10) Johnny Oduya, Zybnek Michalek and Francois Beauchemin-Defensemen Confidential
The Sweed, the Czech and the Canuck (respectively) can offer big time names and minutes at top dollar for the highest bidders. Each is coming off a good season and will be looking to hit the biggest payday of their careers.
9) Jiri Tlusty, Michael Frolik and Drew Stafford-Jetting out of Winnipeg
Winnipeg finally returned to the playoffs this year and despite a quick exit the team has a great foundation and has built a farm system second to none. They will be eager to get their prospects a few roster spots leaving these three adequate role players the chance to join other contenders at a bargain rate. Winnipeg may try to lock down Tlusty but may not feel it to be a requirement to stay competitive.
8) Jarrett Stroll and Mike Ribeiro- Risk vs. Reward
Legal troubles for these two embattled stars could possibly keep suitors from offering deals until August or later. Nashville would definitely see the benefit from keeping Ribeiro (15G-47A-62P) but when he arrived GM David Poile assured him if Nashville let him go no one would touch him after his fiasco in the desert. Stroll has grit left to give but facing major charges of possession of a controlled substance while at a team activity, albeit in Vegas, he maybe too rich for some’s blood.
7) Paul Martin and Christian Ehrhoff- Aging Penguin Exiles
While still in their early to mid 30’s and with years left in the tank it seems unfair to lay the blame of the Pittsburg’s back to back postseason collapses vs. New York on these two but life is unfair. Pittsburg may want to take a run, at the very least, one of the d-men earlier in the countdown (or ahead on the countdown) but to do so they must say goodbye to what had been their best blue liners.
6) Justin Williams and Martin St. Louis-To Stay or not to Stay
Once upon a time in 2014 these two forwards met in the Cup Final as leaders of the Kings and Rangers. 2 years later each is struggling to reach terms for a new contract with the same teams they have guided to success. For Williams it’s unlikely the money will match his demands to stay in L.A and a move is imminent. In St. Louis’ case he may not fit into New York’s plans going forward and any deal will hinder on money left over after they handle what’s viewed as more pressing issues.
5) Antoine Vermette, Carl Soderberg and Mike Fisher-The Winning Pieces Needed
Each guy has a chance to return to the teams they started with last season. For Vermette that is Arizona, he enjoyed his time with the Cup winning Blackhawks but may feel a higher calling and sweet payday with the cap available Coyotes. Fisher, his country music superstar wife and Nashville want him to stay put and if Ribeiro is on the outs they’ll need him. Soderberg at 29 is the prime age and although he struggled at times last season it’s possible a change in scenery could bring a mutually beneficial relationship.
4) Joel Ward, Mike Green and Eric Fehr-Ovie-shadowed in Washington
Joel Ward and Eric Fehr are not glamorous forwards they don’t score beautiful dangles or wheel, snipe, celly like their captain in Washington has over the last decade. For this reason they are undervalued for their mucker style of play. Undervalued by the Caps but as will soon be seen not by everyone. Mike Green on the other hand has seen high expectations dwindle and become a cast off after John Carlson and Brooks Orpik’s successful year in the Nation’s capital. One team’s trash will become another team’s treasure.
3) Mike Santorelli and Matt Beleskey-Young and (soon to be) Over Paid
Valued because they are both in their late 20’s and because of their production both forwards here are likely to score big contracts despite having reached a lot of their success because they belonged to nurturing systems. Talented? Yes? Worth the pay day they might see? Probably Not.
2) Jeff Petry, Andrej Sekera and Cody Franson- Defensemen Confidential 2.0
Each one of these talented blue liners is willing to leave the security of playing for a contender (Montreal, L.A., and Nashville) in order to reach a big payday. Where each rising star ends up could change the tide of division races across the NHL.
1)Devan Dubnyk-Wild ‘n’ Out
Traded twice in the past year Dubnyk is looking for security. And something north of $5 million a year. Minnesota wants to keep him and try and replicate a half a season’s body of work over the next few years. If the two sides cannot agree on terms before July 1st “Doob” may try and reach the Rinne/Quick stratosphere (7M/year) in the open market. Making him the most interesting UFA come July 1st.
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona and introduced to hockey at an early age by his brother-in-law Will was benefitted by the Winnipeg Jets move to the valley. As a teen he joined the AZ Desert Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) competing in the Minor Division before promoting to the Premiere League Tier II Division. He also played at the famous ‘Spectrum Arena’ facilities for Inline Hockey Association Arizona (IHAAZ) in Chandler as a part of team ‘GEAR DRIVE’ a top travel program. He continues to participate in Coyote Adult Hockey Leagues in both Chandler and Scottsdale. He attended Mesa Community College and studied Business and Creative Writing while on a Journalism Scholarship. The father of 3 is currently an Operations Manager for ELITE PERSONAL TRAINING AND GYM in Mesa, AZ.