2017 NHL Free Agents: Latest Rumors, Predictions for Kevin Shattenkirk and More

The window appears to have closed on the Washington Capitals. While they won the Presidents' Trophy each of the last two seasons, they were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Pittsburgh Penguins in both years.

The palpable disappointment around the franchise is accompanied by the notion that there will be big changes in the roster when the team hits the ice for the 2017-18 season. They have a number of free agents, and even if the team wanted to bring back the majority of those players, the salary cap would likely preclude that from happening.

Rental player Kevin Shattenkirk, who came to the Caps from the St. Louis Blues at midseason, is among those most likely to leave via free agency. Stephen Whyno of the Washington Post has reported that the expansion Vegas Golden Knights hold some interest for Shattenkirk, and he tweeted that the defenseman's departure would be good for the team since it would allow them to keep defenseman Nate Schmidt and possibly sign or trade backup goalie Philip Grubauer.

T.J. Oshie, Karl Alzner and Justin Williams of the Capitals are also all unrestricted free agents and are likely to seek greener pastures that include impressive paydays.

Hockey insider Elliotte Friedman reported that there is wide interest Ilya Kovalchuk as he considers a return to the NHL from the KHL. Friedman identified the San Jose Sharks, St. Louis Blues and the Toronto Maple Leafs as those with interest during a segment on the NHL Network (h/t FanRag Sports).

Larry Brooks of the New York Post confirmed the Kovalchuk interest from those teams, and he added that the New York Rangers also are intrigued.

Kovalchuk, 34, last played for the New Jersey Devils four years ago, and they will retain his rights until July 1. The high-scoring left wing will be able to sign with the team of his choosing as of that date.

Predictions

Shattenkirk, 28, appears to be the biggest name on the free-agent market, and he is a strong puck-moving defenseman who is approaching the prime of his career.

There have been a few inconsistencies to his game and he did not help the Capitals get over the hump this season, but he should still be a very valuable commodity among NHL teams. 

The Vegas option is one that Shattenkirk is likely to keep in his back pocket because that team will almost certainly be years away from competing for a playoff spot, let alone a title. The Tampa Bay Lightning made a strong push for him at the trade deadline, and the belief here is that he will land with the Bolts during free agency.

Kovalchuk is a big winger who can score, and there may be additional teams besides the Sharks, Blues, Maple Leafs and Rangers interested. Look for the Sharks and head coach Pete DeBoer, his former coach with the Devils, to come out victorious in this free-agent signing.

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Oshie is coming off a 33-goal season and was one of the Caps' best performers in the playoffs. He earned $4.175 million in 2016-17 and should be in line for an even bigger deal.

If the Caps are going to hold on to any of their big-name free agents, it would likely be Oshie. Western Conference teams are likely to make a run, but we see Oshie remaining with Washington.

Alexander Radulov returned to the NHL last year and had 54 points with the Montreal Canadiens, and he appeared to be a better and more serious player than he had been in previous NHL stints. Radulov enjoyed his season in Montreal, and he would like to stay with the Habs, according to Eric Engels of SportsNet. Look for Radulov to stay with the Canadiens.

Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau of the San Jose Sharks are both scheduled to be free agents July 1, and the two veterans can be key offensive factors even though they are both nearing the end of their respective careers.

Look for Thornton to remain with the Sharks, while the Los Angeles Kings appear to be the destination for Marleau since that team badly needs scoring.