Gaudreau, Kadri among big free agent fish

The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the headline-grabbing options with the NHL market set to open July 13.

JOHNNY GAUDREAU

2021-22 salary cap hit: US$6.75 million

The Flames star tied for second in the league's overall scoring race with a career-high 115 points.

Gaudreau, 28, can still sign a long-term extension with Calgary — the club has the advantage of being able to offer an eight-year contract compared to the seven available to the NHL'S other 31 organizations.

The slick winger has said he's open to staying in Alberta, but the Flyers are rumoured to be interested.

NAZEM KADRI

2021-22 salary cap hit: $4.5 million

The skilled centre was a big story in the post-season for Colorado before getting injured in the Western Conference final. The 31-year-old should command a lot of interest this summer after putting up a career-high 87 points in 2021-22 before adding 14 more in 13 post-season contests.

FILIP FORSBERG

2021-22 salary cap hit: $6 million

The Nashville Predators centre is another pending UFA coming off a career year. Much like Gaudreau, Forsberg set new personal bests in goals (42), assists (42) and points (84) in just 69 games in 2021-22. And at 27, the Swede is the youngest big-name fish poised to become available. But Nashville is the only team able to offer that eighth year on a long-term deal.

JOHN KLINGBERG

2021-22 salary cap hit: $4.25 million

The Stars defenceman has said he's open to staying in Dallas — for the right price. It's no secret negotiations have been hard, with Klingberg voicing frustration in January at the lack of progress on a contract.

Stars blue-liner Miro Heiskanen's contract carries an annual average value of $8.45 million through 2028-29, while Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn remain big tickets up front.

It remains to be seen if there's room for Klingberg,, with the NHL'S salary cap only rising $1 million to $82.5 million in 2022-23.

EVANDER KANE

2021-22 salary cap hit: $2.1 million

The controversial winger scored 35 goals in 58 regular-season and playoff games with the Edmonton Oilers after his contract was terminated by the San Jose Sharks in January.

Kane, who subsequently signed on for the Oilers for the balance of the 2021-22 schedule, had terrific chemistry with Connor Mcdavid and Leon Draisaitl, scoring 13 times in the playoffs.

There's no doubt the soon-to-be-31-year-old can put the puck in the net, but teams will have to weigh other factors for a player already with his fourth organization.