NHL free agency: What every team should do this summer

The NHL free agent signing period will officially begin Saturday at noon ET, but much of this offseason’s business has already taken place.

A number of key players have been traded, including Ivan Provorov and Damon Severson to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Ryan Johansen to the Colorado Avalanche, Taylor Hall to the Chicago Blackhawks, Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Los Angeles Kings and Tyler Toffoli to the New Jersey Devils.

Meanwhile, some unrestricted free agents have re-signed with their 2022-23 teams, including Ivan Barbashev of the Vegas Golden Knights.

But many other players are poised to find new homes in the coming days, with every team looking to upgrade. Here’s a guide to all 32 NHL teams, their free agents and what they should be doing as the signing period officially begins.

Note: Advanced statistics are from Natural Stat Trick and Evolving Hockey. Cap and contract information is from CapFriendly. Kristen Shilton covered the Atlantic and Metro teams, while Ryan S. Clark previewed the Central and Pacific clubs.

Jump to a team:
ANA | ARI | BOS | BUF
CGY | CAR | CHI | COL
CBJ | DAL | DET | EDM
FLA | LA | MIN | MTL
NSH | NJ | NYI | NYR
OTT | PHI | PIT | SJ
SEA | STL | TB | TOR
VAN | VGS | WSH | WPG

ATLANTIC DIVISION

Key players hitting unrestricted free agency (UFA): F Patrice Bergeron, F Tyler Bertuzzi, F David Krejci, F Tomas Nosek, D Connor Clifton, D Dmitry Orlov
Key players hitting restricted free agency (RFA): F Trent Frederic, G Jeremy Swayman
Cap space: $10,937,500

What they should do: GM Don Sweeney had to create cap space before Boston could really do anything at all. He got that business started by shipping Taylor Hall (and pending UFA Nick Foligno) to Chicago last week, moving $6 million off the Bruins’ books. That breathing room was imperative given Boston is carrying forward serious bonus-related overages from last summer’s Bergeron and Krejci deals. Now, Sweeney can move on to more pressing matters, like re-signing RFA Jeremy Swayman. Bertuzzi would have been another player worth negotiating with, but he is expected to explore the open market.

Swayman is a true top priority to secure the club’s goaltending depth, but it will come at a price as his SV% and GAA were both top five in the league last season. Speaking of depth, the Bruins then have to consider who’s going to play down the middle, especially if both Bergeron and Krejci don’t return. Sacrificing from the blue line — where the Bruins have greater stability — might be Sweeney’s best play to generate the cash required to be spent elsewhere in free agency.

Key player hitting UFA: F Vinnie Hinostroza
Key players hitting RFA: None
Cap space: $14,459,763

What they should do: Buffalo is blessed with young talent. Now, GM Kevyn Adams must insulate the Sabres’ core with more veterans — especially on their blue line. Extending Rasmus Dahlin and Owen Power is an obvious priority. But adding a defenseman like Radko Gudas or Dmitry Orlov to help guide Buffalo’s stars would take this team to another level of competitiveness.

Then there’s the goalie situation. Again, the Sabres have up-and-comers in Devon Levi and Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen — plus journeyman Eric Comrie under contract another season — but there’s no real No. 1 choice in net for Buffalo entering next season. The Sabres have cap space to spare. Could Frederik Andersen, for instance, come in on a lucrative short-term deal to improve Buffalo now while also giving its next generation of goaltenders a player to learn from?

Key players hitting UFA: F Pius Suter, G Alex Nedeljkovic
Key player hitting RFA: F Joseph Veleno
Cap space: $27,565,278

What they should do: The Red Wings have two clear areas of need: scoring depth and a suitable No. 2 to play behind Ville Husso in net. Detroit finished 24th in goals per game last season (2.89), and trading away Tyler Bertuzzi certainly didn’t help there. It’s time to restock.

The free agent market up front is veteran heavy, and GM Steve Yzerman has already explored the trade route adding Kailer Yamamoto and RFA Klim Kostin in a transaction with Edmonton on Thursday. Pending Senators RFA Alex DeBrincat is another option on that front. The Red Wings just can’t go another year without addressing their offensive inconsistencies. As for the goaltending dilemma, it’s time to give Husso a real partner. Even a Cam Talbot or Semyon Varlamov could do the trick, leaving Husso to shine as Detroit’s No. 1 while providing the right amount of support.

