UFAs IN 2021

ALEX OVECHKIN LW, WSH

Trying to picture Ovechkin in a uniform other than the Caps makes almost no sense. It probably won’t happen, but stranger things have come to pass.

RYAN NUGENT-HOPKINS C, EDM

On pace for a career-high 70-plus points when the league paused, ‘The Nuge’ will almost certainly play the wing with either Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.

TAYLOR HALL LW, BUF

He eschewed a long-term deal this off-season on the chance the economic environment is better in 2021. A dynamic year next to Jack Eichel helps, too.

DOUGIE HAMILTON D, CAR

A Norris Trophy frontrunner before he was injured, he’s an elite offensive producer from the blueline. That should continue regardless of his uniform.

GABRIEL LANDESKOG LW, COL

He’s much more valuable than his stats suggest. Landeskog did have a 75-point season in 2018-19 and is more than capable of being a point-per-gamer.

JORDAN BINNINGTON G, STL

What? This guy’s a pending UFA already? Didn’t he lead the Blues to the Cup as an unknown, like, five minutes ago? Look for a bounce-back season.

TUUKKA RASK G, BOS

He’s still the No. 1 goalie for a team that remains good enough to be a contender in the East. So you know he’s going to get his share of wins in the Bruins’ net.

PHILLIP DANAULT C, MTL

He doesn’t like the idea of being a thirdline center, and there’s a good chance he will be moved to a contender at some point either before or during the season.

FREDERIK ANDERSEN G, TOR

A subject of trade rumors, he was on pace for his fourth straight 30-plus win season before the pandemic. Wherever he is, he’s money in the regular season.

TYSON BARRIE D, EDM

See Taylor Hall. The chance to quarterback the league’s best power play, combined with a brighter economic world, means a big payday in 2021.