Tavares and who else? Top names to watch in free agency

The NHL’s best rarely make it to free agency.

Teams tend to re-sign their top players, keeping them off the market and on their rosters. That leaves a slew of solid veterans and journeymen available to the highest bidders trying to find a forward to play on a second or third line, a defenceman to be in a second pairing or perhaps a backup goaltender.

John Tavares this year is considered a top target, assuming the New York Islanders and their new leaders can’t persuade the 27-year-old centre to stay with the franchise that drafted him No. 1 overall in 2009. He had 84 points last season, two shy of his career high.

Trying to show Tavares how serious they are about winning, the Islanders hired Stanley Cup-winning coach Barry Trotz and Stanley Cup-winning president of hockey operations Lou Lamoriello. New York can sign Tavares to an eight-year contract, too, one year more than any other team in the league can give him. The Islanders can invest $80-plus million to help convince their franchise star to stay.

Tavares, though, may want to take his two-way talents elsewhere because he has made it to the playoffs just three times in his nine-year career, advancing only once. If the five-time All-Star chooses to leave, he has plenty of choices. Toronto, Boston, San Jose, Dallas and Tampa Bay are believed to be among those that have the money and the interest in him.

Some other names to watch ahead of free agency, which begins Sunday:

JAMES VAN RIEMSDYK

The 29-year-old Maple Leaf winger had a career-high 36 goals last season, his sixth in Toronto and ninth in the league.

DAVID PERRON

The 30-year-old winger had a careerhigh 50 assists and 66 points with the Vegas Golden Knights. He added nine point during their post-season run.

JAMES NEAL

The 30-year-old Vegas winger keeps himself in great shape and leads on and off the ice.