agents such as Evgeny Kuznetsov, T.J. Oshie and Justin Williams.  

Re-signing Alzner could prove to be difficult. Capitals management will wait and see how this season unfolds before reaching a decision on a new contract for him.

8. Martin Hanzal, Arizona Coyotes

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Storyline

The Arizona Coyotes' limited depth at center could make it difficult for them to part with Martin Hanzal. But with promising youngsters Dylan Strome (19) and Christian Dvorak (20) in their system, re-signing him to a long-term extension could be unnecessary. 

Factors

Hanzal is a big (6'6", 226 lbs) two-way center with nine points in 21 games this season. He carries an affordable $3.1 million annual cap hit on his current contract. It could cost the Coyotes up to $5 million per season to re-sign him.

With $44.5 million invested in next season's cap payroll, they can afford to give him a big raise. Given his age (29), injury history and the young centers in their pipeline, they might not wish to invest long-term. 

Possible outcome

This could come down to how much Hanzal is willing to sacrifice to remain with the Coyotes. While they're still rebuilding, they're also the only NHL team he's ever played for.

A long-term deal for Hanzal, however, could hamper the efforts of Strome and Dvorak to crack the roster on a full-time basis. Regardless, the Coyotes could offer up a three-year extension for Hanzal. 

7. Patrick Sharp, Dallas Stars

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Storyline

A concussion has sidelined Dallas Stars right wing Patrick Sharp. The longer he's on the shelf, the more it could affect his future with the Stars and his value in next summer's free-agent market. 

Factors

Sharp, 34, enjoyed a 55-point performance last season, his first with the Stars. It marked the sixth time he's exceeded 50 points in his career. 

Concussion symptoms, however, have limited Sharp to only 11 games this season. He's currently sidelined indefinitely, and it remains to be seen how effective he'll be when he finally returns to action. 

Possible outcome

Stars management will probably remain patient with Sharp. If he quickly regains his form, his leadership and experience will be invaluable in their quest to reach the playoffs. 

The Stars have more than $51 million invested in next season's payroll. They could offer Sharp a short-term extension, but he'll have to accept a pay cut from his current $5.9 million annual cap hit.

6. Jaromir Jagr, Florida Panthers

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Storyline

Age could finally be catching up with 44-year-old Florida Panthers right wing Jaromir Jagr. Through 28 games, he has tallied only six goals and eight assists for 14 points. 

Factors

At his current rate of production, Jagr would reach 40 points this season. That would be well below last season's total of 66.

Though Jagr is still among the Panthers' leading scorers, that's a reflection of how much their offense is struggling this season. If he fails to significantly improve over the remainder of this season, his future with the Panthers could be in doubt. 

Possible outcome

Jagr could turn things around with a strong second half. However, the wear and tear of a long NHL campaign is more likely to take its toll upon him.

The Panthers are struggling as a team this season. Should they miss the playoffs, changes could be in store. That could include letting Jagr depart via free agency. 

5. T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals

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Storyline

The Washington Capitals have struggled at times this season. That could put right wing T.J. Oshie's future with the club in doubt. 

Factors

Oshie has played well since joining the Capitals, netting 51 points last season. Despite being hampered by injuries this season, he has 14 points in 19 games.

A skilled and aggressive forward, Oshie could seek a significant raise over his current $4.175 million cap hit. However, he turns 30 on Dec. 23, and his best seasons could be behind him. 

Possible outcome

Oshie can't be faulted for his recent injuries. However, the Capitals already have more than $51 million invested in next season's payroll. They must also re-sign or replace such notables as Evgeny Kuznetsov, Karl Alzner and Justin Williams.

If the Capitals fail to win the Stanley Cup this season, they could look to shake things up. That could lead to Oshie's departure via free agency. 

4. Alexander Radulov, Montreal Canadiens

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Storyline

Alexander Radulov's solid performance with the Montreal Canadiens could earn him a contract extension. He's on a one-year, $5.75 million contract. 

Factors

Only two months into this season, Radulov has quickly become an invaluable part of the Canadiens offense. In his first NHL campaign since 2011-12, the 30-year-old has 21 points in 25 games. He is the team's No. 2 leading scorer.

On Nov. 24, Sportsnet's Luke Fox reported that Radulov's agent, Maxim Moliver, told La Presse they're willing to listen if the Canadiens come forward with a long-term contract offer.

Possible outcome

Moliver admitted it's still early for contract talks. According to Fox, general manager Marc Bergevin said the same thing in a Nov. 4 interview with ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun.

Should Radulov maintain his impressive play, Bergevin will likely attempt to re-sign him. It could prove costly, though, perhaps over $6 million annually on a five-year deal. 

3. Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues

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Storyline

Trade speculation that dogged Shattenkirk last summer carried over into the start of 2016-17. But as the season has progressed, the trade chatter has faded away. 

Factors

With 19 points in 28 games, the 27-year-old Shattenkirk is second on the team in points and in the top five among NHL defensemen. He also leads the Blues in power-play goals (five) and points (12). His production has helped put the Blues among the top teams in the Western Conference. 

Possible outcome

It remains to be seen if the Blues will re-sign Shattenkirk before his eligibility for unrestricted free agency in July. His current annual cap hit is $4.25 million. He could prove too expensive to retain.

Given his importance to their offensive attack, however, it's doubtful they'll move him before the March 1 trade deadline. To maintain their Stanley Cup hopes this season, they'll need Shattenkirk's puck-moving abilities. 

2. Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks

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Storyline

Center Joe Thornton's days with the San Jose Sharks might not be coming to a close after all. Despite his age (37) and free-agency status in July, the longtime Shark is still putting up good numbers.

Factors

Thornton has recorded 16 points in 27 games this season. While that's down from last season's 82-point production, he still ranks among the Sharks' leading scorers. Thornton also played a significant role in the Sharks' march to the 2016 Stanley Cup Final, finishing among the postseason's top scorers. 

Though he no longer wears the captaincy, Thornton remains a respected leader on the Sharks. He's in the final season of a three-year deal worth $6.75 million annually.

Possible outcome

Now in his 12th seasons with the Sharks, Thornton could prefer finishing his career in San Jose. Remaining a Shark could also improve his chances for another shot at the Cup. 

Of the Sharks' free agents, Thornton is the most notable. With more than $53 million invested in their 2017-18 payroll, they have sufficient room to re-sign him, perhaps to a two-year, $11 million contract. 

1. Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning

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Storyline

A Vezina Trophy finalist in 2016, Bishop is off to a slow start to his contract year. In 19 games played, the 30-year-old has a record of eight wins, 10 losses and one overtime loss. He sports a 2.86 goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.

Factors

Backup Andrei Vasilevskiy is challenging Bishop for the starter's job. Though the veteran has more starts, Vasilevskiy's numbers—six wins, two losses, one overtime loss, 2.27 GAA, .929 SP and two shutouts—are better.

Perhaps the knowledge this is likely his last season with the Lightning is weighing on Bishop. He's completing a two-year deal worth $5.9 million annually. Given the Lightning's limited cap space for 2017-18 ($59.2 million) and with other key players to re-sign, they could part ways with the veteran netminder by next summer. 

Possible outcome

The Lightning could be better off keeping their current goalie tandem intact for another run at the Stanley Cup next spring.

But if Vasilevskiy continues to outperform Bishop, the Lightning could use the latter as a trade chip to address other roster needs before the March 1 trade deadline. 

Player and team stats (as of Dec. 9, 2016) via NHL.com. Salary info via CapFriendly.