Flames' Johnny Gaudreau headlines strong NHL free-agency class

NHL general managers get the opportunity to open their chequebooks four weeks from Wednesday.

There's also been a significant amount of buyer's remorse through the years.

The Canadian Press takes a look at some of the headline-grabbing options with the NHL market set to open July 13.

2021-22 salary cap hit: $6.75 million US

The Flames star tied for second in the league's overall scoring race with a career-high 115 points during the regular season.

Gaudreau, who turns 29 in August, can still of course sign a long-term extension with Calgary — the club has the advantage of being able to offer an eight-year contract compared to the seven available to the NHL's other 31 organizations.

The clock, however, continues to tick for a player coming off personal bests in goals (40) and assists (75) on a team that topped the Pacific Division, but couldn't get past the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

A slick winger from Salem, N.J., Gaudreau has said he's open to staying in Alberta, and the Flames have been bullish in their desire to keep him. But there's also no doubt a draw to return east, with the team he cheered for as a kid — the Philadelphia Flyers — rumoured to have interest.

2021-22 salary cap hit: $4.5 million

The gritty, skilled centre was one of the big stories of the post-season for the Colorado Avalanche before getting injured in the Western Conference final.

Kadri signed a team-friendly deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 only to be traded in the summer of 2019 following consecutive playoff suspensions.

The 31-year-old should command a lot of interest this summer after putting up a career-high 87 points in 2021-22 before adding 14 more in 13 post-season contests.

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