Player Info.

Jamie Benn, C
2011-12 Cap Hit: $821,667 | Age: 23

It's going to be interesting to see what kind of contract Benn receives post-lockout. He could potentially set the bar early for top-tier forwards in this new CBA era.

Expect to see his contract within the $5 million to $6 million range, and owner Tom Gaglardi believes he'll be signed by the start of the regular-season.

P.K. Subban, D
2011-12 Cap Hit: $875,000 | Age: 23

Canadiens GM Marc Bergevin wanted to get Subban locked to a new deal pretty quickly, but it's unlikely one will be ironed out by the start of the new season.

The Habs have the flexibility to sign him to a big, long-term contract, and having one more compliance buyout available to them this summer will certainly help in their justification.

Michael Del Zotto, D
2011-12 Cap Hit: $1,087,500 | Age: 22
STATUS: Agreed to 2-year deal with Rangers

The Rangers have about $6 million, give or take a few hundred thousand, remaining in salary cap space this season (Wade Redden's salary now goes on the books). That gives them plenty of room to sign Del Zotto to a new deal.

Del Zotto's eager to get a deal done, but might take a shorter deal, say three years, before truly cashing in on his next deal.

Dmitry Kulikov, D
Cap Hit: $1.325 million | Age: 22
STATUS: Agreed to 2-year deal with Panthers

Kulikov has been one of Florida's prized possessions on the blueline and they expect big things from him. They weren't able to get him signed prior to the lockout and will be pushing to get a deal done before the start of the season.

It's unclear what type of contract he'll receive under the new system, but like Del Zotto, could sign a shorter-term deal right now.

Ryan O'Reilly, C
2011-12 Cap Hit: $900,000 | Age: 21

O'Reilly broke out of his shell last season for the Avalanche, and after picking up 10 points in 10 games this year playing for Metallurg Magnitogorsk of the KHL, he seems to have picked up where he left off. The Avs could definitely use him in the lineup on a regular basis, but might sign him to a shorter-term deal to see if he can keep up the offense. He too isn't expected to be signed by the start of the season.

Cody Franson, D
2011-12 Cap Hit: $800,000 | Age: 25
STATUS: Agreed to 1-year deal with Maple Leafs

The Maple Leafs weren't in a big rush to sign Franson prior to the lockout, and it'll be interesting to see how new GM Dave Nonis broaches this subject now that the lockout is over.
Franson could be used as trade bait, as Nonis will undoubtedly look to retool his roster and put his stamp on the organization. Could Franson be packaged as part of a deal for Roberto Luongo?