FA Predictions - Part 1
Part 1
Team Needs and FA Predictions: Part 1
After taking a look at each teams needs, we discuss the top free agents in free agency and where they could head:
D – Andrej Sekera: Sekera Is rated pretty damn well. He is a badly needed D for teams lacking that type of top pairing D talent.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Colorado, Arizona, Ottawa, Boston, Florida, Columbus
Prediction: Colorado, 3 years, $8.5 mil AAV
D – Brent Burns: The defensive gem of FA to most. Burns has elite offensive rates and is probably one the top 5 rated D in the league. Any team with gobs of cap and a need for D should be in pursuit.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Chicago, Colorado, Winnipeg, Buffalo, Florida, Washington, Pittsburgh. Boston
Prediction: Chicago, 3 years, $14 mil AAV (after loyalty)
C/RW – David Backes: Backes struggled badly in Boston in his first year, and his rates suffered because of it. Despite that he’s still a solid third line player for competing teams needing depth
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Minnesota, Arizona, Buffalo, Toronto, Carolina, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Toronto, 2 years, $4.5 mil AAV
C – Jeff Carter: Carter is one of the elite C’s in the market. He’s a damn good one and every team who needs a center (there’s a lot) is going to be after Carter in some capacity.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, Arizona, Boston, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Toronto, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Pittsburgh, 1 year, $13 mil AAV
RW – Jaromir Jagr: Jagr is no longer a top 6 option, but for teams needing secondary passing, at least this season, he’s a great option. Expect a few teams to go after the legendary Russian.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Dallas, Minnesota, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Washington, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Washington, 1 year, $3.3 mil AAV
RW – Marian Hossa: As sad as it is, this will be Hossa’s last year in the BRHL. With an 86 SC/73 DF combo, Hossa is sure to attract a bunch of suitors. I’m sure you can expect Hossa to be overpaid in FA.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Nashville, Calgary, Arizona, Tampa Bay, Montreal, Toronto, Washington, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Calgary, 1 year, $6.6 mil AAV
D – Andy Greene: Greene with an 84 DF and a 68 PH is a decent 3rd pairing option. I expect all teams needed D depth to be involved in Greene.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Los Angeles, Boston, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Montreal, New Jersey, Florida, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Montreal, 1 year, $3.1 mil AAV
C – Joe Thornton: Thornton is an 87 PA/59 SC split. That’s certainly an interesting rate. Not sure where it slots for most teams but it should not be good enough for a 1st line center. However any team looking for a 2nd line C should be after Thornton.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Minnesota, Arizona, Boston, Buffalo, Toronto, Carolina, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Buffalo, 1 year, $7.2 mil AAV
C/LW – Jussi Jokinen: Jokinen is a nice 3rd line player for some. 70 PA/70 SC/82 PH/76 DF ain’t bad at all and while he isn’t a good C option, the flexibility is nice. Should get a decent pay day.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Dallas, Chicago, St. Louis, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Carolina
Prediction: Dallas, 2 years, $4.1 mil AAV
D – Keith Yandle: This has to be Yandle’s best D rating in a while, and because of that, he should get PAID. With a fantastic sakting, passing, and puck handling combo, someone will badly want Yandle.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Minnesota, Boston, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, Florida, Columbus, Philly
Prediction: Florida, 1 year, $7.1 mil AAV
G – Thomas Greiss: Greiss is one of the better goalies on the market and is still young enough to sign for multiple years. Dave decided to trade for Lundqvist but I wonder if he could get in on him anyways. Likely going to be a team that needs a long term goalie.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Boston, Florida, Montreal, Toronto, Columbus, Nashville, Buffalo, Chicago?
Prediction: Florida, 3 years, $7.7 mil AAV
D – Alex Edler: Edler is a nice 2nd pair D. 88 DF/82 SK/75 PH is a decent skill set. However his 77 DU will decrease his value a bit. Anyone with a need of a top 4 D should be somewhat interested.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Chicago, Calgary, LA, Boston, Ottawa, Buffalo, Tampa, Florida, Montreal, Washington, Columbus, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Washington, 1 year, $6.6 mil AAV (after loyalty)
C/LW/RW – Alexander Steen: Steen is an interesting case. 83 PA/72 SC/78 DF/80 PH along with good skating and good DU. He should draw a lot of interest for teams looking to add a top 6 forward. With a possible bounce back season, he should get a multi-year deal.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Dallas, St. Louis, Calgary, Arizona, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Toronto, Columbus, New Jersey, Pittsburgh
Prediction: Detroit, 2 years, $8.1 mil AAV
RW – Blake Wheeler: Wheeler is probably the premier RW on the market this offseason. With good offensive rates and a 72 DF, he should be a desirable top 6 player for almost any team. Wheeler will be a multi-year guy in my opinion.
Teams Likely in Pursuit: Washington, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Calgary, Detroit, Tampa Bay, Toronto, NY Islanders
Prediction: Washington, 3 years, $8.1 AAV (after loyalty)
Part 2 Later this week