Who are the hottest free agents of the NHL?

The eyes of the world are on the next wave of the free agent class of the NHL, as this is set to hit the market in just a few months. Each NHL club will look to retool while making a run at a chance to lift the Stanley Cup at the end of the coming campaign. While the potential for long term deals could take place for a few of these stars, they should all be pretty attractive for teams with enough cap space to add them.

Who will light up next year’s NHL?

One name on the end of everyone’s lips is Erik Karlsson, who is having a brilliant 2018-19 NHL campaign. He is currently helping his San Jose Sharks move into at least the second round of the 2019 NHL playoffs.

Karlsson is one of the best defenseman in the NHL, and one that can help set up his teammates. During the regular season, he posted 42 assists to go with three goals, while notching up a further ten assists during the playoffs.

While the 28-year-old might be the top option on the NHL free agent list, he is just one of many players who will be a hot commodity this summer. Here are a few of the other top stars teams will be looking to add.

Mark Stone, Vegas Golden Knights – Right Wing

Stone should see a ton of interest this offseason, and could possible even land a long term deal with Knights despite the team failing to move onto the second round of the playoffs. The right winger finished the season with a total of 73 points (33 goals, 40 assists), while also adding 12 points (6 goals, 6 assists) during the team’s first round series loss to the Sharks. Now Stone should land a big time contract as turns his focus to next year’s campaign.

Sergei Bobrovsky, Columbus Blue Jackets – Goalie

The Blue Jackets goalie is playing outstanding between the pipes this postseason and should see a long list of suitors come his way during the free agent period this summer. While Bobrovsky could elect to sign with the Blue Jackets, many experts believe his hot play during the post season could open the door for the Blue Jackets to turn to a younger and cheaper option.

Jeff Skinner, Buffalo Sabres – Left Wing

It would be hard to imagine the Sabres letting Skinner go. However, money typically talks and the money that will be thrown his way this summer might make it difficult for the Sabres to sign him up long term. During the regular season, Skinner posted 40 goals to go with 23 assists. His ability to score will make him a hot name on the rumor mill this season leading up to the start of the NHL free agency period.

Featured Image Credit: “Columbus Blue Jackets v St. Louis Blues” (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) by Mathieu Thouvenin