When the NHL's annual free-agent market opens July 13, several players will be in line for raises based on their recent performances. The top unrestricted free agents, such as the Calgary Flames' Johnny Gaudreau and the Nashville Predators' Filip Forsberg, will likely garner headlines via big contracts.
Most of the top restricted free agents, meanwhile, are 25 or younger and will re-sign with their teams on lucrative deals. Gaudreau's teammate Matthew Tkachuk, Columbus Blue Jackets winger Patrik Laine and Dallas Stars winger Jason Robertson are among that group.
Teams can also sign players with a year remaining on their contracts to extensions on July 13.