A whole lot of money is about to be shelled out in NHL circles come July 1, and general managers will be hoping the lavish investments are justifiable in helping their respective teams improve.

Sadly, though, that isn't always the case. Each and every year there's unforeseen bargains and blatant overpayments. If GMs want to avoid the latter, they should have their guards up when it comes to these five unrestricted free agents.

Tyler Myers

2018-19 cap hit: $5.5 million
2018-19 stats: 80 GP, 9 G, 22 A, 20:21 ATOI

With Erik Karlsson off the board, Myers is among the biggest names available on this year's blue-line market. At 6-foot-8 and equipped with a right-handed shot, Myers has desirable raw tools, but there are too many red flags to justify awarding him a big-ticket contract.

Myers will turn 30 in February and has gradually seen his ice time decrease in each of the past four seasons in Winnipeg. Sheltered in a third-pairing role this past season, he put up a negative Corsi differential relative to his teammates despite starting 56.7 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone.

Rumors indicate Myers could be seeking a contract close to $8 million annually. Such a deal is far too rich for a player seemingly already on the decline - especially if there's a lengthy term attached.

Matt Duchene

2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
2018-19 stats: 73 GP, 31 G, 39 A, 18:50 ATOI

First and foremost, this isn't a knock on Duchene, who rightfully qualifies as one of this summer's premier free agents. It's a condemnation of the current market value for NHL centermen, which was flipped upside down when Kevin Hayes recently inked a seven-year contract worth $50 million.

If Hayes can fetch $7.142 million annually for a 55-point output, where does that leave Duchene, who just racked up 70 points in 73 games and added 10 more in 10 playoff contests? Using that comparison alone, Duchene could easily command something in the range of $9.5 million to $10.5 million.

Any contract paying Duchene $8.5 million or more per year would slot him among the NHL's top 10 highest-paid centers even though his career production ranks him a tier below. It's not a question of whether Duchene deserves to pick from his share of suitors on the open market; it's whether he can live up to a max-term contract that pays him like he's one of the league's best pivots.

Anders Lee

2018-19 cap hit: $3.75 million
2018-19 stats: 82 GP, 28 G, 23 A, 17:05 ATOI

After John Tavares left Long Island, Lee saw his goal total plummet from 40 to 28, which isn't a terrific bargaining chip for the Islanders captain. That said, his underlying numbers improved under head coach Barry Trotz and he still led the team in goals, so he's not completely out of ammunition.

Lee's provided tremendous value for New York by counting for just $3.75 million against the cap over the past four seasons. He can reasonably ask for a significant raise, but term is where things could get risky for teams looking to add the soon-to-be 29-year-old.

Lee has a valuable skill set as a strong finisher and producer of high-danger scoring chances. But he isn't a particularly efficient skater or playmaker - which is cause for significant concern as he approaches his 30s. He'll likely score 20-30 goals for a few years to come, but a long commitment could backfire as he ages.

Micheal Ferland

2018-19 cap hit: $1.75 million
2018-19 stats: 71 GP, 17 G, 23 A, 14:06 ATOI

Offering a rare blend of physicality and scoring touch, Ferland was in high demand around the trade deadline before the Hurricanes opted to keep him and go on a run of their own.

The teams interested in adding him in February will surely have him on their radars again this summer, but there are a few reasons for caution when it comes to committing to Ferland. First and foremost, his health has been an issue, and he spoke in December about his own concerns after suffering his second concussion.

It's also hard to gauge Ferland's true value on the ice. He's spent most of his career in a crash-and-bang, puck-retrieving role alongside some superstars on the top lines in both Calgary and Carolina, which could inflate his worth to teams poring over his stats.

Has Ferland been carried by his linemates, or is he a legitimate top-six forward? Whoever decides to pay him will find out sooner or later.

Joe Pavelski

2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
2018-19 stats: 75 GP, 38 G, 26 A, 19:03 ATOI

Much like the Duchene scenario above, this isn't an indictment on Pavelski as a player. The longtime Shark ranks fifth in the NHL since 2011-12 with 252 goals and has earned the right to explore his options after 13 seasons in San Jose.

The problem for teams interested in Pavelski's services is that they may not be getting the player he was through his prime. Pavelski turns 35 on July 11. He's coming off a monster season in which he matched a career-high with 38 tallies, but did so with an astronomical 20.2 shooting percentage. He's a master of scoring on deflections and in close to the net, but his situation with the Sharks was perfect given San Jose's bevy of dynamic playmakers on the power play and the inimitable Brent Burns feeding him perfect point shots to tip on goal.

