NHL Trade Rumors: 25 Best Players on the Market and Where They'll End Up
The NHL free-agency period is always an exciting and bittersweet time for fans and players.
Fans love to see their teams sign some big-name free agents to help their team achieve eternal glory by winning a Stanley Cup.
At the same time, fans also hate to see their team have to part with lovable players due to the stringent financial restrictions of the salary cap.
This offseason, there are some big-name players up for grabs. Who will go, who will stay, and what should happen?
I will examine 25 of the best players on the market and where they will end up. There were a lot of players who could have made the list, but age, position, status, and salary all played a role into this list.
This list took me a long time to compile. If you felt I missed anyone, please leave a respectful comment and I will address it. I referenced CapGeek's list as a starting point so please don't blame me 100 percent. I am human and not perfect.
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
Now mind you, there are so many variables. I have listed players and teams they could potentially sign with. As there are some teams that are listed to sign multiple players, it doesn't necessarily mean they will sign both free agents.
Most of the predictions are need based and I have calculated most of the players and the teams they would go to, but not all.
Thanks again for the read, and I await and welcome the lively debate and comments.
1) Brad Richards
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New Team: New York Rangers
Brad Richards is the prize jewel of the free-agent market this year. Dallas ownership concerns may inhibit Joe Niewendyk from re-signing his best player. Brad Richards has a hefty cap hit of $7.8 million a season, so not many teams will be able to compensate him.
Glen Sather would love to add him to the Rangers, but he needs to do some financial maneuvering to accomplish this.
The reported contract Richards seeks is in the neighborhood of $8 million a year for eight years.
Brad Richards will be signed on July 1, because both sides are crunching the numbers to get a deal done as soon as possible.
Richards has averaged a point total of 74 over the last six seasons and has also averaged 51 assists or more. The only asterisk associated with Brad Richards is that he played in only 56 games in the 2008-09 season.
Putting Brad Richards on the Rangers first line would immediately make them better and would add a first-rate passer to the fold.
Teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Los Angeles Kings are all salivating about the possibility of signing Brad Richards. Glen Sather needs to do everything in his power to acquire Richards without breaking the bank.
The Rangers haven't had a legitimate and consistent scorer since the departure of Jaromir Jagr.
Jaromir Jagr had 109 goals and 181 assists for 290 points in three seasons with the Rangers, and 54 goals and 123 points was his season high.
The Rangers' Marian Gaborik had 42 goals and 44 assists for 86 points last season, and while Gaborik is a talented scorer, he is not a consistent scorer.
Brad Richards could help to fill this void.
2) Tomas Vokoun
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New Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Tomas Vokoun clearly wants out of Florida...well, he wants out of Miami to be more specific. Vokoun will be 35 in July and still has a lot left in his game.
He has been the typical biblical figure who has been portrayed as the suffering servant. He has played as well as he can on teams without offensive production.
On the right team, Vokoun will shine and be a superstar. He wanted to go to a playoff contender in the worst way at the trade deadline. The Florida Panthers were offered an undisclosed deal that was described as laughable at best.
Tampa Bay is a team built around offense. However, the Lightning lack in defense. This season, the Lightning have scored 230 goals with the help of Steven Stamkos, Vinny Lecavalier and Marty St. Louis. They have also allowed 231 goals this season.
Adding a solid, proven goaltender is definitely at the top of general manager Steve Yzerman's list. I would venture to say that you can possibly look for the Lightning to acquire Vokoun's contract rights at the NHL Entry Draft in June.
The subtle change in scenery has the potential to do wonders for Vokoun and would turn the Lightning into an instant Stanley Cup contender.
While Dwayne Roloson may be the No. 1 guy right now, I feel he would be better suited as the No. 2 next year. The 41-year-old has a lot of wear and tear and would love to keep playing the game he loves as long as he can.
The Philadelphia Flyers also may get in the running, but Vokoun may be too pricey for their liking.
3) Steven Stamkos (RFA)
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Re-signs with Tampa Bay Lightning
Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning are currently in the Eastern Conference Finals. They are a team full of talented players that include Stamkos, Marty St.Louis, Vinny Lecavalier and countless talented defensemen.
With Lightning GM Steve Yzerman looking to keep improving his team, re-signing Stamkos is a no-brainer. Stamkos has potential to be one of the best centers in NHL history. His speed, hands and scoring touch make him one of the snipers in the NHL.
However, expect teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, and Los Angeles Kings to submit offer sheets to make sure that the Lightning pay top dollar to re-sign the dynamo winger.
