NHL Free Agency: Top 5 buyout candidates

Kyle Turris

The Nashville Predators thought Kyle Turris was the second line center they’ve been searching for when they traded for him in 2017. He was a part of the infamous Matt Duchene three-way trade between the Colorado Avalanche, Predators, and Ottawa Senators.

However, that hasn’t been the case. After a decent start with the Predators, he has become a surplus forward and has seen his ice time drop. In 2017-18, he posted 42 points in 65 games with the Predators, helping them win the President’s Trophy. However, Turris only posted three points (all assists) in 13 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

After this, Turris started his decline. He had 23 points in 55 games during the 2018-19 season, often finding himself as a healthy scratch. Turris added two points in six postseason games as the Predators fell to the Dallas Stars. This season, Turris had 31 points in 62 games and zero points in four Stanley Cup Playoff games.

If the Predators buy him out, they’ll be on the hook for his contract for the next eight seasons since he has four years left on his deal. The Predators would save $4 million of cap space in each season until the 2023-24 season. From the 2024-25 season until the 2027-28 season, Turris would cost them $2 million a year.

Ideally, the Predators would probably like to trade him. But in a world with a flat salary cap ceiling, they might not have that option.

Potential suitors: It would surprise me if the Minnesota Wild didn’t at least express interest in Turris. They desperately need centers after trading Eric Staal and letting go of Mikko Koivu. Turris could be a cost-effective option. Maybe the Columbus Blue Jackets will be interested if their efforts to improve their offense wind up bearing no fruits.