Now What Happens?

Right wing Marian Hossa, Penguins

Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, Hossa figures to demand a hefty contract. He will get it, and probably not from the Penguins, even though they are a perfect match for his demeanor. Hossa will never face superstar pressure in Pittsburgh. But the Penguins will not have the cap room to keep him and their core of young talent.

Center Evgeni Malkin, Penguins

His camp and the Penguins can open discussions July 1 on a long-term contract extension. Despite his struggles in the Stanley Cup final, those talks figure to start a lot closer to the new deal signed by Washington left winger Alexander Ovechkin - 13 years, $124 million ($9.54 million per season) - than the extension last summer received by teammate Sidney Crosby - five years, $43.5 million ($8.7 million per season).

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