BRHL Free Agency Team Preview

 

Going around the league analyzing what areas we feel teams will be looking to address as well as specific targets make sense and what direction each organization may be going leading up the start of next season. Note I did not add cap space because it is impossible to figure out right now especially with players being demoted along the way as players sign. Instead we added each teams current bank account for Signing Bonuses.

 

Avalanche $17,269,582

 

The Avs are looking to be one of the early favorites for next season as a contender. Rinne and Grubauer have the net locked down, and GM Bryce has spent the last offseason acquiring good young talent up front however Defense looks like it will be the main area of need. With such high aspirations this season and a descent bank account expect him to go after one of the big guns on the blue line like Byfuglien, Subban or Suter.

 

Blackhawks $12,693,924

 

GM Dave has been a perennial contender for a few years now abut has one glaring hole that needs to be addressed and that’s the starting goalie position. Expecting him to put that loyalty for Lundquist to work and try to solidify the position. Once goaltending is settled the blue line will likely be addressed. Right now on paper Krug (60DF), Petry, Nemeth and Holden are his current top 4 D. He has loyalty on Byfuglien and Keith. Big Buff is expecting to get a lot of attention and if the goalie market gets too much Keith resigning would make sense but it is a very deep defensemen pool this year so wouldn’t be shocked if he targeted some of the more 2^nd tier guys like Daley, Gunnarsson or Greene.

 

Blue Jackets $25,812,805

 

GM Jesse has spent the last couple seasons retooling the organization and now it seems atleast up front the team is bursting at the seems to the point they are ready to take the next step and compete. Bishop has serviceable rates but with Lehtonen loyalty would make a lot of sense to resign him and be able to rotate the two. On the back end Poink, Carlo, Dumoulin, De Haan and Lindell have descent rates but for sure could use some help from say an Alexander Edler or even a next tier guy more one dimensional DF guy like Boychuk or Chara to add more of a veteran presence.

 

Blues $19,837,958

 

With Murrays poor rerate the team is now forced into the goalie market. Eric has been known to love messing with Junya so Miller is a safe bet however Crawford likely wont have a bid with loyalty on him so that may be the better option. Could use some of those 2^nd tier Dmen like Ericsson, Methot or Martinez. But there is currently only 1 player on the roster with a SC rating over 80. Krecji is a C and Pavelski is a C/RW but with a 92 FO is likely to stay at C so that would most likely make the target a winger. With all the different areas that need to be addressed not expecting any high profile guys to be signed but instead expect guys like Rick Nash and Daniel Sedin to be targets.

 

Bruins $42,353,974

 

Set in the net with Anderen and Dell. Loaded up front with Seguin, Backstrom, JVR, Pasta, JT Miller and Grabner don’t need to add a whole lot up front however wouldn’t be shocked to see him exercise his loyalty on Koivu who is nothing fancy offensively but very well rounded stats overall including that 83 DF. After some playoff exposure last season and a pretty well set team up front GM Greg may be a high end blue liner away from making a deep run this year. Expect him in on Suter, Burns,Big Buff or Subban. He certainly has the bank to keep the cap hit down with a sweet SB.

 

Canadiens $15,654,128

 

The team will likely target a lower tier Dman and with loyalties on Polak and McDonald it would make sense to try and bring one of them back. But the main focus should be up front if he wants to be any kind of competitive this season. He has a top line of Trocheck, Atkinson and Marchessault then a hard drop… imagine he goes after a Getzlaf then a couple next tier guys like a Sedin, Perry or Koivu.

 

Canucks $15,654,128

 

Expecting the rebuild to continue. GM Botham has been around a long time and I don’t believe he has been one to target a high ticket guy then do the whole flip/retain for picks and I don’t expect him to start this year. Perhaps he will take a gamble and get in on the Hutton bidding hoping he has a good year in what we are expecting is Buffalo. Otherwise maybe an investment pick like Spezza hoping he can sign cheap with term and rebound this year and be traded for any kind of pick. Don’t expect a lot of action out of Vancouver

 

Capitals $10,000,000

 

One of the new expansion teams in the league. Maybe another candidate for Hutton especially after Larrys emphasis on goalies during the expansion draft process. No UFAs loyalties were selected during the draft which hints he is not planning on targeting any big names to retain and trade later. But Larry loves to stay involved so expect maybe a Bozak or Williams to trade later on.

 

Coyotes $12,078,550

 

Set himself up last year with a good tandem in Jones/Pavelski. Has Nuge, Namestnikov and Reinhardt then the offense drops off and also needs to add some defense. There seem to be too many holes to target one of the big free agents but fully expect him to take advantage of the deep defense group and target a Hamhius or resign Gunnarsson early then try and bring in a Perry, Williams or Eaves.

 

Devils $54,792,441

 

The blue line is set, the net is covered with Dubnyk and McElhinney and there is a solid group of forwards returning. With what seems like limitless cash would expect one of the big forwards being targeted like Staal, Bergeron, Carter or Wheeler to help make another run to the Cup. Another one of the favorites going into next season.

