The storm has for the most part past for 2018’s free agency period and the countdown for next year has already begun.
After John Tavares signed a mega deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs, fans have now shifted their attention to the future of other players around the league. With an array of skaters set to hit the open market next season, here’s a look at defenders who might be up for grabs in a year’s time.
This one obviously depends on what happens with Karlsson in the coming weeks, but he’s currently scheduled to be a free agent after the 2018-19 campaign. It seems as though the Swede is on the move and a team could choose to extend him as soon as his rights are acquired. But until then, Karlsson remains the biggest fish in the class.
JAKE GARDINER
Gardiner enjoyed a career year with 52 points in all 82 regular season games. The American had a rough Game 7 against the Boston Bruins in which he went -5, but it shouldn’t take away from his impressive offensive numbers. The Leafs, who are in dire need of some help on the back end, could be looking to sign Gardiner and give him a raise at that. The 28-year-old is scheduled to come with a cap-hit at just $4.05 in the upcoming year.
RYAN ELLIS
It took Ellis time, but he’s finally bloomed into a very strong blue-liner. He’s played a key role in Nashville’s perennially strong back end and will have plenty of suitors if general manager David Poile allows him to walk.
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TYLER MYERS
Despite battling a series of injuries, Myers has served as a solid two-way defender for the Winnipeg Jets. At just $5.5 million, the massive right-hander could be in line for a slight raise. Whether it’s with the Jets or not remains unclear.
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NATE SCHMIDT
It goes without saying that Schmidt is going to receive a massive pay cheque on his next contract. The question is just how much of an increase in salary will he receive. Schmidt will cost just $2.225 million against Vegas’ cap as in all likelihood, their top defender come October (unless Karlsson makes his way to Sin City). He’s a player to keep a close eye on in the coming year.
ZDENO CHARA
Could this be the end for Big Z? The Bruins captain is 40 years old and could be approaching his final season in the NHL. At this point, it would be weird to see him in any jersey that doesn’t have the iconic black and yellow ‘B’ in the middle of it.
(H/T Spotrac)
