USA TODAY International Edition
Carlson, Tavares top NHL’s unrestricted class
After spending the Stanley Cup Final scheming to slow down defenseman John Carlson, the Golden Knights will be among the teams trying to persuade him to join them.
Vegas general manager George McPhee drafted Carlson when McPhee was in Washington. One of the Golden Knights’ most pressing needs is an offensive difference-maker on the blue line.
Carlson, who could still re-sign with the Capitals, is USA TODAY’s top potential unrestricted free agent.
The 28-year-old is No. 1 on our list because top-pairing, right-shot defensemen are in short supply. He led all blueliners in scoring (68 points) in the regular season, and he led all defensemen in the playoffs (20 points in 24 games).
At the NHL trade deadline in March, McPhee made an aggressive attempt to acquire Erik Karlsson from the Senators. The Golden Knights could resume talks with the Senators after the season. But Carlson could be viewed as a more intriguing option because it wouldn’t cost Vegas assets.
Free agency opens July 1. Here are others on USA TODAY’s top potential free agent list: 2. Center John Tavares: With Lou Lamoriello taking over as the Islanders’ president of hockey operations, the buzz around the NHL is they now have a better shot at re-signing Tavares.
Players usually appreciate Lamoriello’s no-nonsense style. Tavares saw the impact Lamoriello had in Toronto in helping build a winner. He knows Lamoriello’s front office history, which includes a 1987-2015 stint with the Devils when they won three Stanley Cups.
If, however, Tavares explores the market, the Blues, Sharks, Canadiens, Predators, Rangers and even the Golden Knights are possible destinations. Tavares is a franchise center who will command the most lucrative contract. 3. Left wing James van Riemsdyk: Would bet Lamoriello will be interested. Expect the Devils to be in the hunt, along with the Kings, Penguins and Flyers. Half of the NHL could come calling.
Van Riemsdyk scored 36 goals last season, and he has essentially been a 30goal for the past five seasons. 4. Left wing Ilya Kovalchuk: Is the romance of Kovalchuk overshadowing the reality? Perhaps. But multiple teams are interested, and they are probably willing
to give the 35-year-old two or three seasons on his next contract as he returns after five seasons in Russia’s Kontinental Hockey League.
The Sharks and Kings are interested. Depending upon what happens with Tavares, the Islanders should be in the mix. Maybe the Rangers and Red Wings, although Kovalchuk’s objective is to win a Stanley Cup.
He looked sharp in helping the Russians win the gold medal at the 2018 Olympics. Kovalchuk can still be a 25plus goal scorer.
5. Center Paul Stastny: He’s a twoway No. 2 center. The Jets would probably like to re-sign him, but he likely could earn more on the open market.
Several teams are looking for centers, including Montreal and the Hurricanes.
6. Goalie Carter Hutton: With the Islanders, Hurricanes and Red Wings all looking for goalies, Hutton suddenly could be a hot commodity. He’s not going to command a large contract.
For him, it could come down to the opportunity to play more. He has always been considered a strong backup goalie.
Could he thrive if given more starts? He posted a .931 save percentage last season and owns seven shutouts over the past two seasons (62 games). 7. Left wing James Neal: It’s mildly surprising that he hasn’t re-signed with Vegas because he would like to stay there. He’s one of the team leaders. It still could get done.
He would be popular if he enters the market because he’s a consistent scorer. He has scored 20 or more goals in all 10 of his seasons.
8. Defenseman Mike Green: While the Red Wings are rebuilding, they would love to have him back. He was their best defenseman. He likes Detroit.
But the Red Wings won’t give him a longer deal. Is he what the Panthers are looking for? How about the Canadiens?
9. Left wing Thomas Vanek: It feels as if half of the NHL teams have Vanek penciled in as their Plan B option. He’s a smart, likable, offensive player who can give a team a scoring boost.
Every team can find room for him. For Vanek, it will probably come down to term. Who will give him multiple years?
He’s up a few spots on the list because he could be a value player, offering offense for a reasonable price. 10. Left wing David Perron: With 66 points, Perron is coming off his best season. He’s 30. With so many teams looking for offense, he should have multiple options.
11. Left wing Rick Nash: Not the player he once was. But at the right price, he’s still a valuable piece as a 20-goal scorer. The Canadiens should be interested.
12. Center Tyler Bozak: A 45- to 50point forward. Good on faceoffs. Could be a nice addition for a contending team.
13. Right wing Michael Grabner: It’s a speed league, and Grabner can fly. Scored 52 goals over two seasons with the Rangers. They might want him back. 14. Left wing Patrick Maroon: Offers size, strength, grit and goals. He’s 6-3. Will have multiple options. How would he look on the Lightning? 15. Defenseman Ian Cole: A veteran defenseman with Stanley Cup rings, Cole can help several teams. The Devils seem like a prime option. The Sabres will be interested. How about the Avalanche?