NHL Free Agency 2017: Top Rumors and Predictions for Joe Thornton, More

NHL free agency is set to begin on July 1, though some players thought to be available have already taken themselves off the market by re-signing with their current team. 

T.J. Oshie was the big domino to fall, re-signing with the Washington Capitals on an eight-year, $46 million deal. Patrick Eaves returned to the Anaheim Ducks, who acquired him via trade in February, on a three-year deal after he played last season for $1 million.

Despite the presence of those deals, the landscape of the NHL will be reshaped this offseason. There are no shortage of star-caliber players still set to hit the market, with teams desperately trying to fight their way up for a seat at the table to make their pitch. 

Looking ahead to the start of free agency Saturday, here are the top rumors and predictions for some of the biggest names on the market. 

Joe Thornton's Large Market

Joe Thornton remains a stellar all-around player as he is set to turn 38 on July 2. The four-time All-Star will seem to have his pick of teams this offseason. 

TSN Hockey's Pierre LeBrun reported how many teams have already shown interest in Thornton:

LeBrun did note he thinks Thornton will remain with the San Jose Sharks, but he ended by saying "who knows" because of all the teams in play, and nothing is for certain until a deal is signed. 

The Sharks would seem to have a huge hometown edge since Thornton has spent the last 12 years playing for the franchise. He finished second on the team with 43 assists and fourth with 50 points. 

Thornton is still a key piece of a Sharks team that remains a consistent playoff contender and is just one year removed from playing in the Stanley Cup Final. 

Paul Gackle of the Bay Area News Group noted the last three times Thornton re-signed with the Sharks they were all for three years and were finished before free agency started. 

There was also an interesting comment by Sharks general manager Doug Wilson included in Gackle's report pertaining to Thornton and Patrick Marleau. 

"We've had conversations with them all along, both the agents and the players. I'll just leave it at that," Wilson said. "They are cornerstone players that we'll treat with great respect."

Considering how quickly the Sharks and Thornton have moved on contract discussions in the past, no deal at this point could mean something. 

Sportsnet.ca's Elliotte Friedman said during a radio interview with SportsNet 590 on Monday (via FanRag Sports' Chris Nichols) he doesn't know if Thornton is ready to move and is "a huge part of that community" in San Jose. 

Friedman also brought up he thinks Thornton could be asking for three years worth $5-7 million per season, and the Sharks may not be comfortable handing out that kind of deal. 

"I even wouldn't be surprised if a team like Columbus, who are all-in in the next two years, would call and say, 'What would it take,'" Friedman said.

Because Thornton has been such an integral part of the Sharks for so long, even with some trepidation by the front office to match all of his potential demands, there's no reason for the two sides to split up right now. 

Prediction: Thornton re-signs with Sharks

Paying for Karl Alzner

Ross D. Franklin/Associated Press

Whereas Thornton is well past his peak, Karl Alzner is a 28-year-old star defenseman seeking the first major contract of his NHL career. 

The Capitals already handed out one major deal. They do have approximately $17.6 million in cap space left for next season if they want to give Alzner a long-term extension, per Cap Friendly. 

LeBrun reported Alzner has a visit scheduled with the Montreal Canadiens. Chris Kuc of the Chicago Tribune reported the Chicago Blackhawks talked with Alzner's camp, but added it "would take some shuffling to make that happen."

Rick Dhaliwal of Vancouver's News 1130 reported the Vancouver Canucks contacted Alzner's agent. He's from British Columbia and has at least some connection to the area, though the Canucks' 69 points last season ranked last in the Pacific Division. 

The Canadiens stand out in Alzner's group of suitors. They won the Atlantic Division with 103 points thanks in large part to a defense that allowed the third-fewest goals in the NHL last season but were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Rangers. 

Montreal has earned at least 100 points in three of the last four seasons but has just three playoff series wins during that stretch. The front office can't afford to stand pat, waiting for the current roster to put it all together. 

Alex Galchenyuk appears likely to stay with the Canadiens after trade rumors earlier in the offseason. 

Alzner won't have much of an impact on the offensive end. He had just 13 points in 82 games last season, but his ability on the defensive end will make an already stout unit that much more difficult to get around next season. 

Prediction: Alzner signs with Canadiens

A Thornton Alternative

Tom Mihalek/Associated Press

If Thornton's contract demands get too rich for the many interested teams, Andrei Markov is an intriguing alternative. 

Like Thornton, Markov is a 38-year-old seasoned veteran. He's spent his entire career with the Canadiens and may want to keep it that way. 

Jimmy Murphy reported Markov is seeking a two-year deal worth $7 million and that he wants to stay with the Canadiens "but will talk to other teams." Murphy added the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs and New Jersey Devils have interest in Markov.

If the Canadiens want to keep Markov around as a strong veteran presence who can still play at a high level, they can do it. 

If the Canadiens decide to go with a younger option, like Alzner, Markov's free-agent window opens for 30 other teams to make their pitch.  

Markov is a superior offensive player to Alzner. He has scored at least 30 points in each of the last five seasons and led the Canadiens with 11 power play assists last season. 

In this prediction scenario, since Alzner has been sent to Montreal, Markov will likely be looking for a new team. 

Given Markov's age, he would likely be looking for a contending team to play for. Among the three interested suitors Murphy mentioned, the Oilers and Maple Leafs were playoff teams last season. 

The Maple Leafs need help on defense after finishing 22nd in goals allowed last season and allowed 18 goals in a seven-game playoff series loss against the Capitals. 

Prediction: Markov signs with Maple Leafs