Key players hitting UFA: D Radko Gudas, D Marc Staal, G Alex Lyon
Key players hitting RFA: None
Cap space: $10,262,499

What they should do: Florida has to be thinking ahead. The Panthers’ run to a Stanley Cup Final left them with a short offseason and potential long-term injury recoveries to important players like Aaron Ekblad and Matthew Tkachuk. GM Bill Zito must ensure the right personnel is acquired to fill upcoming voids early on.

Fortunately for Zito, with prospective long-term injured reserve assignments, he’ll have cap space to wield that would allow him to go after veterans like Max Pacioretty or Dmitry Orlov, who would provide a boost well past the season’s start. Sergei Bobrovsky‘s return to form makes the Panthers’ goaltending more stable than ever, so long as Spencer Knight is ready to return from his stint in the NHL Player Assistance Program. If there’s any question he isn’t, resigning UFA Alex Lyon would make a lot of sense.

Key player hitting UFA: F Jonathan Drouin
Key player hitting RFA: F Denis Gurianov
Cap space: -$1,259,166

What they should do: Montreal’s been busy taking care of its business internally. Cole Caufield inked an eight-year extension, and veteran Sean Monahan is back on a one-year deal.

Montreal has to take stock of its blue line now. The Canadiens were 29th in goals against last season (averaging 3.72 per game), and the hodge-podge mix of young stars and the old guard wasn’t cutting it. Why not explore the possibility of bringing in Vince Dunn (who had 64 points in 81 games last season) or Ryan Graves to provide a better balance on the back end? Montreal can’t get ahead of itself in the rebuilding process but with so much talent up front, there must be more the club can do to elevate its defensive efforts.

Key players hitting UFA: None
Key players hitting RFA: D Erik Brannstrom, F Alex DeBrincat, F Shane Pinto
Cap space: $17,075,953

What they should do: Ottawa’s offseason needs to kick off with an Alex DeBrincat trade. The pending RFA isn’t interested in remaining long term with the Senators, and GM Pierre Dorion must capitalize on the number of clubs that could want his services. Depending on what Dorion can secure in return, the Senators should then be eyeing another goalie (or two) to fill out their depth chart.

Cam Talbot will leave in free agency, but Anton Forsberg should be able to return for training camp (after injuring both MCLs late last year). Ottawa’s goaltending has let them down before, and painful lessons like that don’t need to be repeated if Dorion can use the Senators’ cap room to make the most of an acquisition. Having Ottawa’s ownership business handled should make the Senators a more stable and desirable landing spot.

Key players hitting UFA: D Ian Cole, F Alex Killorn
Key player hitting RFA: F Tanner Jeannot
Cap space: $450,000

What they should do: Even Lightning GM Julien BriseBois can admit Tampa Bay is in just about its worst cap crunch ever — and that’s saying something for a perennially strapped team.

There are two options ahead for the Lightning: Either BriseBois creates space by orchestrating some significant trades, or Tampa Bay rides with its main core (again) while BriseBois fills in around the edges. They got started on the trade front, sending Ross Colton to the Colorado Avalanche, and pending UFA Corey Perry was dealt to Chicago. Alex Killorn is likely gone. Tanner Jeannot wasn’t the difference-maker the Lightning hoped he’d be. So, there will be vacant positions for the Lightning to insert new players.

Key players hitting UFA: F Noel Acciari, F Michael Bunting, F David Kampf, F Alex Kerfoot, F Ryan O’Reilly
Key players hitting RFA: G Ilya Samsonov
Cap space: $5,943,550

What they should do: Toronto’s first priority is taking care of its own. The Leafs can begin negotiating an extension with Auston Matthews on July 1, but Matthews isn’t the only key cog GM Brad Treliving has to worry about. Keeping David Kampf — a premier shutdown center — was critical, and Treliving did just that with a four-year extension.

