The big question on July 1st is will John Tavares re-sign with the New York Islanders? Even with Lou Lamoriello joining the Isles, his influence will NOT be enough to get Tavares to re-sign with the Islanders. It is more looking like he could sign with the Dallas Stars, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres or Toronto Maple Leafs.
Washington Capitals defenceman John Carlson will also be a hot commodity this off-season. He is a skilled and experienced puck-moving, right-shot defenceman under the age of 30. He plays a whopping 24:58 per game. Power-play threat. Carlson also put up between 32 and 55 points in seven straight full seasons. Led all D-men in 2017-18 with 68 points.
1. John Tavares
Age on July 1: 27
Position: Centre
2017-18 salary cap hit: $5.5 million
2. John Carlson
Age on July 1: 28
Position: Defence
2017-18 salary cap hit: $3.97 million
3. James van Riemsdyk
Age on July 1: 29
Position: Left wing
2017-18 salary cap hit: $4.25 million
4. Paul Stastny
Age on July 1: 32
Position: Centre
2017-18 salary cap hit: $7 million
5. Ilya Kovalchuk
Age on July 1: 35
Position: Left wing
6. James Neal
Age on July 1: 30
Position: Left wing
2017-18 salary cap hit: $5 million
7. David Perron
Age on July 1: 30
Position: Left wing
2017-18 salary cap hit: $3.75 million
8. Mike Green
Age on July 1: 32
Position: Defence
2017-18 salary cap hit: $6 million
9. Rick Nash
Age on July 1: 34
Position: Right wing
2017-18 salary cap hit: $7.8 million
10. Tyler Bozak
Age on July 1: 32
Position: Centre
2017-18 salary cap hit: $4.2 million
Source: Sportsnet