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2016 NHL Free Agency: Looming Extensions

By Ryan Ritchie

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2016 NHL free agency is still headlined by some elite star-power. Of course, it’s still a little early less than a month into the new season, so there’s plenty of time for teams to extend the big names still looming.

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There’s not too many names on this list that NHL teams would let walk into free-agency for nothing, so expect either an extension or trade at some point.

2016 NHL Free Agency: The Big Guns

Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning

NHL Superstar is looking for that big contract with long-term. The cap hit should range in the $9-$12 million dollar range annually. Victor Hedman, Jonathan Drouin, Tyler Johnson, Nikita Kucherov, and Ondrej Palat are all looking for big raises in the next 2-3 years, among others. GM Steve Yzerman may have to make Chicago-like moves in the near future if he wants to keep his superstar.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes

Mar 17, 2015; Raleigh, NC, USA; Carolina Hurricanes forward Eric Staal (12) skates with puck against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena. The Ottawa Senators defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 2-1 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

Reported earlier in the month to have been looking for $9 million/year (it’s normal to start with a big number in negotiations), but more likely to land in the $6-$7.5 million cap hit range. It’s unlikely another team would be willing overpay him with the lucrative contract he’s coming off of. The number Carolina offers won’t be far off from other teams, so it would be surprising to see him walk into free-agency.

Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings

One of the elite forwards in the NHL, with flashes of super-stardom over his career. The cap issues incurred from the Mike Richards situation may play a factor in delaying a Kopitar extension. Anze Kopitar will be seeking a big number for long-term, so expect the cap hit to range between $8-$9.5 million. The Kings are pretty deep up front, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see this elite talent dealt for an upgrade on D Brayden McNabb in the top four.

News – Kings nearing multi-year extension with Kopitar (oct.19)

Oct 16, 2015; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien (33) skates with the puck during the second period against the Calgary Flames at MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets

One of only two players (other being Brent Burns) that has impact offensive/defensive versatility. Has looked great for the Jets early into the 2015-16 NHL season with four points in six games. With fellow teammate Andrew Ladd also looking for an extension, and the focal point on the back-end shifting to Jacob Trouba, the Jets need to figure out whether they can hand Dustin Byfuglien the type of money he’ll be seeking.

2016 NHL Free Agency: Honorable Mentions

Milan Lucic, Los Angeles Kings
Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
Jiri Hudler, Calgary Flames
Cam Ward, Carolina Hurricanes
David Backes, St.Louis Blues
Keith Yandle, New York Rangers
Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg Jets

Who will be the first to sign an extension from this 2016 NHL free agency class? Who are the likely trade candidates? Any trade deadline rental targets? Which of these players are most likely to walk into free-agency next summer? Some of these guys featured above and named in the honorable mentions could be trade targets for teams addressing needs. Any good fits or trade proposals? Let us know below.

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