Next on the docket is locking down Samsonov after he was the Leafs’ surprise savior in net last season. With Joseph Woll projecting as a viable option at No. 2 behind Samsonov, buying out the remaining year of Matt Murray‘s contract would give Toronto some breathing room, although Treliving doesn’t seem primed to go down that path.

Next, Toronto will need to tackle its blue-line depth. Only six NHLers are under contract for the coming season, four of whom will be 30 or older. If the Leafs can get a little younger there by adding a strong defensive player — likely via trade — that will fill an obvious hole in the roster.

METROPOLITAN DIVISION

Key players hitting UFA: F Jordan Staal, D Shayne Gostisbehere, G Frederik Andersen, G Antti Raanta
Key player hitting RFA: F Jesse Puljujarvi
Cap space: $21,223,083

What they should do: The Hurricanes have an obvious choice to make where goaltending is concerned. Carolina is understandably high on rookie Pyotr Kochetkov, but he’s not ready to be a full-time NHL starter, and both Andersen and Raanta are on expiring deals. Bringing back one of the two veterans on a short-term deal to support Kochetkov shouldn’t be difficult.

The harder task might be to consider the addition of a potential second-line center to boost Carolina’s prospects down the middle. Jesperi Kotkaniemi plays best in a more sheltered role, so if the Hurricanes can trade for or sign another center to take on big minutes, it would allow Kotkaniemi to play further down the lineup. There are depth decisions to make as well that Carolina already began to address with a four-year extension for Jordan Staal. All of their moves could be influenced by what is coming up next year when Sebastian Aho and Teuvo Teravainen become unrestricted free agents. But one step at a time.

Key players hitting UFA: None
Key players hitting RFA: None
Cap space: $4,754,167

What they should do: Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen already made use of the team’s lengthy offseason by acquiring Ivan Provorov (for draft picks) and Damon Severson (in a sign-and-trade). It was an admittedly strategic move on Kekalainen’s part to beat the free agency rush and start rebuilding the Blue Jackets from the rubble of last season’s disappointment.

What Columbus should continue doing is surrounding the club’s young core with more veteran players — and not just for the on-ice advantage they can provide. The Blue Jackets were clearly hampered by injuries in 2022-23 but also lost key leaders — including former captain Nick Foligno — from the group, and experienced voices are essential to keeping a dressing room on track.

Speaking of which, Columbus will have new coach Mike Babcock behind the bench as well. No doubt Babcock will have opinions on how the Blue Jackets should retool their roster, and whom the club might target on the open market come July.

Key player hitting UFA: F Miles Wood
Key players hitting RFA: F Michael McLeod, F Jesper Boqvist
Cap space: $10,207,500

What they should do: The Devils have already been active this offseason, signing Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier to eight-year extensions, trading RFA G Mackenzie Blackwood to the Sharks and Damon Severson to the Blue Jackets, and acquiring RFA Yegor Sharangovich and a pick from the Flames for Tyler Toffoli.

The Devils paid significantly to acquire Meier, so signing him long term was important. With Severson gone, look for New Jersey to add a veteran free agent (or two) who can play a solid role on the back end. It wouldn’t be surprising either if the Devils go the trade route there, particularly if they have ample cap space to spare after addressing some other contractual needs.

Key players hitting UFA: D Scott Mayfield, G Semyon Varlamov
Key player hitting RFA: F Oliver Wahlstrom
Cap space: $10,336,667

What they should do: Like their neighbors in New Jersey, the Islanders’ focus (and cash flow) should be on those already in the fold. GM Lou Lamoriello made a first step in the right direction when he moved Josh Bailey‘s contract off the books in Thursday’s deal with Chicago to create $5 million in cap space.

The Islanders have other priorities to manage now. Forward Oliver Wahlstrom projects as an important piece of New York’s future at age 23; would he accept a shorter deal now that allows the Islanders to conserve some cap space? They’ll need that space to sign veteran Scott Mayfield and preserve the club’s defensive depth moving forward.