4) Tim Connolly
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New team: New York Rangers or re-signs with: Buffalo Sabres
The above scenario is contingent on the Brad Richards saga.
The Rangers are desperate for a center. Glen Sather's obvious choice is Brad Richards, but Tim Connolly would provide a bigger bang for the Rangers' buck.
Tim Connolly is a young center who would provide the Rangers with a center who fits their need, but doesn't inhibit them from spending money on other key pieces.
Connolly would be a good motivator for Derek Stepan and Artem Anismov. The three would all be fighting for the top spot, and it would be good for the Rangers.
If he does stay in Buffalo, which there is a good chance he will, Connolly will be rewarded by new owner Terry Pegula.
Pegula is a billionaire with money to spend and trophies to win. He desperately wants to make Buffalo a Stanley Cup contender once again
*5) Chris Drury
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Bought Out by New York Rangers
New Team: Buffalo Sabres
Speaking of the Buffalo Sabres, It is widely anticipated and expected that Chris Drury will not be wearing a New York Rangers uniform next season. This could occur via a trade or a contract buyout, and the latter is quite more likely.
Buffalo would be a homecoming for Drury as he had some of his best seasons in the NHL while he wore the Buffalo Sabres uniform.
While Drury may be getting up there in years, he is a faceoff ace and a penalty-killing specialist. Many teams would be quite interested in the aging center for his faceoff abilities.
*Since I gave Chris Drury an asterisk for the circumstances, I will include a make-up slide at the end.
6) Tomas Kaberle
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New Team: Tampa Bay Lightning
Tomas Kaberle was acquired by the Bruins at the trade deadline. His big contract will deter a lot of teams from making a play at him. The Tampa Bay Lightning will be one of these teams. They have a relatively flexible payroll.
Steve Yzerman made a splash in last year's free-agent market, and I anticipate him to do the same this year. Adding a veteran defenseman like Kaberle could help the relatively young defense.
Victor Hedman would benefit the most from this. He is a big guy who likes to shoot and move the puck.
Under Kaberle's tutelage, he could really flourish into one of the better offensive defenseman in the NHL. Kaberle would fit in greatly on an already-competent Tampa Bay Lightning blue line.
I could also see Kaberle going to the Capitals. Why?
Expect Washington to make a major shakeup this offseason. This could involve cutting back forwards, trading players for picks and prospects, and beefing up their blue line.
Kaberle would be good a fit on an already-competent Capitals blue line.
According to CapGeek, Boston's books look like this: CAP SPACE $7,197,024
7) Simon Gagne
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New Team: Buffalo Sabres
Simon Gagne is an offensive talent that has been squandered in Tampa Bay. If paired with the right center, Gagne could regain his scoring ways.
I can only imagine the success of a line consisting of Derek Roy, Simon Gagne and Thomas Vanek, given Gagne or Vanek switch sides.
New owner Terry Pegala has a net worth of $3 billion, according to Forbes, so look for GM Darcy Regier to spend some money this offseason.
Simon Gagne will most likely take a pay cut, but I feel he would do it willingly in order to earn his way back into a top-six forward role.
The Sabres have surged this year, and by adding a proven scorer like Simon Gagne, they can show the NHL why they were once a top-three team in the league.
8) Bryan McCabe
8 of 27New Team: Los Angeles Kings
Bryan McCabe has a hefty contract that only a major market can acquire. However, this is the case because McCabe is a top talent when it comes to running a power play and shooting from the point.
If you can picture both McCabe and Doughty playing on the power play, it is a formula for success. Two great puck-moving defensemen who can shoot would re-invigorate the LA Kings power play.
McCabe would fit in well with the team, and I can't see him signing in a small market. There is always the potential of him going to another team by taking a pay cut, but I just don't see it at this point in his career.
9) Teemu Selanne
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Anaheim Ducks or Retires
Teemu Selanne: The "Finnish Flash" will either hang up his skates or sign a limited deal with the Ducks. He has proven he still can play, but the question is: Will he play? Teemu Selanne isn't ruling anything out yet.
He is coming off a great year and wants to see if he can keep up with the grind of another offseason conditioning program.
If he decides to retire, he will go down as one of the greatest players ever to lace them up and he would be greatly missed next season.
10) Michal Handzus
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New Team: Washington Capitals
With Jason Arnott as a free agent this year, the Caps will look to ink a center to a long-term contract.
Handzus is a good playmaker who would work well with either Alex Ovechkin or Alexander Semin.
Regardless, the Capitals are looking to beef up this offseason. After another embarrassing postseason showing, George McPhee will be expected to shake a lot of things up this offseason.