Term will be a major factor in whether Pavelski agrees to a reasonable contract, but even a three-year pact would take the Wisconsin native through his age-37 season, a dicey prospect for a player who has never been particularly fleet of foot.

(Advanced stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick)

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A whole lot of money is about to be shelled out in NHL circles come July 1, and general managers will be hoping the lavish investments are justifiable in helping their respective teams improve.

Sadly, though, that isn't always the case. Each and every year there's unforeseen bargains and blatant overpayments. If GMs want to avoid the latter, they should have their guards up when it comes to these five unrestricted free agents.

Tyler Myers

2018-19 cap hit: $5.5 million
2018-19 stats: 80 GP, 9 G, 22 A, 20:21 ATOI

With Erik Karlsson off the board, Myers is among the biggest names available on this year's blue-line market. At 6-foot-8 and equipped with a right-handed shot, Myers has desirable raw tools, but there are too many red flags to justify awarding him a big-ticket contract.

Myers will turn 30 in February and has gradually seen his ice time decrease in each of the past four seasons in Winnipeg. Sheltered in a third-pairing role this past season, he put up a negative Corsi differential relative to his teammates despite starting 56.7 percent of his shifts in the offensive zone.

Rumors indicate Myers could be seeking a contract close to $8 million annually. Such a deal is far too rich for a player seemingly already on the decline - especially if there's a lengthy term attached.

Matt Duchene

2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
2018-19 stats: 73 GP, 31 G, 39 A, 18:50 ATOI

First and foremost, this isn't a knock on Duchene, who rightfully qualifies as one of this summer's premier free agents. It's a condemnation of the current market value for NHL centermen, which was flipped upside down when Kevin Hayes recently inked a seven-year contract worth $50 million.

If Hayes can fetch $7.142 million annually for a 55-point output, where does that leave Duchene, who just racked up 70 points in 73 games and added 10 more in 10 playoff contests? Using that comparison alone, Duchene could easily command something in the range of $9.5 million to $10.5 million.

Any contract paying Duchene $8.5 million or more per year would slot him among the NHL's top 10 highest-paid centers even though his career production ranks him a tier below. It's not a question of whether Duchene deserves to pick from his share of suitors on the open market; it's whether he can live up to a max-term contract that pays him like he's one of the league's best pivots.

Anders Lee

2018-19 cap hit: $3.75 million
2018-19 stats: 82 GP, 28 G, 23 A, 17:05 ATOI

After John Tavares left Long Island, Lee saw his goal total plummet from 40 to 28, which isn't a terrific bargaining chip for the Islanders captain. That said, his underlying numbers improved under head coach Barry Trotz and he still led the team in goals, so he's not completely out of ammunition.

Lee's provided tremendous value for New York by counting for just $3.75 million against the cap over the past four seasons. He can reasonably ask for a significant raise, but term is where things could get risky for teams looking to add the soon-to-be 29-year-old.

Lee has a valuable skill set as a strong finisher and producer of high-danger scoring chances. But he isn't a particularly efficient skater or playmaker - which is cause for significant concern as he approaches his 30s. He'll likely score 20-30 goals for a few years to come, but a long commitment could backfire as he ages.

Micheal Ferland

2018-19 cap hit: $1.75 million
2018-19 stats: 71 GP, 17 G, 23 A, 14:06 ATOI

Offering a rare blend of physicality and scoring touch, Ferland was in high demand around the trade deadline before the Hurricanes opted to keep him and go on a run of their own.

The teams interested in adding him in February will surely have him on their radars again this summer, but there are a few reasons for caution when it comes to committing to Ferland. First and foremost, his health has been an issue, and he spoke in December about his own concerns after suffering his second concussion.

It's also hard to gauge Ferland's true value on the ice. He's spent most of his career in a crash-and-bang, puck-retrieving role alongside some superstars on the top lines in both Calgary and Carolina, which could inflate his worth to teams poring over his stats.

Has Ferland been carried by his linemates, or is he a legitimate top-six forward? Whoever decides to pay him will find out sooner or later.

Joe Pavelski

2018-19 cap hit: $6 million
2018-19 stats: 75 GP, 38 G, 26 A, 19:03 ATOI

Much like the Duchene scenario above, this isn't an indictment on Pavelski as a player. The longtime Shark ranks fifth in the NHL since 2011-12 with 252 goals and has earned the right to explore his options after 13 seasons in San Jose.

The problem for teams interested in Pavelski's services is that they may not be getting the player he was through his prime. Pavelski turns 35 on July 11. He's coming off a monster season in which he matched a career-high with 38 tallies, but did so with an astronomical 20.2 shooting percentage. He's a master of scoring on deflections and in close to the net, but his situation with the Sharks was perfect given San Jose's bevy of dynamic playmakers on the power play and the inimitable Brent Burns feeding him perfect point shots to tip on goal.

