by Nick Castleman
There are a lot of quality free agents on the market this year. I take a look at the best available, in an all-star type lineup, and play Where, Why and How Much? with each of them.
Forwards
Thomas Vanek
The 2013-2014 season was a rather tough one for Thomas Vanek as he was shipped around to many different teams throughout the year (Islanders, Canadiens) but he managed to do well on these teams racking up a total of 59pts (23 goals, 36 assists) in 65 games between the two teams. Vanek will be one of the stronger, if not the strongest free agent this year.
Where? : Minnesota, Detroit
Why? : Detroit and Minnesota are the two teams that I could see Vanek going to because Vanek is a natural top line scoring winger, which Minnesota and Detroit both need to complete their puzzle if either of them want to have a chance at a successful cup run.
How Much? : 7 – 7.5 Million$/year (4-5 years)
Paul Stastny
The Colorado Avalanche had a remarkable season this year, which was very unexpected for the young squad. Paul Stastny was one of the big reasons the club was as successful as they were. Although he isn’t a superstar, he can definitely be a top 2nd line scorer and would be a great asset to any team looking for a strong centreman.
Where? : Anaheim, Toronto
Why? : Both of these teams are in need of a strong 2nd line centreman that would allow them to add plenty of depth to their centre ice. If Stastny were to get hot I could see him becoming a 1st line centreman in Toronto.
How much? : 4.5 – 5.5 Million$/ year (3-4 years)
Ryan Callahan
Callahan had a tough year as he was hurt for a good chunk of the season and was one of the huge pieces in the St. Louis deal that sent St. Louis to the Rangers. Callahan would be a huge addition to any team in the NHL as he brings speed, heart and scoring to the table. He is one of the few players left in the NHL that is able to do it all relatively well; hit, score and fight.
Where? : Tampa Bay, Montreal
Why? : I could see him staying in Tampa Bay because he did well there and I think that Tampa is going to be a contender for the Stanley Cup in the next couple of years. Also I could see him in Montreal because Montreal is in need of a player of his style who can score a couple goals but also bring a physical mentality to the table.
How Much? : 5 – 6 Million$/year (5 years)
***Editorial Note: Whilst in the process of posting this article, Callahan resigned in Tampa, 6 years for $34.8 million, $5.8 million on average a year. If the rest of these predictions go this well then you'll be seeing me next year on Free Agent Frenzy.
Defenceman
Dan Boyle
When you think of one of the older, more experienced offensive defencemen in the NHL Dan Boyle’s name pops up. Boyle is set to be 38 at the start of this NHL season, but would be a great addition to a team needing a veteran offensive presence on the blue line, or a team with a young defensive core needing a veteran to come in and teach them.
Where? : Ottawa, Nashville
Why? : Ottawa and Nashville are two teams in the NHL that have a relatively young defensive core that could benefit from having Boyle on the blue line to help their squad.
How Much? : 4 – 5 Million$/year (1-2 years)
Joni Pitkanen
Another strong free agent defenceman coming up this year is Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen is a strong two-way defenceman who can put up 30-40 points a year while also providing a very strong defensive presence. He would be a great addition to a team needing a veteran defensive presence and depth on their blue line while trading offensive talent for a younger player by going after Pitkanen instead of Boyle.
Where? : Dallas, Pittsburgh
Why? : Dallas and Pittsburgh are two teams needing to add depth on their blue line.
How Much? : 3 – 4.5 Million$/year (3-4 years)
Goalies
Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller is still one of the best goalies in the NHL and should be considered one of the elite among goaltenders. Miller was the biggest piece in the deal to St. Louis that saw him and Steve Ott move to St. Louis. Miller would be a great addition to a team needing a strong starting goalie and that has deep pockets.
Where? : Minnesota
Why? : Minnesota would be the perfect location for Ryan Miller because they are a contender needing a strong goaltender.
How Much?: 7 – 8 Million/year (6-7 years)
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