11) Michael Nylander
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New Team: Dallas Stars
Michael Nylander is a great playmaker. He had some of his best years alongside Jaromir Jagr when the two played for the New York Rangers.
The same has not been true for Nylander when he was paired with Alex Ovechkin.
The 38-year-old Nylander isn't getting any younger, but can still play at a consistent level.
Michael Nylander could go to a few teams this offseason.
The most likely of all these teams is the Dallas Stars. With the Stars expected to lose Brad Richards to free agency, they will be lacking in the center department.
While Nylander is no Brad Richards, he could be an effective player for the Stars.
12) Jean-Sebastien Giguere
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New Team: Phoenix Coyotes
I anticipate, like many hockey fans around the globe, that Phoenix will be relocating to Winnipeg (Glendale vote is this Tuesday).
With the departure of Ilya Bryzgalov, the Winnipeg Moose, or whatever they will be named, will be seeking a netminder.
It appears that James Reimer is the future in net for the Toronto Maple Leafs. If the Leafs hope to pursue some world-class talented scorers or defensemen, they will have to part ways with Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
Jean-Sebastien Giguere is a solid goalie and would fit in for the departing Bryzgalov.
13) Andrei Markov
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Re-signs with Montreal Canadiens
A published report by the Montreal Gazette says that the Canadiens and star defenseman Andrei Markov will start contract negotiations in the coming weeks.
Markov's agent, Don Meehan, told the Canadian Press in an email that he will meet with Canadiens general manager Pierre Gauthier at the end of May to try and hammer out a new contract.
The 32-year-old Russian made $5.75 million this past season, while playing in only seven games because of his second serious knee injury in less than a year.
14) Shea Weber (RFA)
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Re-signs with Nashville Predators
or New Team: New York Rangers
This is a very, and I mean very, conditional situation.
Shea Weber is the captain of the Nashville Predators and is in a very interesting situation. The Nashville Predators have made the playoffs frequently over the last few years, but simply can't compete with the powerhouses of the west as they currently stand roster wise.
I can see Weber re-signing with the Predators if their goal is to acquire some scorers that are on the market. If that is not the case, Weber will test limited free agency.
A player of Weber's caliber will require four first-round picks as compensation if another team claims him.
If the Rangers decide to not pursue Brad Richards (unlikely) they will attempt to address their second biggest concern. The Rangers seek a puck-moving defenseman who can score goals.
At the least, the Rangers will make an offer sheet for Weber, forcing the Predators to pay top dollar to re-sign him.
It is most likely, though, that Shea Weber will be sporting Predator navy blue next season, and for years to come.
15) Zach Parise (RFA)
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New Team: Dallas Stars
Brad Richards is expected to be lost via free agency, and the Stars will be looking to fill the scoring void.
What better option would the new ownership have available than to bring Zach Parise? Of course, the Stars would have to part with four first-round draft picks, but it would be well worth it.
The Stars would also be able to offer a large bounty for the talented scorer, with Brad Richards' $7.8-million contract coming off the books.
Fun fact: The Stars original location as the Minnesota North Stars was the team the young Zach Parise followed when he grew up in Minnesota.
I can only imagine the excitement Parise would get with the prospect that he could play with the franchise he grew up with.
There is still the possibility that he could return to New Jersey, but the cap relief and gain of draft picks could help them greatly for the near future.
16) Ryan Callahan (RFA)
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Re-signs with New York Rangers
Ryan Callahan is being groomed to become the next captain. He embodies what it means to be a Ranger. His presence was definitely missed by the Rangers during the playoffs.
There is no doubt that he will re-sign with the New York Rangers. He loves playing for the Rangers, and the Rangers love him.
It is a win-win situation for both parties, and I expect the deal to get done quickly.
17) Christian Ehrhoff
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New Team: Toronto Maple Leafs
It is no secret that Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke will be targeting a defenseman when free agency opens. The question is: Who will he target?
Christian Ehrhoff fits the mold of what the Leafs need. At a cap hit of $3,400,000 per year, he should be a relatively easy sign for Brian Burke.
I don't anticipate Vancouver immediately targeting Ehrhoff, as they have more free agents to sign first.
18) Drew Doughty (RFA)
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Re-signs with Los Angeles Kings
This is another no-brainer as Doughty is an integral part of the LA Kings and their future. The 21-year-old defenseman has his whole career ahead of him and will only get better as his career progresses.
Drew Doughty has accomplished a lot in his relatively young career. He won Olympic Gold in Vancouver in 2010 and has been nominated for the Norris Trophy.
