With so many names available I take a look at key players that will become unrestricted free agents by the time the clock strikes midnight tonight.
A huge name everyone has in mind is Pittsburgh Penguins F Marian Hossa. The star 29-year old did not have one his best career year scoring 29 goals and 37 assists in 72 games split with the Penguins and Thrashers, but was a huge part to the Penguins playoff run with 12 goals and 14 assists in 20 playoff games. Hossa is very well capable of being a first line winger and knows how to put the puck in the net. It is most likely Hossa will land with the Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins or New Jersey Devils, but do not count out the Washington Capitals who do have interest or even a return to Pittsburgh.
Another big name out on the market is Toronto Maple Leafs F Mats Sundin. The 37-year old recorded 32 goals and 46 assists in 74 games and was one of the shining lights of a gloomy Maple Leaf squad. Sundin is a great veteran centreman who can still get it done and provide leadership to a team. The teams most likely to buy for his services are the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and the New York Rangers. Sundin though has not made up his mind yet on whether or not he will play next season which is still a huge factor.
Another scoring forward going to free agency is Jaromir Jagr. Jagr is coming off his worst year of his career scoring 71 points but is still a scoring threat on the ice. Jagr though has made it clear that he will either play for the New York Rangers next season, or accept the offer from Russia so other teams may be out of luck for his services.
In terms of pests and tough guys there are two enticing names in the market. These would be New York Rangers F Sean Avery and Pittsburgh Penguins F Georges Laraque. Both of these guys are able to mix things up on your 3rd or 4th line and can be an impact on the game if necessary. Avery played 58 games this year scoring 33 points while Laraque had 13 points in 71 games. Teams should take Avery if they want a more offensive and younger enforcer at age 28 but teams will surely want the veteran leadership and huge presence of Laraque on the team as well.
Other notable forwards: Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Teemu Selanne, Brian Rolston, Kristian Huseilius, Markus Naslund, Pavol Demitra, Martin Straka, Darcy Tucker, Todd Bertuzzi
On to defence. The top coveted defenceman this year no doubt is San Jose Sharks D Brian Campbell. In his season split between the Buffalo Sabres and San Jose Sharks he scored 8 goals and 54 assists in 83 games. He would also add 1 goal and 6 assists in the Sharks playoff run also. Campbell is definitely a top pairing defencemen that can move the puck and make plays and can be your QB on the powerplay. Campbell is most likely to head back East with the Ottawa Senators and Chicago Blackhawks being listed as suitors.
Another free agent defenceman is Ottawa Senators D Wade Redden. The 31-year old played 80 games last season recording 6 goals and 32 assists. With the Senators trying to create cap room for Campbell, Redden is very likely out the door. Redden is a very good stay at home defenceman that does have the ability to move the puck as well. Teams interested in his services are the Edmonton Oilers, San Jose Sharks and the Boston Bruins.
After these two defenceman are gone it is possible teams will try to make a pitch for Tampa Bay Lightning D Dan Boyle who is being shopped around or to give an offer sheet to Washington Capitals restricted free agent D Mike Green. Green is considered a great young offensive defenceman that can move the puck while Boyle can contribute offensively too while providing leadership to a team.
Other notable defencemen: Brooks Orpik, Brad Stuart, Mark Streit, Michal Rosival, Ron Hainsey
Last position is goaltending. My opinion would be not to use this year's free agent period to get a number 1 goalie but there are many solid back-up, veteran goaltenders.
If a team wants a number 1 goalie though, look no farther than Cristobal Huet. The 32-year old split time between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals last season having a record of 32-14-6 with a 2.32 GAA and a .920 save%. Huet was also a huge part in helping the Capitals capture the Southeast division on the last day of the season. Huet has proven to be a number 1 starting goalie and can keep your team in the game. One question is his nerves though as he has only been through 2 playoff series before and has looked shaky in both series. Do not let this bother a team to make him their starter though. The Los Angeles Kings, Tampa Bay Lightning and the Washington Capitals have been noted to want his services.
Other notable goalies: Jose Theodore, Ty Conklin, Curtis Joseph, Ray Emery
With many names available, this year is granted to be another free agent frenzy.
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