NHL Rumors: The Likeliest Offseason Departure for Each Team in the NHL

What's more exciting than the NHL Playoffs? Well, NHL free agency certainly comes close.

In all seriousness, NHL free agency is one of the most anticipated times of the calendar year in hockey. Since the introduction of the salary cap era, the offseason has become an increasingly interesting process.

The list of available players during the 2011 NHL offseason has a handful of potential impact players, both in the free-agent and trade market.

Brent Burns and Bryan McCabe are big names available on the blue line, while Brad Richards and Alex Tanguay headline the forward group. Goalies Marty Turco and Corey Schneider could compel some clubs as well.

In any event, it's all speculation until we find out who re-signs and who gets tossed into the free-agent pool. For now, here is each team's most likely departure.

Edmonton Oilers, Andrew Cogliano, Forward

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - MARCH 24: Andrew Cogliano #13 of the Edmonton Oilers shoots the puck against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center on March 24, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Pegging a departure for the Edmonton Oilers is tricky. They have most of their big names under contract through at least next season and should have the room to re-sign the few free agents that they have.

Andrew Cogliano is the one guy who could dawn a new jersey in the fall. The former first-round pick is a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Oilers may consider moving him if they get the right offer. 

With just 35 points this past season and a minus-12 plus/minus rating, Cogliano has not made a strong case to stay in Edmonton.

Colorado Avalanche, Milan Hejduk, Forward

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: Milan Hejduk #23 of the Colorado Avalanche skates against the Columbus Blue Jackets at the Pepsi Center on March 22, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. The Avalanche defeated the Blue Jackets 5-4 in an overtime shootout. (Photo by Doug Pen

The players let go from the Colorado roster will greatly depend on which players they are able to reel in from the free-agent pool and trade market.

If the Avalanche can land a capable starting goaltender one way or another, Peter Budaj could very well be shown the door, given his contract is expired.

However, another contributor with an expiring contract is Milan Hejduk. At 35 years old, the veteran can still produce. Plus, he must be hungry to win, and the Avs are not making another playoff run anytime in the near future.

Florida Panthers, Tomas Vokoun, Goalie

Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

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)

After hearing his name thrown around in trade rumors a few months ago, Tomas Vokoun is set to hit the open market this summer.

Vokoun will be 35 in July and is going to be highly sought after by many teams both in the NHL and the Kontinental Hockey League. 

While Vokoun has not ruled out the possibility of returning to Florida, one has to wonder where he fits in the rebuilding process. With his cap hit, and Jacob Markstrom behind him in the system, keeping Vokoun might not be the right move.

This will be one of the more intriguing story lines to follow when free agency opens up. 

New York Islanders, Doug Weight, Forward

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 17: Doug Weight #93 of the New York Islanders skates against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the Nassau Coliseum on November 17, 2010 in Uniondale, New York. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Doug Weight has had a prolific career in the NHL and deserves all the respect in the world. Unfortunately, he does not produce at the level he once did.

Weight is still a solid captain, but one has to think the Islanders will let him test free agency if he decides to continue playing.

One of the best American-born forwards of all time, Weight managed to play in just 18 games this season.

Ottawa Senators, Pascal Leclaire, Goalie

Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 5: Pascal Leclaire #33 of the Ottawa Senators deflects a shot on goal during the second period against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on December 5, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Christopher Pasatieri/Getty Images

With the acquisition of Craig Anderson, the Pascal Leclaire era has come to an end in Ottawa. His contract is up this offseason, and unless he takes a significant pay cut, their is no way the Senators keep him around.

Leclaire has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career and has had very mediocre stats. Other than his one standout year in Columbus, Leclaire has done very little to attract attention in free agency.

Atlanta Thrashers, Zach Bogosian, Defense

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - MARCH 27: Zach Bogosian #4 of the Atlanta Thrashers skates against the Ottawa Senators at the Philips Arena on March 27, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Thrashers defeated the 5-4 in the shoot out. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Zach Bogosian, the third overall draft choice in the 2008 NHL Draft, has not lived up to expectations in Atlanta. With a cap hit of over $3 million, Bogosian should be able to manage a better plus/minus than minus-34.

The restricted free agent could draw some interest given his youth, and Atlanta probably wouldn't hesitate to move him for the right price.

