NHL Free Agents 2017: Latest on Joe Thornton, Jaromir Jagr and More

The NHL has completed the Stanley Cup Final, the Vegas Golden Knights' expansion draft and the rookie draft in rapid fashion.

The next big event on the calendar is the start of free agency, and that will get underway Saturday, July 1.

While there are a number of strong players who are unrestricted free agents and will be available, there is no dominating superstar in the prime of his career.

That does not mean there aren't superstars available, notably some who are at the back end of their respective careers, including Joe Thornton of the San Jose Sharks and Florida Panthers' ancient warrior Jaromir Jagr.

Neither of those players are ready to hang up their skates just yet, and based on recent production, they can still play and put decent numbers on the board in the NHL.

Thornton has been playing in the NHL since he was an 18-year-old rookie in 1997-98, and he has been with the San Jose Sharks since being acquired from the Boston Bruins early in the 2005-06 season. Throughout his career, Thornton has been one of the game's foremost setup men, and he has been an All-Star four times in his career.

Thornton has scored 384 goals and 1,007 assists in his career, but he has reached the point where he may no longer have the value on the ice to match his salary. Thornton earned $6.75 million last year according to Cap Friendly, and the question is what kind of salary are teams willing to give him in 2017-18 and the years to come.

The Los Angeles Kings are one of the teams that are interested in Thornton. Jon Rosen of Fox Sports West reported that the Kings have been communicating with their long-time rival, and it would not be a shock if he ended up in a Los Angeles uniform.

TSN Insider Pierre LeBrun reported 12 teams have contacted Thornton, but he would prefer to remain with the Sharks if a deal can be worked out.

While Thornton appears to be hitting the final strides of his career, that may not be the case. He is a virtual youngster when compared with the 45-year-old Jagr.

Jagr scored 16 goals and added 30 assists for the Panthers last season, and he would like to keep playing next year. The Panthers know that Jagr is still productive and are still considering him, but salary considerations are an issue.

Panthers beat writer George Richards reported the team wants to bring him back, but they want to do it at a reduced salary. Jagr earned $4 million in salary and another $1.515 million in bonus money last season, per Cap Friendly. 

Jagr is putting himself on the market to gain a clear understanding of his value.

Paul Vernon/Associated Press

Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins, who are in need of a left-shot defenseman, appear to be one of the teams that will be making a bid for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Trevor Daley.

Boston Herald reporter Steve Conroy reported the Bruins have been in contact with Daley, and they are one of eight teams that have shown an interest in the defenseman who will be 34 in October.

LeBrun also confirmed that the Bruins are contenders for Daley's services, as are the Detroit Red Wings.