NHL Free Agency: What the Top Unrestricted Free Agents Will Be Paid Next Year

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The National Hockey League trade deadline is fast approaching. However, some teams must be weary of being too narrow sighted. 

While a trade now may position a franchise better in the present state, it could have severe ripple effects that stretch into the 2012 offseason and possibly beyond. 

As general managers prep their strategies for the end of February, they will also do their best to forecast what lies ahead with one of the most important projections being the potential salaries of impending unrestricted free agents.

Let's do our best and try to predict the contracts of players likely to be this summer's top UFAs.

Zach Parise

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After missing much of last season, Zach Parise has bounced back and has shown no lingering effects from his injury sustained last season. While he hasn't exactly been lighting it up, he still on pace to finish with over 30 goals and about 70-75 points in total.

He will undoubtedly be one of the top free agents (if not the top free agent) of the summer. A lot of salary figures will be dictated by any change in the cap figures that may occur. Either way, Parise's salary will be inflated by the high demand of his services.

A good contract to reference would be Brad Richards'. However, Parise is four years younger, so he should expect slightly more. 

Projected Contract: Eight years, $64 million

Alexander Semin

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Alexander Semin, 27, is the same age as Parise, but given that he plays the left wing, his contract will probably be significantly less than Parise's.

Some GMs may also wonder how Semin would perform on a less-talented roster. Semin has had some durability issues as well, only playing in 70 games once in the last four seasons.

As is the case with most Russian players, Semin may also receive some lucrative offers from KHL teams that may change the landscape of negotiations. 

Projected Contract: Five years, $26 million

Ryan Suter

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Ryan Suter is a very talented defenseman. He just turned 27, so if he can continue playing the way he has, he should expect a big payday, probably the biggest of any unrestricted free-agent defenseman.

If last summer is any precursor, blue liners should again be in for big paydays, so any team looking to land Suter will have to open up their wallets. 

Projected Contract: Seven years, $53 million

R.J. Umberger

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R.J. Umberger has quietly put together a solid career. Since joining the Columbus Blue Jackets, he has had three straight 20-goal seasons and has improved on his point total each year.

However, like most of the players on the Jackets, he's had a down year, which will negatively affect his new contract.

Projected Contract: Four-years, $14 million

Shane Doan

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It looks unlikely that Shane Doan will be traded this season, but his future with the Phoenix Coyotes still remains far from a guarantee.

If the Phoenix Coyotes are unable to sign their long-time captain, look for several teams that are one piece away from becoming true contenders to target him.

Given his age, look for a shorter contract to be offered to Doan.

Projected: two years, $8 million

Nicklas Lidstrom

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Nicklas Lidstrom may retire at the end of the season. For all intents and purposes, let's assume he'll play at least one more year.

It's almost a certainty that Lidstrom will return to the Detroit Red Wings. Look for him to sign a similar deal to the one he has now.

Projected Contract: one year, $6 million

Teemu Selanne

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Teemu Selane is in a similar situation to Lidstrom in that he may retire at the season's end. However, Selanne's circumstances differ in that his future with his incumbent franchise is much less clear.

Selanne has been involved in several trade rumors. Even if he is not dealt, he could look for greener pastures as he may want one last chance to win another Stanley Cup.

Again, let's assume Selanne returns next season for now.

Projected Contract: one year, $5 million

Martin Brodeur

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Another all-time great who is pondering retirement is Martin Brodeur. He's accomplished everything there is to accomplish in the game of hockey, but he may decide to return if he's still enjoying what he does.

It's most likely Brodeur would return to the New Jersey Devils, but there's always the possibility he could sign with a different franchise.

Look for Brodeur to take a bit of a pay cut as he'll likely play in less games than he has in the past.

Projected Contract: one year, $3.75 million 

Ales Hemsky

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Ales Hemsky may have a difficult time landing a good contract with the way he is playing this season. He'll have to string together a strong finish in order to recoup the money he is losing. 

Look for Hemsky to take a short contract in hopes of rebounding and getting a larger payday later on.

Projected Contract: one year, $2.5 million

Matt Carle

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Over the last two seasons, Matt Carle has developed into a well-rounded defenseman with the Philadelphia Flyers. At 26, Carle also has some upside remaining.

Carle has done his best to fill in for the injured Chris Pronger. With a thin defensive free-agent class, Carle should be able to cash in.

Projected Contract: Six-years, $28 million