By WFAN.com
After this week's negotiating window, NHL teams can begin signing free agents Sunday. These top players are set to be the biggest catalysts in changing the league next season.
John Tavares, C, Islanders: The hirings of legendary executive Lou Lamoriello and Stanley Cup-winning coach Barry Trotz should help the Isles' chances of re-signing their center. However, Tavares, 27, is meeting with several teams this week. Tavares has been with the team since he was drafted first overall in 2009 and was, in large part, the reason they ended their 21-year drought of winning a playoff series in 2016. The center hit 80 points for the third time this past season.
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James van Riemsdyk, LW, Maple Leafs: A power-play threat who continues to improve, van Riemsdyk would be a valuable addition to almost any organization. He scored 36 goals this past season and has had around 30 goals in four out of his last five seasons. The Islanders, Flyers, Devils, Kings and Penguins are all teams that might be interested. The Devils would make sense for the 29-year-old, as he was raised in New Jersey and the team is in need of more scorers.
Paul Stastny, C, Jets: While the Jets likely want him to return, Stastny should get bigger contract offers from other teams that Winnipeg cannot match. The 32-year-old veteran's value is proven. He's a good passer, reliable defender and face-off whiz. He has a strong desire to win that rubs off on his teammates. He would fit well with the Canadiens, a team that needs more solid centers.
Carter Hutton, G, Blues: Known as a solid, reliable backup, Hutton faces questions of how he would fare as a starter. Many teams are looking for a backup of his level, and some, including the Islanders and Hurricanes, are looking for a No. 1. Hutton will likely be swayed more by playing time than money.
James Neal, LW, Golden Knights: Neal is a leader on the Golden Knights and has expressed interest in staying in Las Vegas. The team, however, is reportedly reluctant to offer large, multiyear contracts to players who are over 30 years old. (Neal is 30.) If he leaves the Golden Knights, Neal, who has been to the Stanley Cup Finals the past two years with Vegas and Nashville, should have his share of suitors due to his consistency -- he's a lock to score at least 20 goals.
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Mike Green, D, Red Wings: Though he is past his prime, Green is a solid threat on the ice and was selected to the 2018 All-Star Game. He has had one 30-goal and two 70-point seasons from the blue line. However, there is reason to worry about the 32-year-old's health after he underwent cervical spine surgery. Regardless, Detroit would welcome their best defenseman back with open arms. It will come down to how much the Red Wings can pay him.
Thomas Vanek, LW, Blue Jackets: Vanek is a smart, offensive player and strong leader who had 56 points in 80 games this past season. However, he's 34 years old, which will make him less expensive. Some teams should be interested in Vanek because of the low cost they would have to pay for a solid offensive threat. He'll likely have to accept a one-year deal.
Rick Nash, LW, Bruins: The former Rangers and Blue Jackets star is certainly past his prime, but his career speaks for itself. The five-time All-Star is coming off his 13th season with 20 or more goals. The 34-year-old Nash is known for his quick hands and has improved defensively in recent years. His age lowers his price, but he'd be a solid addition on just about any team.
David Perron, LW, Golden Knights: The 30-year-old left wing is known for his ability to draw penalties. He's an animal in the corners, and he recorded a career-high 66 points this past season, in which the expansion Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Final. But Vegas might not move to re-sign him in order to leave cap space for young players. The Canadiens and Perron might be a good fit.
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Tyler Bozak, C, Maple Leafs: Teams will consider Bozak for his shootout ability and strong face-off skills. The center recorded 43 points in 81 games this past season and had 55 points in 78 games in 2016-17.The 32-year-old center would be a good addition to a rising team. A proven player, Bozak could take a contender to the next level.
Michael Grabner, RW, Devils: The Austrian winger is a natural scorer and a talented, quick skater who scored 54 goals over the past two seasons with the Rangers and Devils. Grabner's first NHL team, the Canucks, could be a good fit for him this time around.
Patrick Maroon, LW, Devils: The 6-foot-3, 227-pound Maroon is a strong, fearless player who works hard to improve. He had 17 goals and 26 assists last season with the Oilers and Devils and enjoyed a career-best season with Edmonton a year earlier, registering 27 goals and 15 assists. The Devils and Blues are among the teams interested in signing the 30-year-old Maroon, who had offseason back surgery.
Joe Thornton, C, Sharks: At age 38, the former Hart Trophy winner registered 36 points in just 47 games last season. His age and health -- he was slowed by a knee injury in 2017-18 -- are obviously concerns, but Thornton is still an effective playmaking, two-way center when he's on the ice. There is reportedly mutual interest between him and the Sharks to get a deal done.
Riley Nash, C, Bruins: Bruins: Nash likely played his way out of Boston by enjoying a career season in his contract year. The 29-year-old says he wants to remain a Bruin, but after he registered 15 goals and 41 points in 76 games, his price tag will undoutedly skyrocket from the $900,000 it was last season. The Vancouver Canucks are interested.