Term will be a major factor in whether Pavelski agrees to a reasonable contract, but even a three-year pact would take the Wisconsin native through his age-37 season, a dicey prospect for a player who has never been particularly fleet of foot.

(Advanced stats courtesy: Natural Stat Trick)

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As of Monday at 12 p.m. Eastern, NHL free agents can officially sign with new teams. With the leadup switching from days to hours, theScore's making educated guesses on the landing spots for this year's most intriguing unrestricted free agents still available. Here we go:

Artemi Panarin

Finally, after almost a calendar year of speculation, Panarin's long-term NHL home will be determined in the coming days. Panarin, who turns 28 in October, will likely command seven years and an annual salary in the $11 million-$12 million range. The dynamic playmaking Russian is the shiny prize of the 2019 UFA class.

Florida appears to be the front-runner here - and why not? General manager Dale Tallon's pitch is pretty stellar: a young core led by Aleksander Barkov, a familiar coach in Joel Quenneville, sunny coastal weather, anonymity around town, and ownership willing to spend. These aren't your older brother's Panthers.

The Rangers and Islanders are second-tier favorites in the Panarin sweepstakes, while the Avalanche are believed to be a third-tier option. As expected, the Blue Jackets don't have a horse in this race, despite the team and Panarin advancing to the franchise's first-ever second-round appearance.

Prediction: Panthers

Confidence level: 8.5/10

Joe Pavelski

A few months back, who saw Pavelski, one of the faces of the Sharks franchise, moving on from San Jose this offseason?

Well, with Erik Karlsson's massive eight-year deal finalized and second contracts for Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc on deck, GM Doug Wilson might not have enough dough to re-sign the team's captain. Pavelski, who turns 35 next month, wants fair value ($5 million-$7 million) and the big prize (a Stanley Cup). Wilson can't deliver the former, and who knows about the latter.

The Stars and Lightning have pitched Pavelski in person and check off the "contender" box, whereas the Wild and Blackhawks, two clubs in the middle of the pack, also have his ear. Several more teams surely want to be in the running, which should be no surprise. Pavelski's coming off a 38-goal campaign, can play both center and wing, and is beloved by teammates.

When there's no clear-cut favorite for the UFA's services, the tie goes to the ideal spot. The Lightning enjoy a fantastic tax situation in Florida and won 62 of 82 games last year. Sure, they didn't make it out of the first round, but there's no doubt Pavelski sees a glorious opportunity on the right wing alongside either Steven Stamkos or Brayden Point.

Prediction: Lightning

Confidence level: 5/10

Sergei Bobrovsky

One of the offseason's rare certainties is Bobrovsky is going to get paid handsomely, no matter where he winds up. He'll be only 31 this fall, possesses enough talent to upgrade a good team to very good or a very good team to great, and plays the game's most valuable position. Don't be surprised if the two-time Vezina Trophy winner signs a seven-year, $70-million contract.

The Panthers, who welcomed elite goaltending prospect Spencer Knight into the fold at the draft before saying goodbye to the retiring Roberto Luongo, are in a period of transition between the pipes. Backup James Reimer might even be on his way out. Bobrovsky, along with his buddy Panarin, appears to be Miami-bound. The timing's right, too, as Knight could ease into the starter’s role during the back half of Bobrovsky's deal.

What's most intriguing about Bobrovsky's UFA status is not necessarily the destination - it's been more or less settled as either the Panthers or Islanders - it's the reaction to his contract details. Does the loser in that two-team pool overpay for Robin Lehner, the second-best goalie on the market? And how does Lehner's contract affect the likes of Semyon Varlamov, Mike Smith, Curtis McElhinney, and the rest of a deep-but-muddied goalie class?

Prediction: Panthers

Confidence level: 7.5/10

Anders Lee

As Erik Karlsson and Jeff Skinner re-upped with their teams prior to the late-June window shopping period for UFAs, it felt like it was only a matter of time before Anders Lee did the same. Yet here we are ...

Lee, the Islanders' captain, continues to debate his options. The Isles are in the mix for an extension, certainly among the favorites to lock up the soon-to-be 28-year-old, but it's far from a guarantee. Supposedly not caving during negotiations thus far, GM Lou Lamoriello is tempting Lee to take his talents elsewhere. The Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, and his hometown Minnesota Wild have all been pegged as possible landing spots.

