Top 10 NHL free agents to watch this offseason

NEWARK, NJ - MARCH 31: New York Islanders center John Tavares (91) skates off the ice during the second period of the National Hockey League Game between the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders on March 31, 2018, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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4. Joe Thornton

As of right now, Joe Thornton is set to hit the open market again this season, though he may not get there if the Sharks re-sign him. Last year, he dipped his toes into free agency and got some offers from other teams but opted to sign back with the Sharks. It was worth $8 million for just one season even though he got injured this season. He had 13 goals and 36 points in 47 games before going out with a knee injury for the rest of the season.

Thornton will likely be re-signed by the Sharks even though they need to line up a Logan Couture extension since his contract is up after next season. If San Jose opts to not sign him back, though, many teams who need an upgrade at center will make him an offer. It’ll be just like the one from last year, since he’s now 38 — a one-year-deal worth around $7 to $8 million.

He can play as a top-six center still or even as a third-line center if a cup contender already has two solid centers ahead of him. Thornton’s free agency will be fun to track over the next few weeks.

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