 

Ducks $5,325,404

 

Last time I heard Devon was taking a step back and rebuilding this year. Even if that is true would not be shocked actually kind of expect Devon to go after one of the higher profile players to later trade and retain for a high pick like Carter, Bergeron, Subban, Suter or Byfuglien. That being said it will probably take all his cash for the SB so expect 1 big name to be signed and that’s it.

 

Flames $64,855,286

 

Kevin showed finally went on his deep run in the playoffs and im sure he has no intentions of taking a step back after coming so close last year. That being said Elliot wont cut it as a starter and expect him to get in on a goalie likely Crawford. BUT with all the cash I imagine Crawford will already be getting the most attention and if that base salary gets too high then I could see him setting his sights on Miller or Lundqvist if they are still on the board. The team is full of good forwards up front but again could use that high end guy to put him over the top. The goalie market will effect the bidding but Monahan and Barzal are both centers so imagine it will be someone who can play the wing like Wheeler, Perry or Sedin depending on how hard he is pinched by a goalie.

 

Flyers $20,957,442

 

The rebuild continues but Anthony showed last year he is more than willing to sign a high price guy to trade and retain later for assets. Plan on him ruining some ones day with bids on Carter, Byfuglien, Burns, Subban, Bergeron or Suter

 

Golden Knights $41,600,929

 

Varlamov rerated well enough he can be a starter. The defense already seems set. A high profile forward will likely be targeted and with just Eichel as a true top 6 center expecting one of Staal, Carter, Getzlaf, Bergeron to be targeted.

 

Hurricanes $19,904,763

 

Rich answered his question in net after Allens rerate by bringing in Fleury. The blue line could really use a boost form a guy like Hamhius, Edler or with loyalties try and bring back Boychuk or Russel. But the pressing issue is Johnson is currently the teams number 1 C under contract and with an 81 FO, 78 PA and 77SC the team needs a true number one center. Having loyalties on Staal and Zetterberg expect market for Staal will get too RICH and he will end up settling and trying to bring back Zetterberg with another Williams or Perry to help round out that top 6.

 

Islanders $39,805,812

 

The team already has a very good top six forwards. The blue line should be the focus here. McAvoy and Matheson are good young pieces but need some help. With that bank and the talent up front I am expecting a big blue liner to be targeted like Burns, Subban, Suter or Byfuglien

 

Jets $25,529,886

 

With Carey Prices poor rerate the Jets are going to have to test the goalie market if they want to compete this season. Crawford would make sense but lots of teams will be putting in bids on him which may force the Jets to settle on a Lehtonen who is a tier down but still an upgrade on Price for the year. They could also add one of those 2^nd tier Dmen like Martinez or even Russell. The top 6 also could use another piece or two. Kadri is currently the number 1 center so adding a guy like Zetterberg or Hendrik Sedin would make sense. With multiple holes to fill cant see any big ticket names being signed unless it’s a goalie.

 

Kings $24,558,753

 

Rumpy has spent the last couple years retooling this roster and now he has one of the better up and coming teams on paper for youth, salaries and talent. The top 6 forwards are pretty much set and Raanta had a big year with Talbot as a servicable backup so the focus here should be on the blue line. Jones and Ekblad are very good young pieces but the rest of the back end is nothing special. With all other positions filled with high talent and a big bank account we can see the Kings targeting one of the big ticket Dmen like Suter, Subban, Byfuglien or Burns.

 

Lightening $33,896,320

 

All signs are pointing to the Bolts trying to compete this season. Dumba, Yandle, Forbort and Pesce rerated well to make a descent top 4 so the focus here will likely be to add to that top 6. Now Kopitar and Haula head big seasons and are a solid tandem for down the middle to the addition will likely be a winger like Nash, Daniel Sedin or Perry. Then some good depth D like Greene or Daley. With lots of money in the bank am expecting the Bolts to be very active and add a few pieces to try and help the roster get back in the playoff picture this season.

 

Maple Leafs $752,977

 

I don’t know if this is correct but it currently shows Garrett has less than a mill in finances. This leaves him in a real tough spot because we know he wants to be competitive but with no starter and basically a forward group of 3^rd line guys one would think the Leafs have a quiet deadline and spend the season retooling. But with the big 3 on the blueline in Vlasic, Doughty and Alzner it would not shock me if Garrett tried to sign one of Crawford or Hutton then roll the dice on the sim this year and if the season isn’t going well by Christmas trade and retain. Would be tough with basically no SB added to an offer.

 

Oilers $53,064,727

 

Assume the rebuild continues. May try and get in on a 2^nd tier Center like Zetterberg or Getzlaf to trade and retain on later but expecting a fairly quiet free agency from the Oil. Probably take a chance on a guy who had a down year that he can bounce back and trade later on a multi year deal like Bozak or even Spezza.

