There's no denying that the 2016 NHL free agency period won't begin with its hoped for pizazz. Names such as Alex Goligoski, Keith Yandle and of course Cam Ward Steven Stamkos have been locked up and taken off the board. Even depth players in Jordie Benn, Darren Helm and Trevor Lewis, who might have been useful vets for the Winnipeg Jets at the right price and term, have taken themselves out of free agent contention.
This offseason does still feature some headliners, however. Will David Backes stay or will he go? Once the ink is dry, how will Kyle Okposo's next contract compare to his New York Islanders replacement in Andrew Ladd? What team will reap the benefits of underrated defenceman Jason Demers? Speaking of defencemen, how much term does the market offer steady 33-year-old defenceman Dan Hamhuis? After poor 2015-16 seasons, what deals await Eric Staal and Thomas Vanek? Is Loui Eriksson to Vancouver a fait accompli? The list goes on and on.
Be sure to share your thoughts, questions and concerns in the Comments section below, and check out SB Nation's NHL Free Agency Live Tracker all summer long!
Keep up with every NHL free agency signing (all summer!) with our live tracker: https://t.co/8qREWZGuLq
— SB Nation NHL (@SBNationNHL) July 1, 2016
