As we approach the official beginning of NHL free agency on July 1, teams are assessing their strengths and weaknesses, as well as how much cap space they will have available to spend. At the same time, free agents are looking to cash in.
This year's crop offers only a few star-caliber players, but it includes the biggest free agent to ever hit the market in Steven Stamkos. Aside from the "big fish," there are a number of role players who will garner a great deal of interest. There is also a group of players who are probably not the best pickups in terms of value.
The Eastern Conference sports the thought-to-be leaders in the Stamkos race, as well as multiple teams with money to spend and eyes on deep playoff runs.
Here is a look at every team's needs as of July 1, along with their current cap space (prior to signing restricted free agents).