Detroit Red Wings general manager Steve Yzerman will have his work cut out for him as he takes over a team already laced with several difficult contracts that were inked by former boss Ken Holland.
Whether or not he chooses to build the team back up to glory through the draft, free agency, trades or an even mix of all three remains to be seen. But there are plenty of notable free-agents that will be available this summer that most teams will at least take a look at. Here are some of the options that are up for grabs come July 1.
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1. Erik Karlsson, D, San Jose Sharks
2018-19 cap hit: $6.5 million
This year’s prize free-agent is San Jose defenseman Erik Karlsson, a two-time Norris Trophy winner and Swedish native who could potentially be attracted by the Swedish connections that the Red Wings have.
http://gty.im/1140405567
2. Jeff Skinner, LW, Buffalo Sabres
2018-19 cap hit: $5.725 million
A four-time 30 goal scorer who set career highs this season. After spending the first portion of his career with the Carolina Hurricanes, he spent this past season with the Buffalo Sabres. He’s yet to play in a playoff game.
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3. Artemi Panarin, LW, Columbus Blue Jackets
2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
An offensive force in the NHL, Panarin just wrapped up his second season with the Blue Jackets and helped lead them to their first ever playoff series victory in stunning fashion over the NHL best Tampa Bay Lightning. Could command big money on the open market.
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4. Matt Duchene, C, Columbus Blue Jackets
2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
The two-time 30 goal scorer put up 10 points (five goals, five assists) with the Blue Jackets in the playoffs after being acquired from the Ottawa Senators.
http://gty.im/1097523360
5. Tyler Myers, D, Winnipeg Jets
2018-19 cap hit: $5.5 million
The towering defenseman (6’8, 229 lbs) has been on the Red Wings radar in the past, and could help bring some much needed size on Detroit’s blue line.
http://gty.im/1137183743
6. Anders Lee, LW, New York Islanders
2018-19 cap hit: $3.75 million
The New York Islanders captain is set to be a free-agent just a year after former captain John Tavares bolted to Toronto. He helped the Islanders to a second round playoff appearance this season.
http://gty.im/1130582578
7. Kevin Hayes, C, Winnipeg Jets
2018-19 cap hit: $5.175
This established two-way center is hitting the market after setting a career high in points.
http://gty.im/1052790434
8. Alexander Edler, D, Vancouver Canucks
2018-19 cap hit: $5 million
The Swedish defenseman has spent his entire career thus far with the Vancouver Canucks – the Red Wings have shown interest in him in the past.
http://gty.im/1140040957
9. Gustav Nyqvist
2018-19 cap hit: $4.75 million
The Red Wings traded Nyqvist to the Sharks at this year’s NHL trade deadline in exchange for a conditional third round draft pick. Could he be enticed to come back to Detroit this summer?
http://gty.im/1144917760
10. Joe Pavelski
2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
The San Jose Sharks captain has been a consistent offensive force in his time in the NHL. He recently returned from injury to help lead the Sharks to the Western Conference Finals, but at 34 years of age, teams might be hesitant to give out a big deal.