Columbus Blue Jackets, Craig Rivet, Defenseman

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

DENVER, CO - MARCH 22: Craig Rivet #52 of the Columbus Blue Jackets controls the puck while under pressure from Cody McLeod #55 of the Colorado Avalanche at the Pepsi Center on March 22, 2011 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Craig Rivet is not worthy of a roster spot by any means. Adding him on the waiver wire was a desperate move by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Luckily for the Jackets, the veteran's contract is up this season, and it makes no sense to bring him back for another year.

New Jersey Devils, Brian Rolston, Forward

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 06: Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Prudential Center on April 6, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Since rejoining the Devils in 2008, Brian Rolston has failed to surpass the 40-point mark in a season. At 38 years young, Rolston simply isn't the player he once was, and his contract is expiring. 

The Devils will be entirely focused on resigning Parise, making Rolston an after thought. He would have to take a significant pay cut to be able to stay in New Jersey.

It may be time for Rolston to call it quits.

Toronto Maple Leafs, Jean Sebastien Giguere, Goalie

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEWARK, NJ - APRIL 06: Jean-Sebastien Giguere #35 of the Toronto Maple Leafs blocks the net as Brian Rolston #12 of the New Jersey Devils takes a hit at the Prudential Center on April 6, 2011 in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2.

The emergence of James Reimer was the biggest bright spot for the Toronto Maple Leafs this season. His play has made the services of Jean Sebastien Giguere more than expendable.

The soon to be 34-year-old Giguere is having sports hernia surgery this offseason and would be regulated to backup duty at best next year. Giguere has come around to the idea of being a backup, but his expired contract leaves Brian Burke and the Maple Leafs with no obligation.

Minnesota Wild, Brent Burns, Defenseman

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

ST PAUL, MN - MARCH 22: Brent Burns #8 of the Minnesota Wild skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Xcel Energy Center on March 22, 2011 in St Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Wild have made it evident that Brent Burns is available for trade. Burns is one of the 50 best players in the NHL and should bring in quite the return.

A towering presence on the blue line, Burns piled up over 40 points for the Wild this season.

The Wild are in search of a better presence up front and may have to give up Burns to get it.

St. Louis Blues, Ty Conklin, Goalie

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS, MO - FEBRUARY 22: Ty Conklin #29 of the St. Louis Blues argues with an official over an uncalled penalty while playing against the Colorado Avalanche at the Scottrade Center on February 22, 2011 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwan

Ty Conklin is the journeyman of NHL goaltenders, so it should come to no surprise that his contract is once again up.

Conklin is still one of the most dependable backups in the league and will definitely find a job in the NHL.

However, he is getting up there in age and may not see as big of a role these days. At 35 years old, Conklin can still start 20-30 games a season and get a .500 record. 

Carolina Hurricanes, Eric Cole, Forward

Rob Carr/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Erik Cole #26 of the Carolina Hurricanes skates with the puck against the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center on March 29, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Eric Cole is a long time Hurricane but could opt to hit the open market this offseason as his contract has expired.

Cole had a 52-point season and has a Stanley Cup to his credit. However, this was Cole's best season since '07-'08. Is it a coincidence that this past season was also his contract year? Doubtful.

Cole will cash in on the open market.

New York Rangers, Bryan McCabe, Defenseman

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 17: Bryan McCabe #28 of the New York Rangers stands on ice against the Washington Capitals in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 17, 2011 in N

Bryan McCabe was one of the most disappointing acquisitions at the trading deadline. In his 19 games after joining the Rangers, McCabe had only six points.

Luckily for New York, McCabe's contract is up, and they can allow him to walk. He likely cost himself quite a bit of money with his late season play. However, McCabe is still a solid veteran leader on the blue line and will find a home. 

Calgary Flames, Alex Tanguay, Forward

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - MARCH 10: Alex Tanguay #40 of the Calgary Flames skates with the puck during the NHL game against the Phoenix Coyotes at Jobing.com Arena on March 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. The Coyotes defeated the Flames 3-0. (Photo by Christian Pe

Outside of Brad Richards, Alex Tanguay is the most prolific scorer in this free-agent class.

Considering the fact that Calgary is not quite ready to compete for a Stanley Cup, it makes sense for Tanguay to test his value with a contending team.

Tanguay can definitely still play in the NHL, as evidenced by his 70-plus points in '10-'11. He will be a hot commodity in July.

Dallas Stars, Brad Richards, Forward

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 02: Brad Richards #91 of the Dallas Stars skates against the Los Angeles Kings at Staples Center on April 2, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Finally, we arrive at the star of the 2011 NHL free-agent class: Brad Richards.

