After watching another big Penguins rival get bounced out of the playoffs, I thought it may be a good time to discuss the general free agent situation with the other Eastern Conference rivals as I see them. Let's start with the cross town Flyers, since their elimination is so fresh. They have some interesting decisons to make in the offseason. They looked to me like a team that would take the experience of last season's Finals run, and the addition of Andre Meszaros in the offseason and Kris Versteeg at the trade deadline to take another run like last year, and perhaps get over the hump. But, alas, Paul Holmgren is following in Bobbie Clarke's mold by ignoring the most important playoff position, goaltending. Hey, they made a run last run without a true stopper, falling two games short of the holy grail, BUT that is an EXCEPTION, not the rule. Going into next year, they have several key UFA's. Included in that group would be Zherdev at 2M, Leino at 800K from their group of forwards, and Sean O'Donnell at 1.3M, and Nick Boynton at 500K on the blueline. Add to that, Bryan Boucher at 925K in the net. Carcillo, Nodl, and Powe are notable RFA role players for Philadelphia. The Flyers need a goaltender in my opinion to take the next step, and they are right up against the cap. Add to that the fact that they would dearly love to keep Ville Leino, but he will command 3 times his current salary I am sure. I would think that they will not offer Zherdev a deal, so that is 2M that they could put toward Leino, but that still leaves a hole in net. It will be interesting to see what they do about that. To bring in a top notch goaltender, it may take a trade as opposed to a free agent signing, and the Flyers do seem to possess the depth up front to do this.
Washington has a number of pricy UFA players to deal with during this offseason. Arnott at 4.5M, Sturm at 3.5M, Laich at 2.06M, Bradley at 1M, and Boyd Gordon upfront at 800K are all UFA. I have to believe that Laich is their priority from this group. On the blue line they have solid blue liner Scott Hannan at 4.5M as thier only UFA defenesman, but Karl Alsner an RFA making 1.675M could be due a raise. I am not sure what to think about Washington this off season, as they have big issues in my opinion. They may have big money to throw around, or could be very active in the trade market. In addition to expensive UFA's noted above, they have several players who are softer than a baby's ass making big money such as Mike Green, Alexander Seminbreath, and Niklas Backstrom. I don't think they sign Sturm again, the rest may depend on the market for some of their high priced players. I actually hope this keep this group together, but I dont know how you can given the past three year's playoff disappointments. If it were me, I keep Arnott a reduced rate, and Laich upfront, Alzner on the blue line, and attempt to trade Green and Semin for a player who two with male genitalia.
Montreal Canadiens-The interesting thing about the Habs is the fact that the only blue-liners from last year's team under contract are PK Scissorskates and Sissy er, Jaroslav Spacek. Also Josh Gorges. That may actually present more of an opportunity for the Habs, as they have some defenseman who make quite a bit of dough for their production. Notable blueliners as UFA for Montreal are Andre Markov at 5.75M, Roman Hamrlik at 5.5M, James Wisniewski at 3.25M, Brent Sopel at 2.33M, Hal Gill at 2.25M, and Paul Mara at 750K. To me Wisnieswski is worth a similar deal, and Paul Mara up to 1.25M. The rest are guys whom I think are overpaid, though Markov is extremely talented. Yannick Weber and Alexandre Picard are also RFA. The Habs have a glut of high priced back end talent potentially on the market. Along with their blue liners, Andre Kostitisyn is an RFA at 3.25M.
Tampa Bay Lightning-They are still in the midst of a playoff run, but will have some interesting decisons to make next year. Eric Brewer, a key component of the blue line is a UFA at 4.25 M. I have to think that Stevie Y wants Brewer back, and that he may be due a bit of a raise after this run. The other key blue liner who is UFA is power play specialist Marc Andre Bergeron, at 1M. Up front, Simon Gagne at 5.25 is UFA, as well as third line playoff star Sean Bergenheim, who earns 700K. With a history of head injuries, not sure if I would bring back Gagne, but I am sure they will pay more than double to have Bergenheim back. They also have second liner Teddy Purcell as an RFA. He is making 750K, and that will like more than double, but they will bring him back. Their most interesting call may be in the nets. Both goaltenders, Mike Smith at 2.2M and Dwayne Roloson at 2.5M are both UFA. Roloson looks GREAT in the net right now, but how much do want to put into a net minder who will be 42 years old next season? I would not be surprised to see Smith get a deal in a similar area, and Rolo to get a one year deal as well. I expect Gagne to be gone in favor of a younger less injury prone replacement. With the core of St. Louis, Stamkos, LeCavalier, Malone already signed they will remain a dangerous team for the coming season.
Buffalo Sabres-Buffalo seems to be a city that is destined for disappointment, nevertheless, the Sabres were a playoff team this year, so I had to comment. Their biggest UFA is Tim Connolley, a 4.5M UFA forward. Drew Stafford, who pumped home 31 goals a RFA, making 1.9M, a number likely to approach 4M if they hope to keep him. Other notable UFA's up front include Mike Grier at 1.5M, and Rob Niedermayer at 1.25M. On the blue line, Steve Montador at 1.55M is UFA. I expect that Sabres to sign everyone but Niedermayer.
New York Rangers-They seem to be a team who is always turning over high priced talent, with the same result, an early post season exit. This season should be no exception. Notable UFA's upfront include Frolov, at 3M, Vinny Prospal at 2.5M, and Rusland Fedtotenko at 1M. They have 3 notable RFA forwards in Ryan Callahan at 2.3M, Artem Anisimov at 820K, and Brian Boyle at 525K. All three are big parts of the team, and all three will get significant raises, especially Callahan who seems to be the heart and soul of the team. On the blue line Bryan McCabe at 5.75m is UFA as is Steve Eminger at 1.25M. I expect both to be back. It never seems to matter though.
Boston Bruins-The Bruins have some key parts of their team who will be UFA next season. Michael Ryder is the most notable forward at 4M who is UFA. Mark Recchi also at 1.9M. I think they will keep Ryder, but I expect Recchi to maybe be a casualty due to age. Brad Marchan is a notable RFA at 821K who will be due a nice raise as well. On the blue line, the Bruins picked up notable offensive defenseman Tomas Kaberle, who will be UFA at 4.25M, and I expect him back, as well as Shane Hnidy a 500K UFA, who will be due a raise. All in all, the B's look like they will be able to keep this group together for next season as well
I think the Eastern contenders who will be most intersting to watch will be the Flyers, and the Leino/goaltending situation, the Habs and their blue line, and the Rangers are always a drama queen. I also think an eye on the Craps will be fun, as they have many big time players that could be on the block, as well as their coach and or GM. The Pens should stack up well assuming 87 is back in the fold!
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