The 25 year old has found a home alongside Claude Giroux and has just come off a career year, numbers-wise. His career high 81 points led the Flyers in scoring and he is showing no signs of slowing down. The Flyers will be looking to lock him up long-term and he's going to be a very happy Flyer when they do.

Milan Lucic – BOS – $6.0M

The 26 year old is coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in his career. Missing only one game this past season, he managed to score 44 points for the Bruins and was a big reason for the Bruins struggle which caused them to miss the playoffs. Don't let the downfall fool you though. Players like Lucic are a rare breed and the Bruins recognize this. If they don't want to pay him, it's a guarantee someone else will. Either way, he will be due a healthy raise from someone. He's still a solid own in fantasy for peripheral leagues and should be an easy trade asset.

Dustin Byfuglien – WPG – $5.2M cap hit

The 30 year old defenseman for the Jets is simply a beast in most formats. Easily a top fantasy asset in multi-cat leagues, he is also one of the Jets' leaders and will be rewarded like one too. Big Buff is someone I would be looking to find room for if I own him, but be prepared for what's coming for him and his salary.

Keith Yandle – NYR – $5.25M cap hit

The 28 year old had a bit of a slow start in the Big Apple after being acquired by the Rangers in early March but he is slowly finding his way. I am not sure the Rangers will be able to afford him after this upcoming season, so don't be surprised if he isn't moved at some point by the Rangers. He's going to have a lot of teams chasing him and offering him some big money. I already moved him in my main keeper league for this exact reason. There are few defensemen I like to roster in a cap league that are making big bucks. Yandle is quality, but his big raise makes me nervous.

Jiri Hudler – CAL – $4.0M cap hit

This guy has flown under the radar for some time now, but he won't be there for much longer. Calgary is going to pony up some big time cash to keep him with them, and I think they will do just that. Prior to this season, Hudler had never had more than 57 points as a pro but broke out this season with 76 points. Inspired by the youth around him, the 31 year old Hudler will continue to produce as the kids around him grow. 

There are a few of the names that will get an excellent return if they are moved quickly and their owner can see the forest through the trees in regards to their pending contract status. 

Others to be aware of would be guys like Brent Seabrook, Tomas Plekanec, Radim Vrbata, David Backes, Erik Johnson, Frans Nielsen, David Perron and Andrew Ladd to name a few.

The Final Word

Being proactive with fantasy roster is something that takes time and foresight. Managers have to try and think a few moves ahead of the curve or they will get stuck in a jam they don't want to be in. The salary cap is a finicky thing that can give fantasy GM's headaches if it's not planned properly. It can force managers into making moves they don't want to make, or simply take a deal they normally wouldn't take because they are out of options and cap space. A savvy owner would want to be the guy who's taking advantage of the lazy GM's, not the other way around.

Take a look at your roster in the off-season now that there is some time. See who has a contract coming due, whether it's this year or next. Plan ahead during the quiet time and be prepared for what's coming. Owners will be thankful they did.

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