Free-Agent Signing Period
When: Saturday, July 1, 12 p.m. ET
TV: TSN (Saturday, 11 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ET), Sportsnet/Sportsnet 360 (11 a.m.- 7 p.m. ET), NHL Network (1 p.m.- 6 p.m. ET)
The mayhem is almost upon us.
It all begins Saturday at the stroke of noon ET, when pending unrestricted and restricted free agents can officially sign new deals, and when qualifying offers can officially be accepted.
The 2017 free-agent class lacks the star power of previous years, but there will be plenty of talent available to clubs looking to either land a big fish or simply add depth.
Pending UFAs have been visiting teams and RFAs have been discussing potential deals with their clubs all week, but they aren't allowed to put pen to paper until Saturday.
Here's what you need to know before the money starts flying:
The biggest prize
Kevin Shattenkirk will be the top name available when the mayhem begins, and the skilled puck-moving defenseman is already garnering interest.
- Report: Lightning reach out to Shattenkirk
- 5 teams with best shot at landing Shattenkirk in free agency
The consistent point producer and power-play quarterback could slide right into a contending team's top-four, or instantly become a rebuilding club's No. 1 blue-liner.
The best of the rest
Alexander Radulov is arguably the best forward available, but several other players could cash in when the floodgates open.
Could Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau really leave the San Jose Sharks? Both 37-year-old forwards are pending UFAs, and Thornton already has at least three teams calling about his services.
- Report: Kings have been in contact with Joe Thornton
- Report: Maple Leafs, Predators have reached out to Thornton
It's hard to imagine either of the Sharks' elder statesmen putting on other uniforms, but it's entirely possible.
Shattenkirk isn't the only member of the 2016-17 Washington Capitals who'll likely be leaving D.C.
Karl Alzner has reportedly been in contact with several teams this week.
- Report: Jets, Canadiens showing strong interest in Alzner
- Report: Blackhawks, Canadiens among teams interested in Alzner
Then there's Justin Williams.
- Report: Justin Williams narrows list down to 3-4 teams
- Report: Justin Williams being targeted by at least 10 teams
- 3 viable landing spots for Justin Williams in free agency
Nick Bonino is reportedly in high demand after helping the Pittsburgh Penguins win their second straight Stanley Cup while playing through a broken tibia and a fractured ankle.
One of the Penguins' biggest rivals is apparently in the mix to sign him.
Another veteran forward with championship experience is getting some attention, too.
Everywhere I look,I read:all FA getting calls from10-12teams. Me0 calls.On the contrary,I'm trying to call them,and no ones picking up.😀😳🇨🇿
— Jaromir Jagr (@68Jagr) June 29, 2017
The top 80
Earlier this month, we compiled an extensive list of the best pending UFAs expected to hit the market.
Some of them have signed since then, most notably T.J. Oshie, who inked an eight-year, $46-million deal to stay with the Capitals.
Still, if you want to be fully prepared for Saturday's frenzy, here they are from bottom to top:
What's actually going to happen Saturday?
It's crystal ball time. Who goes where? What will be the biggest surprises? Who will be left without a new deal when the dust settles?
Looking back
Last summer, there were big names on the market, but the biggest star took care of business before the official start of free agency.
Steven Stamkos chose to stay with the Tampa Bay Lightning, agreeing to a mega-deal that was reported two days before the frenzy began.
On July 1, 2016, players like Kyle Okposo, Milan Lucic, Andrew Ladd, and Loui Eriksson signed long-term contracts with new clubs.
Some of those pacts aren't looking so good now.
Will teams learn from the 2016 frenzy or continue to shell out heavy coin and term for less than top-tier talent?
We'll find out Saturday at high noon ET.
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