NHL Free Agency Preview:
Top Targets:
RW Blake Wheeler (WPG, PIT) 22-38-60
After being moved to Pittsburgh at the deadline, Wheeler improved his stock with a strong playoff showing (22gp, 4-14-18) that saw him and the Penguins come one game short of the Cup. Who doesn't want a hungry, skilled, 6-5 winger in his prime?
RW Patrick Sharp (CHI) 19-28-47
The veteran can do it all, with timely scoring, playoff experience and two way savvy. At 33 years of age, can he cash in on one more long term deal?
D Keith Yandle (ARI, DET) 17-44-61
The second highest scoring defenseman in the regular season after Norris Trophy winner Duncan Keith, the 28 year old only upped his value with an incredible playoff run. Although the Red Wings were eliminated in game 7 of the Conference Finals, he went off for 8 goals and 22 points in 20 games, enough to lead not only all defensemen but all skaters in points through the third round.
G Devan Dubnyk (ARI) 25W, 5SO, 2.35GAA, .922SV%
He was solid for the Coyotes, but is probably looking for a long term home where he can prove himself under the spotlight of a winner. He should be one of the starters in the NHL next year, but will he reach that top tier, and will he get paid as if he can?
G Cam Ward (CAR) 23W, 4SO, 2.84GAA, .916SV%
At 31, his glory days seem to be behind him already, however last year was a resurgence to a regular starting role, carrying the load for 60 games for a struggling Hurricanes team. He is probably the second best goalie in this free agent class and somebody will give him a chance to be their number one, but how much term will they offer?
C Sam Gagner (ARI) 21-22-43
One of the youngest unrestricted free agents available due to breaking into the league at such a young age, Gagner has settled into his role as a middle six versatile forward who can play powerplay minutes and put up 40 or so points a year. How much will that be worth on the open market? And will some GM out there pay a premium for his youth, hoping there is still untapped potential?
LW Scott Hartnell (CBJ, WSH) 16-23-39
The rugged veteran still has some scoring chops and could play a middle six role for a team wanting grit, leadership, experience and a little bit of finishing as well.
RW Jarome Iginla (COL) 20-21-41
He managed a 20 goal season at 37, but how many more of those does the veteran power forward have in him? If nothing else he will bring experience and leadership to whoever he signs with.
LW Andrew Ladd (WPG) 18GP, 6-13-19
He was producing at a point per game pace while captaining the Jets, but injuries took most of his season. Can he stay healthy next year? Or is his 29 year old frame already too battered from his rugged style? He's the type of leader you win with in the playoffs, somebody will want him and hope he can be healthy.
C Bryan Little (WPG, LAK) 69GP, 18-31-49
Acquired by the Kings at the deadline for some offensive punch, he actually slowed down his pace after joining them as they slipped out of the playoff picture. If he can score at the .8 PPG pace he was at with Winnipeg he's a legitimate top six centre in this league, but if the 11 points in 20 games with the Kings is more representative of who he is going forward he's more of a middle six guy who needs the right situation and powerplay time to produce.
RW Kyle Okposo (NYI) 26-27-53
Some team is going to pay a premium for a potential 30 goal scoring power forward in his prime. Some scouts think he has untapped offensive potential, while those who don't still see a 25 goal scorer with two way responsibility and physicality.
RW T.J. Oshie (STL) 19-22-41
The highly skilled Oshie had an off year offensively, still pushing twenty goals but dropping off from a sixty point season down to a forty point year. He still played well at both ends of the rink, and if he doesn't hit as a consistent top six scorer he is at least a reliable, competitive and skillful middle six winger who can thrive in the right situation.
LW David Perron (EDM) 11-19-30
His skill is unquestioned, but his results were down big time this season. After a 13-14 year where he scored 28 goals and finished with 57 points, only achieving 30 points this season is a big let down. Will somebody pay him, expecting a bounce back year? Or will he have to take a shorter, cheaper deal to prove himself and earn a payday down the road?
C Brandon Sutter (PIT) 3-8-11
Sutter is a shutdown center. Don't expect points, but somebody will bank on him finding some offense in an expanded role as a 3C.
RW Mats Zuccarello (NYR) 9-26-35
A year removed from his 19 goal, 59 point 13-14 season, will anybody pay big money for a diminutive winger with only nine goals the past season? Zuccarello has been beating the odds his whole career, and his skill and energy will be welcome wherever his new home is.
D Marek Zidlicky (NJD) 16-26-42
He proved at 38 he still has that heavy shot from the point and if he finds a good fit where he can play top four minutes and get a PP1 role he should be able to continue producing despite his age.
G Michal Neuvirth (BUF) 21W, 5SO, 2.53GAA, .927SV%
The 27 year old carried the Sabres through 62 games, and though he doesn't have much in the win column to show for it, that says more about the team in front of him, as his .927 save percentage indicates he kept them in many a game they didn't deserve.
C Artem Anisimov (CBJ) 14-13-27
D Francois Beauchemin (ANA) 5-9-14
C Dave Bolland (FLA, CHI) 10-28-38
D Trevor Daley (DAL) 4-9-13
G Jhonas Enroth (BUF) 9W, 2.98GAA, .919SV%
D Cody Franson (TOR, NYI) 13-16-29
G Thomas Greiss (PIT) 7W, 2.48GAA, .913SV%, Playoffs: 6W, 2.55GAA, .918SV%
D Paul Martin (PIT) 7-18-25
LW Shawn Matthias (VAN, SJS) 12-26-38
RD Jeff Petry (EDM) 3-22-25