On the top restricted free agents …
Luke Fox of Sportsnet: Fox looks at 36 restricted free agents who are worth watching, noting whose stock has risen, fallen, and who could be traded.
Nathan MacKinnon – the Avs No. 1 priority and should sign a long-term deal.
Mike Hoffman – contract talks have been nonexistent so far.
Nikita Kucherov – will be more room to sign Kucherov if Stamkos leaves.
“It’s something we’ll address at the end of the season,” Scott Greenspun, Kucherov’s agent, told ESPN’s Craig Custance. “That’s what he would prefer. He just wants to focus on having a good season and the team doing well.”
Petr Mrazek – he struggled at the end of the season. A bridge deal might be a smart move for him and the Red Wings.
Torey Krug – Krug has leverage due to the current state of the Bruins blueline.
“You have to do whatever you have to do,” Krug told reporters after the season. “At this point, it’s a business. You have to protect yourself, make sure you’re taking care of yourself.”
Tyson Barrie – the Avs need to hang on to Barrie. He’s been in the trade rumors this season, and if the Avs were to move him, they would need to bring in a comparable defenseman.
Alex Killorn – his contract negotiations will likely have to wait until after Stamkos and Kucherov talks.
Brayden Schenn – went from being a healthy scratch to having his best season – 26 goals and 33 assists.
Andrew Shaw – If Shaw is looking for too much, the Blackhawks could move him.
Sami Vatanen – if the Ducks are not able to re-sign Vatanen to a number they can live with, the Ducks could move him for scoring help upfront. Vatanen’s name was already in the rumor mill this season.
Chris Kreider – he’s coming off a bridge deal. He had an inconsistent season, but pick up his play after his name surfaced in the rumor mill.
Frederik Andersen – lost his starting job to John Gibson. Andersen could become a trade chip, with the Leafs possibly being interested.
Johnny Gaudreau – he’s not arbitration eligible. Will be interesting if they go bridge or long-term.
Jacob Trouba – reports that he originally asked for eight years and $56 million. Reported in March that the sides “nowhere close.” Could be a valuable trade chip if they decide to move. They have the cap space to sign him.
Filip Forsberg – the sides put talks off until after the season. Term will be interesting, but things should go smoothly.
Rasmus Ristolainen – has been reported that their haven’t been contract talks (as of earlier this week), but they will be coming. They are still deciding on whether to go with a bridge deal or long-term.
Matt Dumba – was linked to Jonathan Drouin rumors this season.