The Stanley Cup was awarded to the Penguins on Sunday, ushering in the offseason for the NHL.
Pittsburgh defeated San Jose in six games to clinch its fourth Cup in franchise history and first in the last seven years. Though the NHL offseason is underway, Free Agent Frenzy won't begin until July 1.
Here are five huge names set to hit the market of unrestricted free agency next month.
Honorable Mentions: James Reimer, Kyle Okposo & Loui Eriksson
1) Steven Stamkos
Stamkos, 26, wasn't able to work out a deal on an extension with the Lightning during the regular season and unless something gets done soon, the center could hit the open market. Stamkos had 36 goals, 28 assists and 54 points through 74 games last season and returned from a blood clot injury during the playoffs where Tampa Bay fell short to Pittsburgh in the Eastern Conference Finals.
2) Milan Lucic
The winger won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins back in 2011 and is a strong, physical power forward. Lucic, 28, reached the 50-point plateau for the fourth time in his career in his first season with the Kings, notching 55 points on 20 goals and 35 assists.
3) David Backes
The Blues center and captain provides great leadership and is a strong two-way forward. Backes, 32, had 45 points off of 21 tallies and 24 helpers through 79 games in the regular season and scored seven goals while putting up 14 points in the playoffs as St. Louis went all the way to the Western Conference Finals. Backes has spent his entire NHL career with the Blues.
4) Keith Yandle
The Rangers blue liner is a stroing playmaker and offensive defenseman, which made up for some of his shortcomings in terms of turning the puck over last season. Yandle, 29, should command big money in the open market, and is coming off of a campaign in which he had five goals and 42 asissts for 47 points while logging 19:58 average time on ice and playing all 82 games. The defenseman, who is strong on the power play, had one goal in five postseason games.
5) Andrew Ladd
The Blackhawks winger put up at least 46 points in each of the past six seasons and was a proven leader during his time serving as captain of the Jets. Ladd, 30, notched 25 markers and 21 helpers fo 46 points last season and went 8-4--12 after a midseason trade to Chicago. Ladd had a goal and an assist in seven playoff games with the Blackhawks and is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
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