Next, it’s all about the goaltending and whether there’s money to spare for Varlamov. Given the sparse free agent market this year, Varlamov could be a hot commodity and price the Islanders out of a new deal. In that case, New York will be targeting someone else to back up Ilya Sorokin on a more cost-effective deal. Alex Nedeljkovic, for example, could be looking for a fresh start, and he has been an effective player in the past. The opportunity to sign Nedeljkovic or someone similar to a team-friendly deal in which they’re supporting Sorokin might work for both parties.

Key players hitting UFA: F Patrick Kane, F Tyler Motte, F Vladimir Tarasenko, D Niko Mikkola
Key players hitting RFA: F Alexis Lafreniere, D K’Andre Miller
Cap space: $11,762,917

What they should do: New York isn’t in dire straits when it comes to cap space, but a large portion of what’s available should be allotted to pending RFAs Lafreniere and Miller. Those rising stars have come up through the Rangers’ ranks, and New York projects to continue investing in both with new contracts. Whether those come along as bridge deals or longer-term pacts remains to be seen.

The Rangers are going through some changes — especially behind the bench with Peter Laviolette replacing Gerard Gallant — and that might affect negotiations, and the type of players they target. New York also must squirrel away enough cash to get a backup goalie for Igor Shesterkin. Jaroslav Halak mostly handled those duties last season, but the 38-year-old UFA likely isn’t a priority to return. All of that should eliminate the possibility of Patrick Kane or Vladimir Tarasenko reupping with the Rangers. Not so, though, for Niko Mikkola. The 27-year-old is a nice player, and one New York should consider trying to retain.

Key players hitting UFA: None
Key players hitting RFA: F Noah Cates, F Morgan Frost, D Cam York
Cap space: $10,372,905

What they should do: Philadelphia had the right idea when it traded Kevin Hayes to the Blues for a sixth-round pick. Flyers GM Daniel Briere knows the Flyers must shed veteran contracts like Hayes’ to make room for the next generation of Philadelphia players.

The Flyers have three key RFAs in Noah Cates, Morgan Frost and Cam York, and negotiating with them is a top priority. Briere is also trying to find a landing spot for blueliner Tony DeAngelo (he has one year left at $5 million), with a reported deal to Carolina held up by the CBA.

Basically what Philadelphia should be embracing is change. Coach John Tortorella might have said it best when he proclaimed the Flyers had to start subtracting before the team could properly add to its ranks. Philadelphia should use the fact that this is a weaker free agent class to put its available players out there for trades, and be aggressive in wheeling and dealing with teams eager to make immediate improvements.

Key players hitting UFA: D Brian Dumoulin, F Jason Zucker, G Tristan Jarry
Key players hitting RFA: None
Cap space: $15,208,158

What they should do: Pittsburgh’s new president of hockey operations Kyle Dubas has a long to-do list. First on Dubas’ agenda should be addressing the Penguins’ goaltending, and whether pending UFA Tristan Jarry is a part of the club’s future. Jarry has been hampered by injuries in recent years but could still receive lucrative offers on the open market given the lean free agent group. If Jarry isn’t the answer for Pittsburgh in net, who is?

After making a decision on Jarry, there’s defenseman Brian Dumoulin and forward Jason Zucker to either re-sign or replace. Both players are 31, and this might be their last chance to cash in on a long-term deal somewhere. The team’s trade for Stanley Cup champ Reilly Smith could be a hint as to Zucker’s future, in particular.

The Penguins’ window to compete for a championship with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang is rapidly closing. How Dubas handles this offseason — doling out shorter-term contracts to known commodities or looking elsewhere for new ones — could say plenty about the direction in which Pittsburgh is headed.

Key players hitting UFA: F Connor Brown, F Conor Sheary
Key player hitting RFA: D Martin Fehervary
Cap space: $7,313,333

What they should do: Washington is in an interesting spot. GM Brian MacLellan began trading veteran players last season, and the Capitals ended up missing out on the playoffs. Bench boss Peter Laviolette was let go and has since been replaced by first-time head coach Spencer Carbery.

Washington should continue leaning into its transition.

