So, Steven Stamkos won't officially hit the open market. Though he was sagacious enough to wait on signing his eight-year contract extension with the Tampa Bay Lightning until the NHL's free-agent negotiating window opened, exploring his options and getting a taste of unrestricted free agency without, well, actually reaching unrestricted free agency.
Nonetheless, Stamkos is off the board, so what does a team with oodles of cap space once reserved for a certain South Floridian sniper do with a little extra dough?
Here are five bold predictions for free agency:
Red Wings take two from Long Island
Unpleasant as it might have been, Detroit had to get out from underneath Pavel Datsyuk's contract. This is a proud organization that grabbed fewer wins than the ninth-place Bruins last year, yet scraped into the postseason for a 25th consecutive season.
Simply gaining cap flexibility isn't enough to see Detroit deviate from its downward trajectory. This money must be spent shrewdly.
With the PowerPoint presentation for Stamkos no longer needed, Detroit shifts its attention to one franchise, signing the second- and third-highest scorers for the Islanders over the last half-decade in Kyle Okposo and Frans Nielsen.
Oilers double down
Peter Chiarelli moved on from the margins, dealing Taylor Hall to the New Jersey Devils to acquire a right-shot defender with No. 1 potential in Adam Larsson. But if he's serious about changing the identity of the Oilers, he'll double down on July 1.
Instead of reaching into free-agent waters - though they may have already baited Milan Lucic - the Oilers again tap into the top six to acquire more help on the back end, trading a skilled forward to the St. Louis Blues for Kevin Shattenkirk.
Burns signs richest contract
San Jose Sharks rover Brent Burns will officially be a pending unrestricted free agent when the calendar rolls over to July, but don't bank on using that title for too long.
With Tomas Hertl's contract done and signed at a team-friendly rate, the Norris Trophy-nominated Burns will be rewarded for his 75-point season with a lucrative long-term contract extension that will dwarf the open-market deals signed after July 1.
This is contingent on the Burns family rolling the RV into an area equipped with cell service, of course.
Maple Leafs take step back
Another Stamkos hopeful, Toronto takes a different approach than the Red Wings, falling back into the idle stance that's helped the franchise get back on track.
Toronto took in quite a few inaccurately valued short-term deals in order to dissemble over the last 12 months, so despite its influx of young talent, the Maple Leafs don't really have the room - or the need - to make lasting investments beyond goaltender Frederik Andersen.
They'll step back and save their bullets for another calendar rotation, setting themselves up nicely for the next potential game-breaking unrestricted free agent - and local kid - John Tavares.
Demers breaks bank
The interest in transition-savvy defenders Keith Yandle and Alex Goligoski was so strong this offseason that the two didn't even make it to the open market. So, on July 1, expect next-of-kin to cash in.
With Brian Campbell likely headed to a title contender at a discount rate, Jason Demers, a steady presence, capable puck mover, and possession darling, could be the most sought-after player on the open market.
Defenders have never been in greater demand, and more and more teams are peeling off the layers to uncover the details that would lend itself to a major pay day. Demers signs one of the richest free-agent contracts July 1.
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