Who gets the NHL's next big contract? Here are the top candidates right now

Alexis Lafreniere signed a seven-year , $52.15 million contract with the New York Rangers last week .

Igor Shesterkin turned down an eight-year extension to become the highest-paid goalie in NHL history.

Mitch Marner's Toronto Maple Leafs winger has declined to comment publicly on contract talks.

New York Islanders' Brock Nelson is a pending UFA, but there's a strong case to be made for him to stay.

Vancouver 's Brock Boeser is a steady force in the Canucks ' offense.

Boston Bruins' Morgan Geekie had a standout season in 2023-24 , with career-high totals in goals ( 17 ) and points ( 39 ).

Johnston is also just 21 years old ; given he's already become a cornerstone of the Stars ' offense, that's going to cost them on a new deal. Offering Johnston a long-term deal at around the same $8-$8.5 million a year salary that Dallas has doled out to teammates Roope Hintz and Miro Heiskanen should be enough to keep everyone happy. Johnston has been with Dallas on consecutive trips to the Western Conference finals, and the opportunity to stay in a winning fold is hard to turn down..