Reportedly disgruntled forward Evgeny Kuznetsov has two years remaining (at $7.8 million per year) on his deal, and could be a viable trade option who frees up cap space and brings some younger talent into the Capitals’ fold. Getting 23-year-old blueliner Martin Fehervary (a pending RFA) a new contract — even on a short-term bridge deal — will be key, too.

After that, the Capitals should focus on depth. If Kuznetsov were to be moved, it would leave Washington with a hole down the middle but the cash to potentially address that in free agency. The Capitals should also consider an extension for pending UFA Connor Brown. He’s a versatile player but never got to show it in Washington after being limited to just four games last season following an ACL tear. Brown is likely to get offers on the open market, and Washington could help itself by negotiating with him sooner than later.

CENTRAL DIVISION

Key players hitting UFA: D Connor Mackey, F Brett Ritchie
Key players hitting RFA: F Christian Fischer, F Matias Maccelli, F Jack McBain
Cap space: $28,247,856

What they should do: Keep building for the future through a few different avenues.

There was already a trade that saw them land a young puck-moving defenseman in Sean Durzi, who can be a top-four option both now and in the future. The Coyotes could also decide to continue signing the type of players they could flip for draft capital ahead of the NHL trade deadline, which is what they did last year with Nick Bjugstad — with a 2023 third-round pick coming the other way as part of the deal. It’s a practice other teams have used to maximize their return on investment both now and for the future.

Key players hitting UFA: F Jonathan Toews, G Alex Stalock, F Corey Perry
Key players hitting RFA: D Caleb Jones, F Philipp Kurashev, D Ian Mitchell
Cap space: $24,928,210

What they should do: Continue to use their resources to build the strongest possible future around Connor Bedard — one without Jonathan Toews, after the two sides announced he would be moving on.

That’s exactly what they did when they offered the Bruins cap relief which they parlayed into getting Taylor Hall and the rights to Nick Foligno, who they signed to a one-year deal. It’s plausible the Blackhawks could deftly use more of that cap space to get the sort of players who can help them in the years to come. They could also be inclined to sign players they know could be attractive targets entering the trade deadline and flip them for more draft capital and/or prospects.

Key players hitting UFA: F J.T. Compher, F Lars Eller, D Erik Johnson, F Evan Rodrigues
Key player hitting RFA: D Bowen Byram, F Ross Colton, F Denis Malgin
Cap space: $8,575,000

What they should do: Find a second-line winger while finalizing their third defensive pairing plans.

The Avalanche strengthened their center situation beyond Nathan MacKinnon by trading for Ryan Johansen and Ross Colton. Now they must find another top-six winger, and cultivate their depth beyond their top-six forwards and top-four defensemen. That consistent lack of secondary and tertiary was a season-long issue that was one of the reasons why the Avs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

Key players hitting UFA: F Max Domi
Key player hitting RFA: F Ty Dellandrea
Cap space: $5,144,671

What they should do: What the Stars should do compared to what’s feasible appear to be totally separate concepts.

As for what they should do: Re-signing Evgenii Dadonov was a start. Will they find a deal that works for Max Domi, given he played important roles in the Stars’ march to the playoffs? The Stars could also take a look at trying to add a top-pairing right-handed shot defenseman they can play alongside Miro Heiskanen.

As for what they can do: Given their cap restraints, they could be forced to make some difficult decisions — particularly with rising forward Ty Dellandrea in need of a raise too.

Key players hitting UFA: D Matt Dumba, D John Klingberg, F Gustav Nyquist
Key players hitting RFA: D Calen Addison, G Filip Gustavsson, F Sam Steel
Cap space: $8,293,912

What they should do: Find ways to add more scoring help while continuing to walk that line of being on a tighter budget than most.

The Wild are entering the first of two seasons in which the combined Zach Parise and Ryan Suter buyouts will cost them $14.743 million in cap space. It’s something Wild GM Bill Guerin and his front office staff did during the trade deadline when they maximized their limited cap space to make several additions just to make the playoffs. The Wild were 24th in goals per game which was the lowest by a playoff team.

Accomplishing that goal, however, goes beyond just navigating the buyouts. While the Wild have quite a bit of their roster under contract, they must still get a new deal sorted for a 22-game winner in Filip Gustavsson, with Marc-Andre Fleury entering the last year of his contract.

