The 2017 offseason is already at the point where people have started looking ahead. Despite big contracts still coming for Leon Draisaitl, Ryan Johansen and other restricted free agents, October can’t seem to come quick enough. Instead of ranking the top remaining free agents for this year (a poll that Jaromir Jagr won a few weeks ago) let’s look even further and start to project the summer of 2018.
Obviously, this is an extremely early version of this question as players will be re-signed, traded, and bought out within the next twelve months to make the hockey landscape completely different. Carey Price, once considered one of the top free agents for 2018 has already signed his huge extension, and most of the players on this list will join him.
That uncertainty should play a big role in your decision. Instead of just picking the top player on the list (which would make for a very boring poll in this case), decide who you think will actually get to free agency and be the top name on the market. Explain in the comments why you chose a certain player, or who else we needed to include in the poll.
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This one is way too easy. The race for 2nd would be more exciting
To be honest I didn’t think two thirds of the voters would think Tavares makes it to free agency, but perhaps that was naive of me.
I voted for Kane because I think Tavares makes his decision by the deadline and either re ups or gets traded somewhere else and then gets extended. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits FA and then still signs in the same place, like what Stamkos did.
Which Kane. Patrick has like 6 years left on his deal and if it’s Evander you’re an total buffoon
Evander. Who would you put ahead? I stated why not Tavares, and who else would go ahead? JVR?
Unhappy with Islanders. I can see him in San Jose
Poor Mike Green