from Luke Fox of Sportsnet,

Here’s a rundown and ranking of hockey’s best impending unrestricted free agents, plus the latest buzz circulating about their future as most of the league has already shifted to off-season mode.

Andrew Copp

Age on July 13: 27
Position: Centre / Wing
2021-22 salary cap hit: $3.64 million

The latest: Controlling his fate in Winnipeg and opting not to sign long-term, the steadily improving Copp was a sensible trade target for the New York Rangers.

Their hand forced, the Jets moved Copp plus a sixth-rounder to the Big Apple in return for Morgan Barron, two conditional second-round picks and a fifth-round pick in 2023.

One of those seconds improved to a first-rounder once Copp and the Blueshirts reached the Eastern Conference Final.

Bruising and productive, Copp only elevated his game even further since the deal. The versatile two-way forward has cracked the 20-goal and 30-assist marks for the first time in his career. He proved even more valuable in the playoffs, skating more than 20 minutes a night, scoring big goals, and contributing to special teams....

His new AAV should come in around $4.5 million.

Is it as simple as GM Chris Drury making a choice between Strome and Copp? Affording both is unlikely.

11 more UFAs...