For the 2014 NHL season, the salary cap has increased to $69 million, which means that teams will be battling for key free agents. On July 1, experts speculate that a lot of contracts will be signed, breaking new records. Some will be paid more than others and many will realize that they paid more than they bargained for. Here are the top 10 free agents.
1. Paul Stastny
In a report by NHL.com, Stastny had 60 points in 71 games in 2013 and was paid $6.6 million. He played for the Colorado Avalanche as center and coach Patrick Roy is looking forward to resign him to play with Gabriel Landeskog and Nathan MacKinnon. Two other Colorado players, Tyson Barrie and Ryan O'Reilly are bound to enter the restricted free agent market. A lot of teams want him like the Blues and Blackhawks.
2. Thomas Vanek
The left wing of the Montreal Canadiens scored five goals as well as 10 points in 17 postseason matches. He signed a $50 million contract for seven years with the Buffalo Sabres. He has established himself in Minnesota although there are talks that he also wants to play with Ryan Suter if the deal is right.
3. Matt Niskanen
The 27-year-old defenceman is one of the best in the NHL and played his best year yet with 10 goals and 36 assists. The Pittsburgh Penguins will have to give him a big offer to resign considering that almost half of the teams in the NHL also want him. The Wilds and Capitals are expected to make good offers.
4. Ryan Miller
The goaltender played for the Sabres and is one of the best in the league. However, the demand for goaltenders is not that high in the offseason and his $6.3 million salary in 2013-2014 is not expected to be outbid anytime soon. Vancouver is said to be eyeing on him, however.
5. Christian Erhoff
According to The Province, the defenceman was bought out by the Buffalo Sabres with seven years left in his contract. He is expected to perform well in a few years considering that he handles the puck well and understands defense. The Detroit Red Wings are potentially looking to acquire him.
6. Matt Moulson
He had 23 goals and 51 points. He performed so well in the past three seasons with the Minnesota Wild alongside John Tavares. There are speculations that he will return to Long Island and sign a contract worth at least $4 million.
7. Jussi Jokinen
He had 21 goals and 57 points playing with the Pittsburgh Penguins. There are rumors that the Jets wish to sign him, aside from Montreal. The left winger is expected to sign a deal worth at least $4.5 million.
8. Ales Hemsky
In Bleacher Report, Hemsky had 13 goals and 43 points with the Ottawa Senators. He is expected to be traded to a team that will benefit from his scoring more like Toronto or Montreal.
9. Dan Boyle
The 38-year-old is a great puck mover who might be traded to the Rangers or Flyers. Despite his age, his efficiency allows him to ask for at least $5 million per season.
10. Jarome Iginla
The right winger of the Boston Bruins scored 30 goals and earned $6 million in 2013. Currently, the Bruins wish to keep Ignila although they have challenges with their salary cap.