Here are some top UFA’s as of July 1st – the real Canada Day. And I don’t want to hear any complaints that I left some prominent players off the list, like say superstar Ian Laperriere. A complete list can be found here.
(1) Marian Hossa, Detroit. 2008-09 Salary: $7.4 mil
Despite the fact that he more or less was a dud in the playoffs – especially the finals – Hossa will still be the hot market item come July 1st. Since he will likely ask for at least $6 mil per year, the Wings may have a hard time squeezing him into their plans. Here’s a unique idea: maybe he will sign with the defending Cup champs for 1 year, prove his worth, and give him the best chance to win a Cup.
(2) Daniel Sedin, Vancouver. 2008-09 Salary: $3.5 mil
Guaranteed 80 points and 82 games played, rumour has it that Daniel will be playing in TO, being reunited with Burke and Nonis. Stay tuned.
(3) Henrik Sedin, Vancouver. 2008-09 Salary: $3.5 mil
Guaranteed 80 points and 82 games played, rumour has it that Henrik….well you get the idea.
(4) Martin Havlat, Chicago. 2008-09 Salary: $6 mil
At this time last year, there was no way on Earth Chicago would want Havlat to play on the Rockford IceHogs, let alone the Blackhawks. But after a very productive season leading the Hawks in scoring, Chicago wants to retain the speedy forward. The problem will be how they can afford to do so, with some many RFA’s coming up this year (Barker, Bolland, Vertseeg) plus Toews, Kane, and Keith being RFA’s next year.
(5) Jay Bouwmeester, Florida. 2008-09 Salary: $4.8 mil
Definitely the top defenseman available, Bouwmeester will get $7 mil plus per season. Kiss Florida good-bye. The Oilers have also been rumoured, but they already have a lot of talent on D.
(6) Marian Gaborik, Minnesota. 2008-09 Salary: $7.5 mil
Some how I have a feeling the Rangers could sign this groin injury waiting to happen…that is if they can send Redden to the AHL and be off the books for his salary.
(7) Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim. 2008-09 Salary: $6.7 mil
Not trading Niedermayer at this past Trade Deadline could cost the Ducks if Scotty walks or chooses to hang ’em up. A decision could also be based his sibling Rob’s decision, but either way expect some news regarding these Hilton sisters this summer.
(8) Mike Cammalleri, Calgary. 2008-09 Salary: $3.6 mil
Cammalleri proved to be great value for his salary last season, and he will be looking to cash in this off-season. Calgary would be smart to try and retain his services, given his ability to the play the point on the powerplay and play either a first or second line role.
(9) Mike Komisarek, Montreal. 2008-09 Salary: $1.9 mil
Guaranteed he signs for waaaay more than he’s worth. A good stay-at-home D, but absolutely no offensive instincts. Sounds like a perfect Maple Leaf to me.
(10) Alex Tanguay, Montreal. 2008-09 Salary: $5.3 mil
$5 mil is a lot to pay for someone who has bounced around the league at such a young age and with an extensive history of injuries.
Honourable Mentions:
Saku Koivu, Montreal. 2008-09 Salary: $4.7 mil. Rumoured to go to the Wild to play with younger bro Mikko.
Alex Kovalev, Montreal. 2008-09 Salary: $4.5 mil. Does he care about hockey anymore these days?
Nikolai Khabibulin, Chicago. 2008-09 Salary: $6.7 mil. Probably no room under the Hawks’ cap for him.
Mats Sundin, Vancouver. 2008-09 Salary: $8.6 mil. He has said no to Sweden, but the Canucks could still be a possibility.
Joe Sakic, Colorado. 2008-09 Salary: $6.0 mil. It’s either one more kick at the can for the Avs, or a likely role in their front office.
Mattias Ohlund, Vancouver. 2008-09 Salary: $3.5 mil. No way Vancouver can re-sign him, especially if the Twins and Mats are retained.
