Hockey Top 5
The top 5 UFA’s well the five that could get the biggest buzz come July 1st.
5. Jaromir Jagr (RW) — New York Rangers
Why?: Well honestly New York New York has been a little cold to him in the past year. His slow start allowed him to basically become a UFA. Now the question is does he actually stay in Rangerland? I believe he more than likely will. But if he tests the market…there will be considerable interest from the not so usual suspects.
Likely Salary: $6.5-7.5 million
Destinations: New York Rangers, Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins
4. Ryan Malone (LW) — Pittsburgh Penguins
Why?: He wants to break free of the Pens…as much as it is home. It appears like he just wants to go. Malone will fetch some good “dough” as not too many are as gifted at the two way game as he is. More importantly his grit is a major asset especially come the playoffs. He takes a lickin and comes back kickin’ for more. Expect interest to come from all angles for him. To think not too long ago, he was up the creek at the Igloo.
Likely Salary: $4.5 to 6 mill.
Destinations: Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, San Jose Sharks
3. Mats Sundin (C) — Toronto Maple Leafs
Why?: Well why not? He can still play and his postseason numbers rank very well with some of the best. If only he could get there more often but alas in Toronto that just doesn’t happen quite so often anymore. Reportedly several teams have received permission to talk to Sundin. Montreal being the only one that had any concrete discussions with him apparently or so the story goes. There are many possibilities here…it may be up to Mats at this point.
Likely Salary: $5 to 6 mill
Destinations: Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, somewhere in NY area, Sweden
2. Brian Campbell (D) — San Jose Sharks
Why?: He is the most sought after free agent next to Hossa really and some say he is the tops. I don’t know about that but he is right up there. I would sure as hell love it if he was on my team. I’ll worry about the defensive end later. That is what guys like Brooks Orpik are for. Reports have come in that San Jose may not be able to sign him but at this point it is looking more likely that he is going to test the market come July 1st. Someone is going to pay “Big Bucks” for him no doubt.
Likely Salary: $7-8 million at least
Destinations: San Jose, New Jersey, NY Rangers, Columbus, Montreal, and several others who have the $$$.
1. Marian Hossa (RW) — Pittsburgh Penguins
Why?: Hmmm….I hear he is good and even shed that postseason hex that seemed to be on him. The amount of teams that will bid on his services will be many and the offer will probably be outrageous. I have seen reports of no less than 8 teams interested in Hossa. With how well he plays with top line talent, there is no question he will get a ton of change with whomever he signs with.
Likely Salary: $7.5 - 9 mill
Destinations: Boston, Montreal, Pittsburgh, Edmonton, NY Rangers, Vancouver, Detroit, Dallas, No Ottawa However.
As the coming days get closer…expect the rumors to heat up and well get more crazy. You will see some ones that look like they got drawn up from a sandbox. Maybe they did. See ya!
Tags: cider's up!
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