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NHL Trade Talk: March 30, 2014

As the playoffs grow close and the season comes to an end, we all wonder where the top unrestricted free agents will end up.  There are numerous quality players that will be up for unrestricted free agency this July.  It looks like it will be an interesting off-season.

 

Thomas Vanek – Montreal – Left Wing – 30 years old –

This has been a wild, but productive season for Vanek.  He started in Buffalo and was dealt to the New York Islanders.  On deadline day he was again dealt to the Montreal Canadiens.  This was a surprise deal, and many thought he might end up in Minnesota.  He has been a point a game player all season, but has also shown signs of being self-centered, and a lazy player.  It’s really tough to tell what you’re getting with Vanek.  It is obvious that he can be a top end NHL scorer, but he has been very inconsistent throughout his career.  I originally thought that he would be going to  Minnesota for sure.  That has changed a bit.  It still is a possibility, but I have to believe that he will be entertaining offers from whoever will pay him the most.

 

Jarome Iginla – Boston – Right Wing – 36 years old –

Iginla is on fire this season.  He is quietly having a 30 goal, 60 point season.  That is great numbers for a 36-year-old player.  After leaving Calgary for Pittsburgh, and falling
the first round of the playoffs, he decided to sign with the Boston Bruins.  He is now heading to unrestricted free agency, and it is up in the air on where he will end up.  His age will play a role in the signing, and the contract length will be critical.  Jarome is a perfect fit in Boston, and it is probably the best place for him to win a cup.  I see him signing in Boston again for another two years.  I believe it is the best place for both him and the Bruins.

 

Jaromir Jagr – New Jersey – Right Wing – 42 years old –

The guy keeps going and going, and keeps scoring and scoring.  It is amazing to think that at his age he can put up 23 goals, 37 assists and 60 points in 74 games.  So obviously the guy can still play at this level.  The question is for how long?  No one really know the answer to this question, but Jagr works very hard on conditioning.  I look for him to resign with New Jersey.

 

Paul Stastny – Colorado – Center – 28 years old –

Stastny is the most intriguing young goal scorer available this summer.  I am sure that Colorado would hate to lose Stastny, but it looks like they will.  Stastny has 52 points in 63 games this season.  In his eight season career Stastny has been just under a point a game player.  He can be a bit streaky, but his numbers do not lie.  I really thought Colorado would lock him up, but it now looks like they have come to terms with letting him go in the off-season.  Is Calgary or Florida the next home for Stastny?