Key player hitting UFA: F Alex Galchenyuk
Key players hitting RFA: D Alexandre Carrier, F Cody Glass
Cap space: $18,769,691

What they should do: Landing additional scoring help for a team that finished 28th in goals per game during the 2022-23 season appears to be a priority. It was also one of the reasons why they finished three points shy of the wild-card spot after their trade deadline exodus.

That’s part of the reason why they hired Andrew Brunette as head coach. Brunette’s one year with the Panthers saw them lead the NHL in goals per game, while his lone season as an assistant with the Devils led to them being fifth in goals per game. Getting that help could further supplement the contributions they receive from core players such as Matt Duchene, Filip Forsberg, Roman Josi and Juuse Saros, among others.

Key players hitting UFA: F Josh Leivo, F Tyler Pitlick
Key players hitting RFA: F Logan Brown, F Alexey Toropchenko
Cap space: $3,935,238

What they should do: Going after additional scoring help is a start — that’s what made their trade for Kevin Hayes so logical.

However, identifying the players who could help address their defensive issues might be just as important. The Blues were among the NHL’s worst 10 teams in goals allowed per 60 minutes in 5-on-5 play, scoring chances allowed per 60 and high-danger chances per 60, according to Natural Stat Trick. They were also 12th in team save percentage. What makes improving their defense complicated is that the Blues have four defensemen under contract with no-trade clauses, and another with a modified no-trade clause.

Key players hitting UFA: F Sam Gagner, F Vladislav Namestnikov, G David Rittich
Key players hitting RFA: F Morgan Barron, D Dylan Samberg, D Logan Stanley, F Rasmus Kupari, F Gabriel Vilardi
Cap space: $8,992,143

What they should do: Strike one big decision off the list, as Winnipeg traded pending restricted free agent Pierre-Luc Dubois to the Kings on Tuesday, in exchange for Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari, Gabriel Vilardi and a 2024 second-round pick.

Following that move, the Jets could go in a number of different directions. Connor Hellebuyck, Nino Niederreiter, Mark Scheifele and Blake Wheeler are each entering the final seasons of their contracts. It’s possible the Jets could decide to move on from at least one of those players with the aim of adding more draft capital in the hopes of bolstering their farm system.

PACIFIC DIVISION

Key players hitting UFA: F Derek Grant, F Kevin Shattenkirk
Key players hitting RFA: D Jamie Drysdale, F Troy Terry, F Trevor Zegras
Cap space: $39,048,333

What they should do: Essentially repeat what they did last offseason. The Ducks signed Ryan Strome to a five-year contract so they could insulate their young core with someone who gives their group more experience.

They could also sign players in free agency — such as what they did with John Klingberg — with the premise that those players could be parlayed into additional draft capital when the trade deadline arrives.

Key players hitting UFA: F Trevor Lewis, F Milan Lucic, D Troy Stecher, D Michael Stone
Key players hitting RFA: None
Cap space: $2,400,000

What they should do: Reboot? Reset? An eventual rebuild?

Whatever path the Flames end up choosing started when they traded Tyler Toffoli to the Devils and received Yegor Sharangovich in return, prior to signing him to a two-year contract. It’s possible Toffoli’s departure could just be the start, considering Mikael Backlund, Noah Hanifin and Elias Lindholm are each in the final year of their contracts. Daily Faceoff reported Hanifin does not plan to re-sign, while Backlund is leaning toward not re-signing — with the caveat that Backlund told reporters during the NHL Awards show that “it’s not my decision” whether he remains with the Flames. As for Lindholm, the team is awaiting a decision on his future.

It’s the sort of situation that leaves new GM Craig Conroy and his front office staff with some decisions to make about what they feel is the best path for a team that still has players such as Rasmus Andersson, Jonathan Huberdeau, Nazem Kadri, Jacob Markstrom and MacKenzie Weegar under contract for at least three more years.