This is Lee's chance to cash in on a journey that's taken him from the 152nd overall pick in the 2009 NHL draft to 425 career games. A high-character forward who bags 50-60 points per year, he's due for a healthy annual raise from $3.75 million, perhaps doubling his yearly earnings with this new contract. The Avs have ample cap space, are on the rise, and bring him a little closer to home. Here's thinking GM Joe Sakic gets frisky and reels in Lee.

Prediction: Avalanche

Confidence level: 3/10

Jake Gardiner

Game 7 troubles and back injury aside, Gardiner is cruising into July 1 with suitors galore and $7 million per year in his sights. He's the best left-handed defenseman on the UFA market, and after the dust settles, could end up being the highest-paid UFA blue-liner, period. Tyler Myers is Gardiner's only true contender in regards to positional bragging rights.

Gardiner has to make a key decision on location. It's big, pressure-filled Canadian market versus laidback American market. For instance, the Canucks and Canadiens are reportedly eager to at least discuss a deal, but his time in Toronto - while overall successful - may have him looking stateside.

The Wild, Panthers, and Kings are believed to be interested, and all three are relatively tame markets. The Stars, yet another low-key locale, would make a ton of sense from a hockey perspective. Gardiner, a smooth-skating puck mover, could replace former Leafs teammate Roman Polak on Dallas' second defense pairing. Can GM Jim Nill acquire both Gardiner and a forward in free agency? Would he settle for one? Strike out? Keep it locked on the Stars.

Prediction: Stars

Confidence level: 4/10

Matt Duchene

Predators GM David Poile has telegraphed it, stating in the wake of the PK Subban trade that he's ready to bolster his forward group in a significant way. Duchene himself has dropped hints, with his links to Nashville - including a passion for country music and the purchase of a rental property in the area - no secret.

The stage is set for the Preds to win the Duchene courting war, even though the Canadiens are lurking - with Duchene meeting Habs brass earlier this week - and the Blue Jackets earning a passing glance. It's a perfect marriage between team and player - Nashville gets the No. 1 center it's coveted for several years, while the 27-year-old will both receive his big payday and join a contender after enduring his fair share of losing.

Food for thought: If the two biggest names on the UFA forward market choose Nashville (Duchene) and Florida (Panarin), do the Canadiens, Rangers, and Islanders - teams apparently jonesing for a stud forward - put away their wallets and take the L? Or do they double down on pursuing second-tier guys like Mats Zuccarello, Lee, and Pavelski and battle the Stars, Avalanche, and Wild for the best of the rest?

Prediction: Predators

Confidence level: 8.5/10

Corey Perry

Perry is 34, dressed for 31 games last season, and the final two years of his contract were recently bought out by the Ducks. For an ex-Hart Trophy winner and Stanley Cup champion, his stock is pretty low. But, given Perry's top skill is scoring goals, interest remains high. He's earned a shot at redemption.

Perry, along with Jason Spezza, Wayne Simmonds, and Dion Phaneuf - fellow UFAs who have made millions upon millions but are past their prime - can approach free agency from a unique angle. They can find a home with a contender on a cheap deal and limited role and hope a deep playoff run is on the horizon. Or, they can sign with a poor team for more money and more ice time and hope to get moved to a Cup-chasing team at the trade deadline.

Both scenarios have pros and cons. The latter route may be better on the ego. Get your money, find your mojo, go from there. Under these circumstances, the Oilers, Red Wings, or Kings would suit Perry. Considering Edmonton boasts Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, perhaps there's a fit there.

Prediction: Oilers

Confidence level: 3/10

John Matisz is theScore's national hockey writer.

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Joe Pavelski's representative doesn't seem too encouraged about his client's future with the San Jose Sharks.

Dan Plante told The Mercury News' Curtis Pashelka on Friday night that the two sides don't seem particularly close in contract negotiations.

"Would you like to see it be closer? Yeah, but it just isn't right now," the agent said. "And so, you get that overwhelming feeling that it's just not going to happen anymore. Doesn't mean it's not. (Sharks general manager) Doug (Wilson) does some pretty magical things with his cap and all that. But from just a normal person looking at it, that's the feeling you get, right?"

However, Plante cautioned that a lot can happen between now and the free-agency period.

"We'll see," he said. "There's still time. Never say never, that's for sure."

Pavelski, a pending unrestricted free agent, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Sharks, including the last four as captain.

The forward, who'll turn 35 on July 11, reportedly met with both the Dallas Stars and the Tampa Bay Lightning on Wednesday. Minnesota Wild GM Paul Fenton has also reportedly been in contact with Plante.

San Jose has nearly $15 million in cap space but has 10 pending free agents, including UFAs Pavelski, Joe Thornton, and Gustav Nyquist, as well as restricted free agents Timo Meier and Kevin Labanc, according to CapFriendly.

