Brent Burns is off the market, but that doesn't mean there won't be other attractive blue-liners that could be available come July.
When the free-agency pool opens, alongside general managers' wallets, a host of top-notch defenders could be up for grabs. Here are five defensemen to keep your eye on next summer:
Kevin Shattenkirk
St. Louis Blues defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk is the cream of the crop, and the best available option after Burns re-upped in San Jose.
With free agency as a possible end game, Shattenkirk is off to a career year, already with 14 points in 20 games. His previous high-water mark was 45 points in 2013-14. A smooth puck-handler, Shattenkirk has been incredibly consistent in recent years, averaging 44 points over the last three seasons - he finished with 44 points in 2014-15 despite an injury limiting him to 56 games. The 27-year-old is due for a nice raise on his current ticket, an affordable $4.25 million AAV.
Andrei Markov
Andrei Markov is the best of the bunch of elder statesmen blue-liners (see Mark Streit and Brian Campbell) that could be available next summer.
At 37 years old, the lifetime member of the Montreal Canadiens surely isn't showing his age, off to a career year this season. With 17 points in 20 games, Markov is on pace to shatter his previous best, when he put up 64 points during the 2008-09 season. Markov still logs big minutes, averaging 21:57 this season. In the twilight of his career, it's also likely Markov will be more willing to accept a cap-friendly deal, down from his current $5.75 million AAV.
Karl Alzner
There aren't many better than Washington Capitals defender Karl Alzner, who combines a strong shutdown game with good mobility and puck-handling skills.
Alzner isn't known for his offensive game - he's never scored more than 21 points - but gets his work done at the other end of the ice. Averaging 20:11 this season, Alzner solidifies the Capitals' top four blue-liners. Given his unique skill set, and the barren of players of a similar ilk likely available via free agency, the 28-year-old will no doubt see a significant pay increase from his current $2.8 million AAV.
Michael Stone
Arizona Coyotes defenseman Michael Stone had a breakout year in 2015-16, finishing with 36 points, with 30 assists among them. Unfortunately, a significant knee injury late in the season led to a summer of rehab and a one-year extension with the Coyotes for the then-restricted free agent. That pushes Stone toward unrestricted free agency next summer.
A built defenseman at 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, Stone has been among the league leaders in hits and blocked shots. His booming shot is also an asset on the power play. Stone, 26, will be among the youngest defenders available next summer and will likely be looking for a long-term extension that pays close to his current $4 million AAV.
Trevor Daley
Trevor Daley brings a unique characteristic to the market: a Stanley Cup ring. Winning the Holy Grail with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season, Daley has a winning pedigree, desirable to many teams looking for that last piece to push them into the winner's circle.
A veteran defender, the 33-year-old Daley is like many new-age defenders entering the league - undersized, but a quality puck-mover. With seven points in 19 games this season, Daley is nothing if not consistent - he's averaged 30 points over the past three seasons. For a team looking to round out their top four defensemen, Daley would be a notable addition. Currently signed to a $3.3 million AAV, an extension in Pittsburgh could be too much for the team's cap picture.
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