Free Agent Focus: Washington Capitals
The 2015-2016 Washington Capitals were a pick by many to win the Stanley Cup after breezing through the regular season and capturing the President’s Trophy as the top point getter in league. But once again facing the now champion Pittsburgh Penguins, the Capitals found history repeating itself and lost to their rival in six games.
Cap Space: $12,788,204 (via CapFriendly)
Key UFAs: Winger Jason Chimera still registered 20 goals and 40 points in a full 82 games. It was the first time Chimera registered 20 goals in a season since the 2011-2012 campaign. Though he was quieter in the playoffs, Chimera was valuable as a third line wing and also spent time on the second power play unit. A return to Washington isn’t out of the question, but according to Isabelle Khurshudyan of the Washington Post, Chimera is keeping his options open after one of the best seasons of his career.
Other UFAs: F Mike Richards, D Mike Weber.
Key RFAs: D Dmitry Orlov and F Marcus Johansson. Orlov notched 8 goals and 21 assists and played all 82 games, averaging 16:02 on the ice. His playoff numbers were dismal, but he was one of many Capitals who failed to produce in the postseason. Johansson not only produced in the regular season with 46 points (17-29), but he also registered 7 points in 12 playoff games. The Capitals and Johansson have a history of negotiations and after an arbitrator ruled in favor of Johansson last year, it will be interesting to see how the Capitals value Johansson during negotiations.
Other RFAs: F Tom Wilson, F Michael Latta.
Free Agent Focus: Tampa Bay Lightning
The 2015-2016 Tampa Bay Lightning lost in seven games to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference Final. Their performance followed up a Finals appearance last year where they lost in six games to the Chicago Blackhawks. The Lightning’s record implies that no drastic moves are necessary, but with star forward Steven Stamkos still unsigned, the team risks losing arguably their best player to free agency.
Cap Space: $18,849,999 (according to CapFriendly)
Key UFAs: F Steven Stamkos. Stamkos is coming off a 36G and 64P season but missed all but one playoff game due to blood clots. While he hasn’t posted more than a point-per-game since 2013-2014, Stamkos remains one of the most dominant young forwards in the game. That being said, the Lightning were within one game of the Stanley Cup Finals without him, so they could seemingly let him walk without suffering much setback.
Other UFAs: D Mattias Ohlund, F Mike Blunden, F Jonathan Marchessault, D Matt Taormina.
Key RFAs: F Alex Killorn and F Nikita Kucherov. Kucherov scored 30G and 66P this year while adding another 19P in the playoffs. He is set for a significant raise after finishing off his entry level contract. Killorn potted 14G and 40P in the regular season before posting 13P in the playoffs. He is coming off of a deal worth $2.55MM AAV and is also looking for a raise. The Lightning will have to decide whether to offer both players bridge contracts or lock them into long-term deals. They will also have to be wary of next year’s RFAs Jonathan Drouin, Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, and Andrei Vasilevskiy seeking significant raises.
Other RFAs: F J.T. Brown, F Vladislav Namestnikov, F Nikita Nesterov.
Free Agent Focus: San Jose Sharks
The San Jose Sharks fell just a bit short of winning their first ever Stanley Cup title as they lost the championship series in six games to Pittsburgh. It was still their most successful postseason in their 25 year franchise history as they made it to the final for the first time.
With less than three weeks until the beginning of free agency, GM Doug Wilson will have to put together his offseason plan in a hurry. One area that won’t need to be looked at is the coaching staff as Wilson confirmed today that all coaches would return next season. Here is a closer look at their free agent outlook.
Key Restricted Free Agent: W Tomas Hertl – Hertl had the best year of his NHL career in 2015-16, picking up 21 goals and 25 assists in 81 regular season games while adding six goals and five helpers in 20 postseason contests before missing most of the Stanley Cup Final with a right knee injury (that will not require surgery). He is coming off his entry-level contract which saw him earn $925,000 per year plus another potential $425,000 per season in bonuses. Wilson will have to decide whether or not to lock Hertl up long-term or to pursue a short-term bridge contract instead.
Other NHL RFA’s: D Dylan DeMelo, W Matt Nieto
Key Unrestricted Free Agents: The Sharks acquired D Roman Polak and G James Reimer in separate deals from Toronto in the days leading up to the trade deadline. Polak played a regular role down the stretch and in the postseason, bringing some physicality and shot blocking to the table on the third pairing. Reimer, meanwhile, provided more reliable insurance in goal behind starter Martin Jones and gave them someone capable of taking over should Jones get hurt or struggle. San Jose has already added youngster Mantis Armalis this offseason but may still prefer a veteran behind the 26 year old Jones.
Other NHL UFA’s: C Nick Spaling, D Matt Tennyson, W Dainius Zubrus
Cap Space: Just over $10.5 million, according to Cap Friendly (estimates based on the 2015-16 salary cap). San Jose must add at least three more forwards and one more goaltender to meet the NHL’s roster minimums.