Predicting a home for 5 key remaining free agents

The initial wave of the 2019 free agency period has come and gone, but there are still some good players available.

Below, we pick out destinations for five of the biggest names left.

Jake Gardiner, D, 28

2018-19 cap hit: $4.05 million
Top destination: Montreal Canadiens

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Despite the flak he caught throughout his tenure in Toronto, Gardiner is an incredibly valuable piece, and it's somewhat surprising he wasn't plucked July 1 as arguably the best defender available.

Montreal's swing-and-miss on poaching Sebastian Aho via offer sheet leaves the club with ample cap space to try to ink Gardiner, who would be a big add on the Habs' left side. The opposite flank is in good hands with Shea Weber and Jeff Petry, but Gardiner's mobility and puck-moving skills would round out the Canadiens' defense corps nicely as the team seeks a return to the playoffs.

Other potential suitors: Sabres, Jets

Ryan Dzingel, 27, C/W

2018-19 cap hit: $1.8 million
Top destination: Edmonton Oilers

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The Oilers had an underwhelming start to the offseason, but there's still time for new general manager Ken Holland to make something happen, and Dzingel would be a great fit for an Edmonton team desperate for scoring depth.

A versatile forward capable of producing points, Dzingel had a miserable playoff run with the Blue Jackets, which could help keep his asking price down. The Oilers are up against the cap with only $3.9 million available, but Holland needs to get used to working within the financial constraints he inherited, and Dzingel is a player worth exploring.

Other potential suitors: Avalanche, Sabres, Senators

Marcus Johansson, LW, 28

2018-19 cap hit: $4.58 million
Top destination: Colorado Avalanche

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Johansson boosted his stock with an impressive playoff showing for the Bruins, providing scoring punch on a dangerous third line and second power-play unit.

Several teams could use his skill set, but the Avalanche made it their summer mission to add offensive depth and still have the cap space to get more firepower. Throwing Johansson into the mix after already bringing in Nazem Kadri, Andre Burakovsky, Joonas Donskoi, and Pierre-Edouard Bellemare would be one hell of a summer haul for GM Joe Sakic.

Other potential suitors: Devils, Oilers, Blues, Sabres

Micheal Ferland, LW, 27

2018-19 cap hit: $1.75 million
Top destination: St. Louis Blues

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Ferland was a hot commodity leading up to February's trade deadline, and teams are surely still interested in his blend of physicality, scoring ability, and puck retrieval skills.

Under head coach Craig Berube, the Blues adopted a crash-and-bang style that helped win them a Stanley Cup. Ferland fits that mold perfectly, and St. Louis has $13.9 million at its disposal.

Other potential suitors: Flames, Avalanche, Devils

Brian Boyle, 34, C

2018-19 cap hit: $2.55 million
Top destination: Buffalo Sabres

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Boyle has bounced around quite a bit over the last couple seasons but is still lauded for his leadership abilities and veteran experience. On the ice, he remains a reliable faceoff man and penalty killer, and he should come cheap.

The Sabres could use reinforcements down the middle, and Boyle could help provide guidance to a youthful roster. If Buffalo doesn't make significant strides this upcoming season, the club could flip Boyle at the deadline for an asset.

Other potential suitors: Lightning, Rangers, Devils

(Salary-cap info courtesy: Cap Friendly)

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