The Dallas Stars have centered the focus of their entire offseason on resigning Brad Richards, and with good reason. When healthy, Richards is one of the most prolific playmakers in the entire NHL.

Furthermore, Richards is as valuable to the Dallas Stars as any other play is to his team. 

If the Stars don't secure an owner and find the money to re-sign Richards, the Maple Leafs, Rangers and Bruins will all be in the running for the Canadian center.

Buffalo Sabres, Steve Montador, Defenseman

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Steve Montador #4 of the Buffalo Sabres skates against the Philadelphia Flyers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2011 in Philadelph

Steve Montador became increasingly useless for the Buffalo Sabres this season.

He took penalties and blew continuous coverages in the defensive zone in the first round of the NHL Playoffs.

Montador is now a free agent, and Buffalo should make little effort to retain his services.

Montreal Canadiens, Paul Mara, Defenseman

Phillip MacCallum/Getty Images

MONTREAL, CANADA - APRIL 26: Paul Mara #22 of the Montreal Canadiens congratulates teammate Carey Price #31 on his victory over the Boston Bruins in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Cen

It truly is sad, but Paul Mara is nearing the end of a wonderful career. The man with the best beard in the NHL has become increasingly in effective in the last five seasons and could use a change of scenery.

In addition, Montreal's cap situation this offseason is a messy one. Therefore, re-signing Mara would be a waste of cap space.

Chicago Blackhawks, Marty Turco, Goalie

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Goaltender Marty Turco #30 of the Chicago Blackhawks in goal against the Dallas Stas at American Airlines Center on February 11, 2011 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Marty Turco experiment in Chicago was far from successful. Aside from his antic on Chicago's bench, he brought little to the team this season. The emergence of Corey Crawford only furthers Turco's lack of value to this team.

The Blackhawks can find a cheaper alternative to back up their young stud in net.

Los Angeles Kings, Michal Handzus, Forward

Harry How/Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 19: Michal Handzus #26 of the Los Angeles Kings skates off the ice after losing to the San Jose Sharks 6-5 in overtime of game three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Staples Cente

Another aging veteran with an expiring contract is Michael Handzus of the Los Angeles Kings. The Kings have to retain Doughty and Wayne Simmonds as well, so there may not be room for Handzus.

Handzus's chance of returning the roster lies in his willingness to take a pay cut. The soon to be 34-year-old Handzus still has some game, although he saw a slight decrease in production this season.

Handzus wants to stay in L.A. He has to make it happen.

Phoenix Coyotes, Eric Belanger, Forward

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Eric Belanger #20 of the Phoenix Coyotes skates with the puck under pressure from Ruslan Salei #24 of the Detroit Red Wings in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.c

After having another 40 point season, Eric Belanger will most likely seek a raise from his current 750,000 dollar cap hit.

Unfortunately, the Coyotes have bigger fish to fry during the offseason. Ed Jovanaski, Radim Vrbata, and Keith Yandle will take priority over Belanger.

Not to mention Belanger is getting up there in age and is an expendable piece to this roster.

Nashville Predators, Marcel Goc, Forward

Paul Bereswill/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 03: Marcel Goc #9 of the Nashville Predators talks during a timeout in an NHL hockey game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 3, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Paul Bereswill/

The Nashville Predators do not have a ton of free agents to attend to this offseason. One player that they could afford to let go is Marcel Goc.

Steve Sullivan and Shane O'Brien are more valuable going forward for Nashville than Goc, who only managed 24 points this season.

Anaheim Ducks, Jarkko Ruutu, Forward

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ANAHEIM, CA - APRIL 08: Jarkko Ruutu #37 of the Anaheim Ducks sets for a face off against the Los Angeles Kings at Honda Center on April 8, 2011 in Anaheim, California. The Ducks won 2-1 to clinch a berth in the playoffs. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Im

Jarkko Ruutu rendered himself useless upon being traded to the Anaheim Ducks. In 23 games with the Ducks, Ruutu only mustered two points.

The Ducks have very little use for Ruutu, and his expired contract will more than likely not be renewed this offseason.

In addition to his ineffectiveness, Ruutu will be 36 years old in August. It's time for Anaheim to move on.