Unless a team with an inordinate amount of space in their books makes Doughty an offer he can't refuse, he will be an LA King next year.
19) Ilya Bryzgalov
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New Team: Philadelphia Flyers
The spotlight indeed is on Ilya Bryzgalov.
The Coyotes have their own problems dealing with ownership that will keep them busy, let alone worrying about dealing with free agents. Bryzgalov has publicly said that, if the team relocates to Winnipeg, he will not be joining them.
The Philadelphia Flyers are in desperate need of a goalie, and Ilya Bryzgalov fits the bill. He would bring some sanity and security to the Flyers crease.
While it may cost the Flyers some cash, and parting with some players, I think the fans of Philadelphia realize that a goaltender is what separates them from being an elite team in the NHL.
20) Jason Arnott
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New Team: Nashville Predators
Call me crazy, but this just might happen. Jason Arnott put up some great numbers during the time he spent in Nashville.
The Predators seek some scoring, and Arnott brings that with him, along with a veteran presence.
I wouldn't be shocked at the very least if he returns to the Predators. The Capitals are looking to clean house and shake things up a bit, and Arnott will turn 37 by the start of next season.
He would be a relatively cheap sign given his age, and the Predators would benefit from his presence.
21) Ville Leino
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New Team: New York Islanders
When the Philadelphia Flyers acquired Kris Versteeg, it sent an unwritten message that the Flyers would be unlikely to re-sign Ville Leino.
Look for the New York Islanders, which have tons of cap room, to attempt to sign Ville Leino. He would be a great complement to New York Islanders center John Tavares.
Also, look for teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs to inquire about Ville Leino.
22) Eric Brewer
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Re-signs with Tampa Bay Lightning
The 32-year-old All-Star and Olympic medalist will most likely re-sign with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
After being acquired from the St. Louis Blues, Brewer has fit in really well on the Tampa Bay blue line. He brings a veteran presence with him and is great in the locker room.
It is very apparent that the Tampa Bay Lightning are on the rise and that Steve Yzerman is going to do everything in his power to re-sign his players.
23) Alex Kovalev
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Re-signs with Pittsburgh Penguins
Alex Kovalev is at a point in his career where he is a shell of himself. He is an average player who has fallen far from what he used to be capable of accomplishing.
Kovalev will look to stay somewhere familiar, as he has done nothing to earn top dollar from another team.
I expect Ray Shero to give him a contract in the range of what Rangers GM Glen Sather gave to Vinny Prospal last summer.
24) Ed Jovanovski
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Re-signs with Phoenix Coyotes
Ed Jovanaski is in a similar boat to Alex Kovalev. He is getting older and won't be able to ask for such a hefty salary as he was used to earning.
Look for him to be one of the few players that Phoenix will attempt to re-sign before the big move.
25) Nicklas Lidstrom
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Re-signs with Detroit Red Wings or retires
The NHL may lose two of its greatest players in its history this offseason. Both Teemu Selanne and Nicklas Lidstrom stand at a crossroads.
Nicklas Lidstrom will arguably go down as one of the greatest NHL defensemen ever. He is a, to quote and adapt from Booker T, six time.... six time.... six time.... six-time Norris Trophy winner, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, and a 12-time All-Star.
There is nothing much left for the man to accomplish. He will eventually have the Norris Trophy named after him, and this may indeed be his last season in the bigs.
26) Brooks Laich
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New Team: Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo has a chance of losing Tim Connolly, so the Sabres will need a replacement if that occurs. Brooks Laich is a good center who could fit in with Buffalo.
Laich is a decent skills man and could play with Vanek and Pominville.
It may seem like this slideshow shows Buffalo picking up a lot of players, but Terry Pegula is a rich man and said at his initial press conference that money wasn't going to be an option.
I gave Chris Drury an asterisk, so here is the makeup slide I promised.
Comments, Questions, Concerns?
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This list took me a long time to compile. If you felt I missed anyone, please leave a respectful comment and I will address it.
I referenced CapGeek's list as a starting point, so please don't blame me 100 percent. I am human and not perfect.
PLEASE READ BEFORE COMMENTING:
Now mind you there are so many variables. I have listed players and teams they could potentially sign with. As there are some teams that are listed to sign multiple players, it doesn't necessarily mean they will sign both free agents.
Most of the predictions are need based and I have calculated most of the players and the teams they would go to, but not all.
Thanks again for the read and I await and welcome the lively debate and comments.
For more Stanley Cup playoffs and NHL news updates and alerts, follow Tom Urtz on Twitter and at Sports Haze NY.
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