Key players hitting UFA: F Nick Bjugstad, F Mattias Janmark, D Oscar Klefbom, D Ryan Murray, G Mike Smith
Key player hitting RFA: D Evan Bouchard
Cap space: $8,170,000

What they should do: A lack of secondary and tertiary scoring along with some defensive issues plagued the Oilers in the second round against the Golden Knights. But what made addressing those concerns challenging was having a little more than $5 million in space. Or it did, until the Oilers traded Kailer Yamamoto and now have an extra $3 million.

What illustrated the need for at least more consistent secondary options was the fact Warren Foegele and Zach Hyman were the only Oilers outside Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid to score in their losses to the Golden Knights. And while goaltender Stuart Skinner came under question at times in the playoffs, there was also a debate to be had about the Oilers’ defensive structure that had issues against the Golden Knights.

Key players hitting UFA: D Alexander Edler, G Joonas Korpisalo
Key player hitting RFA: F Jaret Anderson-Dolan
Cap space: $4,536,666

What they should do: Following the trade for Pierre-Luc Dubois, the next critical task is to get a No. 1 goaltender that can win in the regular season and in the playoffs.

The Kings had the sort of underlying defensive metrics throughout the regular season that were undermined by inconsistent goaltending. It’s why they promoted Pheonix Copley from the AHL and traded for Joonas Korpisalo. Free agency or the trade market are two routes by which the Kings can land the goaltender that may be able to help them win in the first round; the last time they did that was 2014 season, when they won the Stanley Cup.

Key players hitting UFA: F Andreas Johnsson, G James Reimer
Key players hitting RFA: F Noah Gregor, F Jonah Gadjovich, F Jacob Peterson, F Fabian Zetterlund
Cap space: $14,079,166

What they should do: Do whatever they can to give their rebuild the strongest possible chance to succeed.

Erik Karlsson said prior to the NHL Awards show that he wants the chance to play for a contender. Trading him would likely involve them retaining 50% of his $11.5 million salary, but could see the Sharks receive the sort of draft capital and prospects that would jumpstart their rebuild. It’d also give them a bit more cap space to be active in free agency in the race for players they could later move ahead of the trade deadline.

Key players hitting UFA: F Ryan Donato, F Joonas Donskoi, G Martin Jones, D Carson Soucy
Key players hitting RFA: D William Borgen, D Vince Dunn, F Morgan Geekie, F Daniel Sprong
Cap space: $20,343,424

What they should do: Should they responsibly spend their cap dollars with the future in mind? Or could this be the year the Kraken take a massive swing by using the free agency window to either sign or trade for someone who can help them take the next step?

Calder Trophy winner Matty Beniers has one more year left on his entry-level contract. Chris Driedger, Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz and Alexander Wennberg also have a year remaining on their deals before they hit the open market.

Reaching the second round of the playoffs has heightened the expectations around the Kraken. But exercising financial responsibility could be crucial toward maintaining those expectations.

Key player hitting UFA: G Collin Delia
Key players hitting RFA: D Ethan Bear, D Travis Dermott
Cap space: $6,444,583

What they should do: Continue to find ways to create salary cap space while simultaneously trying to improve their roster.

The decision to buy out Oliver Ekman-Larsson is an example of what’s facing the Canucks. Yes, they created cap space. But now they need another top-four defenseman. Finding another top-four option also comes at a time in which the club must make a decision about their future plans — especially given the fact that Filip Hronek and Elias Pettersson are among a group of players who are about to enter the final seasons of their contracts.

Key players hitting UFA: F Teddy Blueger, G Laurent Brossoit, F Phil Kessel, G Jonathan Quick, G Adin Hill
Key players hitting RFA: F Brett Howden, F Nolan Patrick
Cap space: $2,687,516

What they should do: Keep having another win-at-all costs offseason.

Trading Reilly Smith to have the cap space to re-sign Ivan Barbashev has made the Golden Knights the Wario meme in which a dejected Wario states, “I’ve won … but at what cost?” In this case, the cost was moving on from one of the “Original Misfits” to keep a player who helped them win a Stanley Cup — with the premise he could help them win more.

There’s still the matter of signing Adin Hill to a new deal, and they would likely need to create more cap space to do so.