2016 NHL Free Agency: Top 10 restricted free agents

Apr 19, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning right wing Nikita Kucherov (86) skates with the puck defended by Detroit Red Wings defenseman Kyle Quincey (27) during the third period in game four of the first round of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Tampa won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

10 of 12

Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Johnny Gaudreau

Remember how it was mentioned earlier that the Flames have two important restricted free agents to deal with this offseason? Johnny Gaudreau is the second of the two and is likely the one who will command more money.

In 159 games over his first two seasons, Gaudreau has 142 points (55 goals and 88 assists). Gaudreau was able to build on an impressive rookie campaign in 2014-15 (24 goals and 40 assists for 64 points) to have an even better 2015-16 campaign (30 goals and 48 assists for 78 points). The 22 year old forward has an extremely bright future in the NHL and the Flames should be willing to pay him whatever it takes to get him locked up long-term.

Calgary could take a page out of the book of the Chicago Blackhawks and negotiate with Gaudreau and Monahan to agree to similar contracts of similar length. It has worked quite well for the Blackhawks and clearly Monahan and Gaudreau love playing together. They have something special with their chemistry. It would be in the best interests of everyone involved in the process if long-term deals for the dynamic duo are reached.

Realistically, if the Flames want to lock up Gaudreau long-term, it will likely have to be for something resembling Vladimir Tarasenko’s eight-year $60 million contract.

Next: 2: Filip Forsberg

Home/Boston Bruins