With the 2019 NHL free-agent market opening for business at noon ET on July 1, there are a number of big-name players available, including Artemi Panarin, Matt Duchene and Sergei Bobrovsky.
Sporting News takes a look at the best unrestricted free agents by position and and where they could potentially end up.
NHL FREE AGENCY 2019: Complete list of each team's free agents
NHL free agency 2019: Ranking the top players by position
Goaltenders
1. Sergei Bobrovskiy — The 30-year-old had a lackluster regular-season performance, but he overcame that by backstopping the Columbus Blue Jackets to their first series win in franchise history with a sweep of the heavily-favored Tampa Bay Lightning. Bobrovsky's also the only active two-time Vezina Trophy winner. The Florida Panthers and New York Islanders could be the front-runners for his services.
2. Robin Lehner — The Islanders took a chance on Lehner last summer. He overcame addiction issues to enjoy the best season of his NHL career, carrying the Isles into the playoffs and an opening-round upset of the Pittsburgh Penguins. For his efforts, the 27-year-old won the Masterton Trophy and was a finalist for the Vezina. His preference isto re-sign with the Islander; failing that, the Panthers, Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers could come calling.
Defensemen
1. Jake Gardiner — Despite an injury-shortened season, Gardiner still collected 30 points, and he's a year removed from a career-high 52-point campaign with the Toronto Maple Leafs. A smooth-skating, puck-moving defenseman, the 28-year-old would be a terrific addition to any team's power play. The Chicago Blackhawks, Los Angeles Kings, Montreal Canadiens and Minnesota Wild could be among his suitors.
2. Tyler Myers — A former Calder Trophy winner (2010), the 29-year-old Myers played a significant role helping the Winnipeg Jets become a perennial playoff contender. The 6-foot-8, 229-pounder averages over 20 minutes of ice time per game and netted 31 points this season. The Vancouver Canucks reportedly already met with Myers on Monday. They won't be the only club pursuing the big blueliner.
Centers
1. Matt Duchene — In a season split between the Ottawa Senators and Columbus Blue Jackets, Duchene tied a career-high in points (70) and netted a career-best 31 goals. The 28-year-old also finished second among the Blue Jackets playoff scorers with 10 points in as many games. It's believed the Nashville Predators could take a run at signing Duchene after trading P.K. Subban's $9 million annual salary-cap hit to New Jersey on Saturday. He hasn't ruled out re-signing with the Blue Jackets.
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2. Joe Pavelski — A skilled forward who can play center or wing, the 34-year-old San Jose Sharks captain shows no sign of slowing down. He matched a career-high in goals with 38, the most among this year's UFA class. Pavelski would like to stay in San Jose but the Sharks are squeezed for salary-cap space. The Athletic's Craig Morgan reported that the Arizona Coyotes have met with Pavelski's agent, and TSN's Pierre LeBrun also believes he could also meet with the Dallas Stars and Tampa Bay Lightning.
Right wings
1. Mats Zuccarello — The 31-year-old Norwegian had a difficult final season with the New York Rangers. Shipped to the Dallas Stars before the February trade deadline, he was subsequently sidelined for four weeks by a broken arm. Returning in time for the playoffs, Zuccarello regained his offensive ways, finishing the postseason tied with Tyler Seguin (11 points) for the Stars' scoring lead. Though he's decided to test the market, the Stars still hope to keep him.
2. Gustav Nyquist — After nearly eight seasons with the Detroit Red Wings, Nyquist was shipped to the Sharks before the trade deadline. A versatile forward who can skate at either wing, the 29-year-old netted a career-high 60 points this season. If the Sharks can't afford to keep Joe Pavelski, Nyquist could be a more affordable option. Other suitors could include the Canucks, Islanders and Wild.
Left wings
1. Artemi Panarin — Panarin, 27, is the jewel of this year's UFA market. He was the Blue Jackets leading scorer over the past two seasons with back-to-back 80-plus point campaigns. While the Jackets hope to re-sign him, the betting is he'll be joining another club on July 1. The Colorado Avalanche already met with his agent and he's expected to meet with the Florida Panthers this week . The New York Rangers and New York Islanders could also come calling. Interested parties should be prepared to pony up over $10 million annually on a long-term contract.
2. Anders Lee — Taking over captaincy of the New York Islanders last season, Lee led them into the postseason and an upset opening-series sweep of the Penguins. The 29-year-old is coming off three straight 50-plus point seasons and led the Isles in goals (28) this season. While there's mutual interest in re-signing with the Islanders, Lee told the New York Post he'll be entering this week's UFA interview period. A Minnesota native, the Wild or a mid-western club like the Chicago Blackhawks could look him over.