Tampa Bay Lightning, Marc-Andre Bergeron, Defenseman

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - MAY 04: Steve Downie #9 of the Tampa Bay Lightning celebrates the game winning goal by Marc-Andre Bergeron #47 at 5:07 of the third period against the Washington Capitals in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL

Marc-Andre Bergeron is not earning his keep on the blue line. In 23 games, Bergeron managed to get only eight points for the Lightning.

He is a young, talented defenseman, but his lack of production and ability to stay healthy does not warrant a contract extension.

Boston Bruins, Tomas Kaberle, Defenseman

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

BOSTON, MA - APRIL 27: Tomas Kaberle #12 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with goalie Tim Thomas #30 after defeating the Montreal Canadien in overtime of Game Seven of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Gar

This may come as a surprise, but Tomas Kaberle may have been a very expensive rental for the Boston Bruins.

His play has not been up to snuff, and the Bruins are struggling to make progress on his contract negotiation. Kaberle is a decent puck mover, but he has not been so valuable on the back end.

I would not be surprised if the Bruins let him walk.

Detroit Red Wings, Mike Modano, Forward

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - APRIL 20: Mike Modano #90 of the Detroit Red Wings skates with the puck in Game Four of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Phoenix Coyotes during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Jobing.com Arena on April 20, 2011 in Glen

The best American forward of all time is slowly sputtering towards the end of his career. Upon leaving the Dallas Stars, Modano was only able to put up half of the points that he had in '09-'10.

Mike Modano might be able to snag a one-year contract, but it will not be in Detroit.

San Jose Sharks, Ian White, Defenseman

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

DETROIT - MAY 4: Jonathan Ericsson #52 of the Detroit Red Wings checks Ian White #9 of the San Jose Sharks in the third period in Game Three of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs on May 4, 2011 at Joe Louis Arena i

Ian White was bounced around the league this year, playing for three different teams and being mediocre with each of them

Now that his contract has expired, White can expect to dress for his fourth team in the past two seasons. 

White is by no means a bad defenseman. However, he is the type of player who is easily replaced, and San Jose will realize that.

Pittsburgh Penguins, Alexei Kovalev, Forward

Eliot J. Schechter/Getty Images

TAMPA, FL - APRIL 20: Alex Kovalev #72 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates with the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the St. Pete Times Forum on April 20, 2

Alexei Kovalev has moved into the twilight of his career. Unfortunately, Kovalev refuses to acknowledge this and has become a bit of a nuisance.

The two main reasons Kovalev will be playing elsewhere next season are the fact that he is over 35 years old, and his contract has expired.

He does not fit the mold of what the direction the Pittsburgh Penguins are heading. 

Philadelphia Flyers, Nikolai Zherdev, Forward

Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 30: Nathan Horton #18 of the Boston Bruins carries the puck around Nikolay Zherdev #93 and James van Riemsdyk #21 of the Philadelphia Flyers in Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs

Nikolai Zherdev firmly entrenched himself in Peter Laviolette's doghouse. With the recent struggles of the Flyers, Zherdev will more than likely be on his way out of Philly in one way or another.

The Flyers are pressed tight for cap space, and Zherdev's $2 million contract does not fit into the equation.

Meanwhile, the Flyers have an abundance of talent at forward, so Zherdev's offensive capabilities are not needed for Philly. 

Washington Capitals, Marco Sturm, Forward

Len Redkoles/Getty Images

WASHINGTON , DC - APRIL 23: Marco Sturm #18 of the Washington Capitals skates in front of Henrik Lundqvist #30 of the New York Rangers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Verizon Center on A

Marco Sturm is no more than a role player for the Washington Capitals, and with their recent elimination, Sturm will most likely be sent packing.

Another playoff failure could mean a bit of house cleaning for the Washington Capitals. Sturm is aging and has an expiring contract. Are you sensing a theme here?

Vancouver Canucks, Cory Schneider, Goalie

Rich Lam/Getty Images

VANCOUVER, CANADA - APRIL 21: The puck flie over the shoulder of goalie Cory Schneider #35 of the Vancouver Canucks and wide of the net during the third period in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against the Chicago Blackhawks during the

This is the last possible offseason the Vancouver Canucks will be able to get any value for Cory Schneider.

Sitting behind Roberto Luongo, Cory Schneider was effective in relief duty this season but deserves a shot at a franchise goaltending role. 

The Canucks could get a king's ransom for Schneider, who offers immense upside between the pipes. He will be one of the more sought after players in the entire league this offseason.

Watch this one closely.