2011 NHL Free Agency and Why Brad Richards Is on the Move

The NHL free agency period is always an exciting and bittersweet time for fans and players.

Fans love to see their team sign some big-name free agent 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?

1. Tomas Vokoun

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PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 27: Tomas Vokoun #29 of the Florida Panthers makes a save against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Consol Energy Center on March 27, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Current Team: Florida Panthers

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.

On the right team, Vokoun will shine and will 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, they 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.

2. Ilya Bryzgalov

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 15: Goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov #30 of the Phoenix Coyotes in action during the NHL game against the Anaheim Ducks at Jobing.com Arena on January 15, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Ducks 6-2. (Photo by Christia

Current Team: Phoenix Coyotes

New Team: Anaheim Ducks

The Coyotes have their own problems dealing with ownership that will keep them busy, let alone about dealing with free agents.

The Ducks will look to resign their former draftee, who also happens to be one of the best goalies in the Western Conference.

While Jonas Hiller may be the current starter, he has been inconsistent at times. He has also battled through injury.

If the Ducks could acquire another proven goaltender, they would have the total package.

They currently have the best line in the league, consisting of Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry.

Look for the Ducks to make a splash this offseason.

3. Tim Connolly

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BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 15: Tim Connolly #19 of the Buffalo Sabres warms up prior to play against the Carolina Hurricanes at HSBC Arena on March 15, 2011 in Buffalo, New York. Carolina won 1-0. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Current Team: Buffalo Sabres

New Team: New York Rangers

or Resigns with 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.

4. Brad Richards

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GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 29: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 29, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Stars 2-1 in an overtime shoot out.

Current Team: Dallas Stars

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.

Glen Sather would love to add him to the Rangers, but if the price is not right, the Rangers can fall back on Tim Connolly, who provides a bigger bang for the Rangers' buck.

The reported contract Richards wants 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.

5. Tomas Kaberle

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BOSTON, MA - MARCH 24: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins takes the puck in the first period against the Montreal Canadiens on March 24, 2011 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Current Team: Boston Bruins

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.

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.

6. Simon Gagne

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 25: Simon Gagne #12 of the Tampa Bay Lightning skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at St. Pete Times Forum on January 25, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. The Lightning defeated the Leafs 2-0. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Current Team: Tampa Bay Lightning 

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.

7. Bryan McCabe

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NEW YORK - MARCH 22: Bryan McCabe #28 of the New York Rangers skates against the Florida Panthers on March 22, 2011 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Rangers defeated the Islanders 1-0. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)

Current Team: New York Rangers

New Team: Los Angeles Kings

Bryan McCabe has a hefty contract that only a major market can acquire. 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 well in 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.

8. Alexei Ponikarovsky

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 26: Alexei Ponikarovsky #27 of the Los Angeles Kings skates against the Colorado Avalanche at Staples Center on February 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Current Team: Los Angeles Kings

New Team: Buffalo Sabres

As said earlier, the Sabres may lose Tim Connolly, so I anticipate the new owner dishing out a lot of money. 

Alexei Ponikarovsky is a proven scorer for the Kings and would fit well on the Sabres. 

I can't see the Kings bringing him back, as they will try to sign Brad Richards, even though he has not indicated he would like to play there. I don't see Richards leaving Dallas for Hollywood.

Buffalo is going to be a dominant force next season, and money won't be an object.

Other Minor Deals That May Go Down

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NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 24: Pekka Rinne #35 of the Nashville Predators makes a save on Teemu Selanne #8 of the Anaheim Ducks on March 24, 2011 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)

Michal Handzus

Current Team: Los Angeles Kings

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.

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?

Nicklas Lidstrom: The same goes for Lidstrom, and I think he will be back with Detroit next season. He still has some left in the tank and I anticipate him returning.

Comments, Questions, Concerns, Gripes?

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DETROIT, MI - MARCH 9: Dustin Penner #25 of the Los Angeles Kings is held in check by Nicklas Lidstrom #5 of the Detroit Red Wings in a game on March 9, 2011 at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan. The Kings defeated the Wings 2-1. (Photo by Claus A

Tom Urtz is an aspiring sports journalist out of New York. You can find more of his work at:

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