 

Panthers $18,644,057

 

Can see the rebuild continuing. Maybe take advantage of deep defense pool and sign a couple guys like Seabrook or Keith and hope they have a better season and get flipped and retained later in the year or even next offseason for futures to help the rebuild.

 

Penguins $4,890,311

 

Not a tonne of cash right now but hoping these articles help enough for a bid on a top 6 player. With Jamie Benn situation testing RFA in a sort of limbo to see if a center or winger will be needed for the hole in the top 6. Getz and Wheeler loyalties were both protected during expansion so expect one of them to get the bid depending on what happens with Benn.

 

Predators $9,723,347

 

The Preds have a good returning defense already on paper and a lot of good talent in the top 6. Right now it seems the Teenage Mutant Ninja Hertl is the top center on the roster. The wings are covered with Kane, Debricant, Perron and Hertl has the option to play C/LW so would expect a big center is targeted like Zetterberg, Getzlaf, Staal or Carter. (Bergeron will get too much attention from Boston homers)

 

Rangers $7,240,581

 

Currently Hedman, Morrissey and Myers are signed up for this season but then there is a hard drop in talent. The forward group is stacked with high end talent like Malkin, Mathews, Marchand and Panarin so imagine the defense has to be the focus and a guy like Edler with an Ericsson or Greene would round out this roster nicely.

 

Red Wings $11,329,827

 

The Wings had an awesome season last year that ended in a disappointing first round exit so expect them to be very active to get this team into a deeper playoff run this year. The team does have loyalty on Crawford however it is doubtful they bring him back because of the emergence of Hellybuck last season. The defense is also very good so the focus will likely be on a forward. This team has some real high end talent and may be just one big piece away from being a real threat this season. Can see them going all in for a Bergeron, Staal or Carter.

 

Sabres $6,447,481

 

I believe the Sabres have signaled they want to be competitive this year and try and get back to the teams early success. But if they are going to be any kind of competitive they need a starting tender. Again imagine they start in on Crawford however lots of teams will be and can see the attention shifting to one of Miller or Lundqvist to test their loyalty. The high end scoring is there with Crosby, Radulov and Palat but then it drops off so can see a Nash or Perry being targeted for some secondary offence. But the big need is on the blue line. Right now Ristolainen, Schmidt and Zadorov are the top 3 then the talent dries up. Can see a couple different guys getting bids like Hamhius, Chara and Methot. Cant see any real big ticket guys getting signed all 2^nd tier just because of the multiple holes and goalie crunch with a limited bank account.

 

Senators $2,881,216

 

With Holtby’s piss poor rerate the Sens are in unfamiliar waters in need of a starting tender. Again Crawford will probably be initial target but wouldn’t be surprised if the focus shifted to Miller or Lundqviust as others drive the price up on the one goalie not receiving an offer which involves a loyalty. Besides a starting tender Cobourn, Martinez and Edler are all UFAs this season leaving a huge hole on kirks back end. Imagine he tires to resign Martinez or Edler but probably ends up bidding on a Russell or Emelin to help fill up that blue line for another cup run. Will be tough with very limited cash perhaps the goalie situation is more likely to be settled via trade with one of the forwards then the focus will be mainly on the blue line for free agency.

 

Sharks $2,210,561

 

Figure the rebuild continues this season. Can see a Getzlaf or Sedin try to be signed and traded with retention later on for future pieces to help the rebuild. Maybe even a couple depth forwards like Zajac, Beagle or Brodziak that would be moved closer to deadline. More likely we see the depth guys being signed because there is not a lot in the bank to cover a decent signing bonus on a bid or pay the fines for trading them later on.

 

Stars $23,881,929

 

First things first the Stars need a starter and will more than likely dangle their loyalty on Miller to try and bring him back to the big D. Outside of the net the team is very deep down the middle with Couturier, Scheifle and O’Reilly (depending how his RFA market goes). Then on the blue line they have Ellis, Spurgeon and Petriangelo and then a hard drop. Can see a winger like Perry being targeted then some defense like Chara, Hamhius or Martinez. Depending if they Can get Miller off the board quick and at a descent price would likely go after one of the big D like Byfuglien or Subban. They have the cash to make some very good signing bonus offers.

 

Stoners $10,000,000

 

During the expansion draft GM Rex selected loyalties on Carter, Subban and Burns so I would think its safe to assume he will be trying to land one of them to trade and retain later on for futures. But with only $10 mill cash he will likely only be able to sign one of them once you factor in the signing bonuses they will likely be receiving.

 

Wild $10,000,000

 

Another GM who is going through the Free Agent process for the first time and will likely want to dive in head first and get involved. First on the list is a starting tender and expect him to be another in on Crawford to start and possibly shift over or settle on a Lehtonen. After that the defense has the most holes. Depending how the goalie situation goes he may not have enough cash to resign Suter even with the loyalty and will likely be reaching out to Seabrook to return as well as a Hainsey, Hamhius or Girardi.