In any professional sports league, an athlete always feels an added sense of urgency along with increased pressure when entering their contract years. If they’re able to perform at an astoundingly high level in the year before their contract is up for negotiations, you can bet that they’ll be on route to receiving a massive payday. On the other hand, if their performance level has decreased drastically or were unfortunate enough to suffer a serious injury, their new contracts will likely be average, at best. Here are five important NHL players entering their contract years, and who will definitely be looking to secure massive contracts.
John Tavares, New York Islanders
Having been with the New York Islanders for his entire professional playing career, John Tavares has shown a respectable sense of loyalty. After all, he was selected as the first overall pick up the Islanders back in 2009. While Tavares does indeed possess superstar potential, the stage simply hasn’t been there for him to showcase his talent. Since Tavares was drafted, the Islanders have made the playoffs just three times while being robbed of an opportunity with Team Canada during the 2014 Winter Olympics after suffering a season-ending knee injury. Tavares is turning 27 and he’ll likely be of the mindset to win now. The Islanders must show Tavares that they are capable of winning as a team and can maintain stability moving forward. They’ll do their best to keep their star but he could decide to walk and find a place where he can really play for a competitive NHL team.
Kyle Turris, Ottawa Senators
As the third overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Phoenix Coyotes, Kyle Turris turned his game around after forcing a trade during the 2011-2012 season to the Ottawa Senators. As part of the Senators, Turris has stepped up his game to become the team’s number one center, leading the team with a career-high 27 goals last season along with a berth in the Eastern Conference Finals, losing narrowly to the eventual Stanley Cup Champions four games to three. After turning 28, Turris is looking to lock up a potentially huge contract. However, he must fix his inconsistency issues and continue to improve his overall game in the NHL.
John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Playing his entire professional career with the Washington Capitals, John Carlson was a true ironman in his first five full NHL seasons, not missing a single game. Carlson is also quite a diverse player, being able to play a shutdown role or make use of his big shot to contribute offensively. As a defenseman, his best moment came on the international stage when he netted the overtime winner that clinched the gold medal for Team USA at the 2010 World Junior Championships. Carlson is arguably the best defenseman who will be heading into free agency. If he’s able to stay healthy and play well, he’ll be on path to cash in big.
Evander Kane, Buffalo Sabres
Evander Kane was drafted fourth overall by the Atlanta Thrashers in 2009. While not known to shy away from the physical side of the game, Kane is also a great skater for a big man. However, Kane has been distracted by injuries and off-the-ice antics, but posted his best season in five years last season, and will be looking to build on that. At 26 years old, Kane must try and put his injuries and locker room issues behind him if he’s to secure a good contract.
James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs
At 28 years old, James van Riemsdyk is entering the prime of his career, leading a young Maple Leafs squad. He was drafted as the second overall pick by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2007 and is considered a late bloomer offensively. While primarily perceived as a scoring winger, van Riemsdyk also has a good knack for setting up teammates to score. Although van Riemsdyk finished second on the Leafs in scoring and provided stability for a young Leafs team, the Leafs will need to clear cap space in order to resign their rising young stars to massive deals when the time comes.
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