The Top Names Heading Into NHL Free Agency & Where They’ll Sign

Teams are already talking to players, but the official start of NHL free agency is this Sunday and while terms are not supposed to be discussed during the interview period that's currently taking place, the fact financials and contracts are announced mere seconds after free agency opens demonstrates that they are. There are a number of free agents this year who will be a part of those names announced and many deals that are likely on the table today.

If we look at the most popular names in free agency, we can reasonably predict where some of the biggest names will land.

John Tavares – San Jose Sharks

All eyes have been on John Tavares the last few days and the NHL is simply waiting for the Islanders' center to make the official announcement on where he'll play next season and perhaps going forward. Tavares has his list narrowed down his choice to six teams.

The Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, and San Jose Sharks sound like they are the favorites but that's really anyone's guess. Our thought is that because San Jose has a strong team that Tavares will be the best player on, and they have Tavares' good friend, Logan Couture, on the team, they have the leg up. The outside shot here is Tavares going to Toronto on a one-year max deal for insane money and signing an extension next summer.

Paul Stastny – Winnipeg Jets

After John Tavares, for centers, the free agency next-item-up-for-bids moves directly to Paul Stastny. Stastny is easily the second-best center on the board and by most accounts, the Winnipeg Jets are willing to move some pieces to keep him. That includes trading Bryan Little.

Stastny played extremely well when he came over at the trade deadline last season and the Jets realize what having a veteran center on the team can do for their young and rising core. Expect him to get somewhere in the area of five years and $32.5 million.

James van Riemsdyk – NewYork Rangers

James van Riemsdyk may be the most underrated name on the free agency board. That's not to say people don't know what he brings, but more to suggest no one is talking about how good a goal scorer he is and how much of an impact he could make for the NHL team who lands him this summer.

He's a lock for 25-35 goals no matter where he plays and rumors are the Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers have reached out, among others. We know the Rangers are supposed to be rebuilding, but they've never been a team willing to control themselves in the free agent market and always go after one or two big fish.

Mike Green – Detroit Red Wings – 2 years, $10.0MM

In a weaker class of free agent defenseman, Mike Green is among the best. That said, he's older and teams will hesitate to give him multiple years seeing as he's fairly one dimensional now. Ultimately, he'll likely end up staying in Detroit on a two-year contract and if he doesn't, it will be because someone offered similar money for that third year.

James Neal – New Jersey Devils

Is it possible New Jersey goes out and adds even more scoring depth on their wing? Neal was scooped up in the NHL Expansion Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights last summer and was key to their success this past season. But, because the two sides couldn't agree on an extension, he'll likely leave for more money and term somewhere else.

The Devils have a ton of cap room and could use a consistent scoring threat to play alongside Hart Trophy Winner Taylor Hall.

NEXT: THE BEST AND WORS NEW JERSEY DEVILS OF ALL TIME

Rick Nash – Columbus Blue Jackets

Rick Nash maybe shouldn't be on this list considering he's talking about potentially retiring. But, because that's just talk at this point, we can't overlook him. There are rumblings the Columbus Blue Jackets are looking to bring him back should he let teams know of his intention to keep playing and that makes sense from a number of perspectives.

Nash might want to finish his career where he started it and if he's close to retirement, who can blame him?

Joe Thornton – San Jose Sharks

Whether or not John Tavares signs in San Jose, expect Joe Thornton to return to San Jose, likely on a one-year deal ripe with performance bonuses. Joe has no desire to leave the Sharks organization and he's still a useful player even though he's not offering the kind of production he used to.

From here on in, expect the Sharks to continue to give Thornton one-year deals that last until both sides are ready to say goodbye and Thornton retires from the NHL.

NEXT: TEAMS THAT MIGHT WANT JOE THORTON AND SOME THAT WILL STAY AWAY