The NHL free-agent period opens at noon ET on July 1, 2018. Here’s a look at recent news regarding this summer’s noteworthy unrestricted free agents.
John Tavares – Center – New York Islanders
On Saturday, Tavares‘ agent informed the Islanders his client intends to meet with representatives from five teams during the UFA interview period leading up to the start of free agency. The suitors reportedly include the Boston Bruins, Dallas Stars, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Toronto Maple Leafs.
Islanders fans shouldn’t despair. Tavares reportedly engaged in contract discussions with GM Lou Lamoriello leading up to Saturday. Lamoriello said he wasn’t disappointed by his captain’s decision, noting he has every right to explore all his options. There’s a good chance Tavares and the Isles could reach an agreement before July 1.
Tavares earned an annual average value of $5.5 million on his current contract and could seek to double that figure on his next one. One advantage the Islanders have is they can offer Tavares an eight-year deal before July 1. The others can only offer seven if he hits the open market.
James van Riemsdyk – Left Wing – Toronto Maple Leafs
Coming off a career-best 36-goal performance, the 29-year-old van Riemsdyk has earned himself a significant pay raise. Completing a six-year deal with an annual average value of $4.25-million, he could command between $6.5-$7 million on the open market.
With $54.8-million committed to 18 players, the Leafs have plenty of cap space to re-sign van Riemsdyk. However, they also have young forward William Nylander due for a raise this summer and scoring stars Auston Matthews and Mitch Marner slated for new contracts next summer.
The Leafs could also get into the bidding for Islanders center John Tavares. However, GM Kyle Dubas last Monday said he wasn’t ruling out re-signing his UFA players. If they fail to land a big fish via free agency or the trade market, perhaps they’ll try to keep van Riemsdyk in the fold.
James Neal and David Perron – Wingers – Vegas Golden Knights
Neal and Perron played crucial roles in the Golden Knights’ impressive inaugural season. They could also become targets of interest in this summer’s free-agent market.
Neal, 30, reached the 20-goal mark for the ninth consecutive season. He’s completing a six-year, $30-million contract. The 29-year-old Perron, meanwhile, led the Golden Knights with a career-best 50 assists. He’s coming off a two-year, $7.5-million deal.
On Saturday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Steve Carp reported Golden Knights GM George McPhee had extended contract offers to Neal, Perron, forward Ryan Reaves and defenseman Luca Sbisa. The following day, however, Carp’s colleague David Schoen indicated the duo rejected those offers and appear headed to free agency.
Paul Stastny – Center – Winnipeg Jets
The steal of the 2018 NHL trade deadline, Stastny played a significant role in the Jets’ march to the Western Conference Final.
Stastny is completing a four-year, $28-million contract. Jets GM Kevin Cheveldayoff is reportedly trying to re-sign the 32-year-old center.
While Stastny is open to returning to Winnipeg, it might not be possible. The Jets must re-sign goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, defensemen Jacob Trouba and Josh Morrissey this summer, while Blake Wheeler, Patrik Laine, Tyler Myers and Kyle Connor will be due new contracts next year. There won’t be enough cap space for everyone, potentially leaving Stastny as the odd man out.
Rick Nash – Right Wing – Boston Bruins
Traded to the Bruins by the New York Rangers in late-February, Nash‘s short tenure in Boston was hampered by a late-season injury which likely accounted for his poor numbers in the playoffs.
Now 34, Nash is no longer the dominant power forward of his youth. Completing an eight-year, $62.4-million contract, he won’t be getting anything close to that via free agency this summer.
Having lost out in the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes, Bruins management could consider giving Nash another shot. The Boston Globe‘s Kevin Paul Dupont reported Sunday that the big winger’s agent said his client isn’t sure if he’ll continue his NHL career. However, The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline reported of mutual interest between Nash and the Columbus Blue Jackets. He began his NHL career with the Jackets in 2002 until traded to the Rangers in 2012.