Former longtime Sharks forward Patrick Marleau said Friday that he'd be interested in a San Jose reunion but acknowledged the club has other priorities to address before bringing him back.

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Kyle Dubas doesn't feel he owes anybody an apology for the Toronto Maple Leafs' unparalleled financial flexibility.

Toronto's general manager defended his team's ability to use signing bonuses to its advantage Friday while noting that teams in Florida and Texas have their own advantages in free agency due to the lack of income tax owed in those states.

"We're pretty fortunate in terms of the revenue that we're able to draw in," he told Sportsnet's Chris Johnston. "So I think for us to sit back and have the taxation argument used against us, but then not to be able to use any advantages that we have would be foolish on our part.

"I hear people bicker about it and make comments about it, but other teams aren't apologizing for using taxation or cost of living to aid their argument. So I don't think we should apologize either. And we won't."

Despite limited cap space amid Mitch Marner's ongoing negotiations, the Leafs were able to get both Kasperi Kapanen and Andreas Johnsson signed to extensions Friday. Both deals included significant signing bonuses relative to actual salaries, an arrangement fully allowed under the CBA.

"For us, we get it used against us a lot - like the taxation part of it: 'If you play elsewhere, you play in the lower tax bracket.'" Dubas said. "Other teams use that. We're fortunate here because of our fanbase and because of the coverage and because of our corporate partners."

The Leafs constructed contracts in this fashion when Lou Lamoriello was the team's general manager, but Dubas has escalated the practice, most notably using it with superstars Auston Matthews and John Tavares, who will both see more than 90 percent of their contracts' total values paid in bonuses.

Forbes ranked the Leafs second on its 2018 list of the NHL's most valuable franchises, estimating the club's worth at $1.45 billion.

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Patrick Marleau insisted Friday he doesn't plan to hang up his skates anytime soon, while also confirming he'd welcome a reunion with the San Jose Sharks.

"Yeah, it would be nice to come back here and play where I started," the free-agent forward told The Athletic's Pierre LeBrun. "It would be a good fit for me for sure."

The feeling would obviously have to be mutual, and Marleau knows he might have to wait to see how the Sharks resolve their other free-agent priorities.

"It might take a bit longer, I'm not sure," he said. "I know they have some things that they're juggling around. We'll see how it goes."

Marleau, who'll turn 40 in September, made it clear he doesn't want to call it a career just yet and is open to playing for other clubs.

"I'm definitely not ready to retire, I think I've got some really good hockey left in me," he said. "I couldn't give you an exact number of years but it's going to be more than one, I know that."

The veteran added that finding a team out West would be ideal for his family, which has moved back into the home it kept in San Jose, Calif., during his Sharks tenure.

The Sharks have plenty of other players to deal with ahead of the start of free agency, including pending unrestricted free agent and team captain Joe Pavelski, pending UFA Joe Thornton - who turns 40 on July 2 - and pending restricted free agent forward Timo Meier.

Marleau spent 19 seasons with the Sharks before playing the last two campaigns with the Toronto Maple Leafs, who traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes on Day 2 of the draft last weekend. The Hurricanes bought out the final year of his contract Thursday.

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The Vegas Golden Knights are dealing defenseman Colin Miller to the Buffalo Sabres for a second-round pick in 2021 and a fifth-rounder in 2022, TSN's Bob McKenzie reports.

More to come.

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Andre Burakovsky is getting a fresh start in the Mile High City.

The Washington Capitals traded the forward to the Colorado Avalanche for a second-round pick, a third-round selection, and Scott Kosmachuk, the team announced Friday.

Burakovsky fell out of favor in Washington. His ice time dipped to a career-low 11:08 per game this past season and he was rumored to be on the move leading up to the 2019 trade deadline.

It was reported in January that Washington set the asking price for Burakovsky at multiple mid-to-high-round picks.

The 24-year-old winger tallied 12 goals and 13 assists in 76 games during the 2018-19 campaign. His 0.33 points per game marked the lowest of his five-year career. He offers a rare combination of size (6-foot-3), speed, and skill, but was plagued by inconsistency and eventually passed by Jakub Vrana on the club's depth chart at left wing.

Burakovsky is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights and has two more years of club control before he becomes a UFA, according to CapFriendly. He earned $3 million per year on his previous contract.

The third-round selection heading to Washington was originally owned by the Arizona Coyotes but was acquired by the Avalanche in the Carl Soderberg trade on Tuesday.

Kosmachuk, a journeyman minor-leaguer, is a pending UFA.

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