Capitals defenseman Shattenkirk leads lean crop of top free agents

Jagr, old guard may get multiyear deals

Steve Yzerman admits that July 1 is a difficult day for general managers. They know they will have to overpay — in money and in years — to land free agents.

The veteran GM and Hall of Fame player said the sting is worse in years like this one, when “there aren’t a lot of players out there.”

That’s good news for defensemen Kevin Shattenkirk and Trevor Daley, forwards Alexander Radulov, Justin Williams and Nick Bonino, and goaltenders Brian Elliott and Jonathan Bernier.

They are going to get paid. The salary cap rising to $75 million, holes to fill on teams around the league and a relatively shallow pool of talent pretty much guarantees it. And once free agency begins Saturday, a few veterans could surprisingly be free to sign anywhere, too.

Not long ago, it seemed a sure thing that the Sharks would bring back Joe Thornton, the Coyotes would extend Shane Doan and the Panthers would re-sign Jaromir Jagr. Now all could be going elsewhere along with Patrick Marleau after 19 seasons in San Jose.

Greybeard defenseman Andrei Markov and winger Jarome Iginla are two big names worth watching along with potential young bargain forwards like Sam Gagner and Jordan Weal.

Here are some things to watch when free agency begins:

BIG MONEY: Shattenkirk at 28 is looking at a long-term, lucrative deal after leading all pending unrestricted free agents with 56 points last season. Even an inconsistent postseason with the Capitals shouldn’t damage his value, though the New Rochelle, N.Y., native is looking to be a No. 1 defenseman and might also prioritize location.

If Montreal lets Radulov test the market following a 54-point season, the 30-year-old Russian will almost certainly get a raise off a $5.75 million, one-year deal he signed to return to the NHL.

OLD GUARD: Jagr would by far be the oldest free agent at 45, followed by Doan and Penguins center Matt Cullen at 40, Iginla at 39, Markov and Senators winger Chris Neil at 38, and Thornton and Marleau at 37. Hockey might be a young man’s game, but it

would be surprising if several of those seasoned vets don’t get multiyear deals.

MUSICAL GOALIES: Trades over the past several weeks dried up what could have been an intriguing market as Calgary got Mike Smith, Arizona got Antti Raanta, Dallas got Ben Bishop, Carolina got Scott Darling and expansion Vegas got Marc-Andre Fleury. Philadelphia, Winnipeg and Buffalo are in the market for help, with Bernier, Elliott and former Flyers starter Steve Mason among the top options. The Rangers, Bruins, Ducks and Kings are looking for backups.