The 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs could serve as a showcase for several pending unrestricted free agents hoping to bolster their value.
While regular-season performance serves as the basis for determining a player’s free-agent value, a strong postseason showing can burnish their resumes.
Here’s a look at several potential free agents who could benefit from a solid outing in the upcoming playoffs.
Tyler Bozak, Toronto Maple Leafs
A two-way playmaking center, the 32-year-old Bozak netted 43 points this season, marking the fifth time he’s reached the 40-point plateau in his nine-year NHL career. He’s finishing a five-year, $21-million contract.
Bozak’s also at the stage in his career when performance begins to decline. That could affect his efforts to land a lucrative new deal. He’ll need a convincing postseason effort to prove he’s still got lots left in the tank.
Evander Kane, San Jose Sharks
In 77 games with the Sharks and Buffalo Sabres, the 26-year-old Kane has 29 goals and 54 points. Those are his best totals since his 30-goal, 57-point season with the Winnipeg Jets in 2011-12. Fourteen of those points came in 17 games with the Sharks.
Kane is completing a six-year, $31.5-million contract and is entering the playoffs for the first time in his career. The baggage from his off-ice antics earlier in his career could also affect his free-agent value. Carrying over his regular-season play with the Sharks into the playoffs will improve his chances of securing an expensive new deal.
Patrick Maroon, New Jersey Devils
In a season split between the Devils and Edmonton Oilers, Maroon reached the 40-point mark for the second straight year. Thirteen of those points came in 17 games with the Devils. He’s completing a three-year, $6-million contract.
His numbers with the Devils should dispel the belief that the 29-year-old left wing couldn’t produce without former Oilers linemate Connor McDavid. However, some clubs could still be leery of signing him to a long-term deal. Putting up good numbers in the 2018 playoffs should enhance his resume.
Riley Nash, Boston Bruins
The 28-year-old Nash had a career season in his contract year, with 15 goals and 26 assists for 41 points. Completing a two-year, $1.8-million contract, the veteran center is in line for a substantial raise.
Despite his improved play this season, he could have difficulty convincing some teams that this season wasn’t a fluke. He’s currently sidelined by an injured ear. If he can return to action in the playoffs, a solid outing could dissuade the doubters.
James Neal, Vegas Golden Knights
Neal, 30, reached the 20-goal plateau for the 10th time and 40-plus points for the eighth season. After a strong start to this season, however, he netted just three goals and 10 points in 24 games since Jan. 25. A hand injury and an illness also hampered him during that period.
Coming off a six-year, $30-million contract, Neal could seek a long-term deal worth over $6 million annually. If he can regain his scoring touch in the upcoming playoffs, it could help him land a hefty raise this summer.
Thomas Vanek, Columbus Blue Jackets
With 24 goals and 56 points split between the Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks, Vanek enjoyed his best season since his 52-point campaign in 2014-15. The 34-year-old winger is completing a one-year, $2-million contract.
Because of his age, teams could be reluctant to invest too heavily in Vanek. A robust effort in the 2018 playoffs could bolster his chances of inking a significant raise on a two-year deal.
Stats (as of Apr.8, 2018) via NHL.com. Salary info via Cap Friendly.
