UFA 2019 Preview
Let the spending spree begin
2019 UFA Spending spree
UFA is always a fun time of year as guys blow their bank looking for that one or two guys that put them over the top. This year, there is a nice cohort of UFA from players that teams will offer big money for one year deal (see all the goalies!) vs those that teams will try and sign to big money multi-year deals like Ovechkin. Giordano or McDonagh. This might be the best UFA class due to the high quality at the top end of the list.
1. Alex Ovechkin – Should break the bank on a multiyear deal and might get the biggest overall contract in BRHL history. The guy just keeps scoring despite his age. What team can afford 30mil in signing bonuses and a 12 mil per year deal? 90 mil total deal may happen? Not many have that kind of cash and cap space. Flames, Devils, Knights, Oilers, Wild all have the cash and cap space to make a 5 year deal happen. Will it be a multi year deal that makes it happen. If so, it will only be one of the these few teams.
2. Mark Giordano - I suspect a two year deal and the 10% bonus for the team holding rights may play a major roll. Giordano is putting up Norris calibre number this year with a very strong two way game. The Pens cannot afford everyone but a 10% advantage is big when it comes to a big deal like this. I suspect they do try to resign him and let Getzlaf walk.
3. Dustin Bufyglien – Big Buff got a big deal this past offseason and I suspect another ridiculous deal that someone will retain 50% on so that they can acquire a top pick! Durability more an issue this year.
4. Marc Andre Fleury – one of the myriad of teams needing a top goaltender with so many on expiring contracts will step up for the top netminder available. One year deal will be the go for several of these guys.
5. Roberto Luongo – see MAF. 2ndbest netminder available
6. Devan Dubnyk – see MAF. 3rdbest netminder available
7. Ryan McDonagh – quietly having a great season for the NHL leading lightning. Plays second fiddle to Hedman but is an outstanding two way game that will rate extremely highly.
8. Shea Weber – the veteran keeps having a real impact on the game. Despite not playing to near xmas and durability will be an issue, at the time of writing has 13 goals and plays both pk and pp time. His rates will remain superb. Can he garner another multi year deal? I suspect so. My Jets would love to add a two-way veteran dman like him for sure even if durability is an issue!
9. Ben Bishop – see MAF – 4thbest netminder available. Guys numbers been fantastic but durability remains an issue. One year deal for sure.
10.Jon Quick – see MAF. 5th best netminder available for the myriad of guys seeking a one year deal
11.Paul Statsny – injury riddled first year in the desert still sees Paul contributing offensively. 2ndline center rates will see him score a nice contract and raise.
12.Eric Staal – quality veterans are always of value, especially if they put the puck in the net like this guy. Someone will need goals and will overpay for him, but on a one year deal is manageable.
13.Keith Yandle – This guy keeps putting up good offensive numbers and decent defensive stats means his overall rating is solid. Is he as good as the guys above, no, but his durability and overall rates should translate into a very solid deal.
14.Andy Greene – 99 def will see get another short contract for the veteran leader and dman. Greene slightly higher than Chara as likely deal will be more cap palatable.
15.Zdeno Chara – 99 def and some contribution offensively will see him get another solid contract.
Honorable mentions: Nik Hjalmarsson, Justin Braun Joe Thornton David Krejci Valteri Filpulla
