UFA Primer Forward Edition

Now that we are done drafting the kids, let's take a look at the top available free agents

Rankings are based off of the formula used by the cup winning GM Junya Kato.  Let's see what he has to say about the available guys.

 

1. Zach Parise (LW) - Surprise, surprise, Zach attack is at the top!  Parise is getting old, but still putting up some decent numbers.  With this free agent class being very thin, he will be overpaid.  Since he also injury prone, I don't see a long term deal for him.  Trade bait written all over this guy.

 

2. Alex Ovechkin (LW) - Ovi's SC will be the prize of free agency.  Everyone is all horned up for the 97SC and willing to overlook other rates.  His contract may be record setting because of this.  Anything is possible with his contract.  Long term and high cap hit...sure that could happen.  1 year crazy high cap...absolutely an option.  Will be very intriguing what he will get.  This will probably set the tone for free agency.

 

3. David Krejci (C) - I can hear Greg rolling his eyes on this one.  Krejci is a still a great playmaker and will get a decent contract.  Even though his SC is just average, there will still be a bidding war on his 92PA.  Since his rating is in the 90s, people will forget that this year was an anomoly.  I can't see anyone giving him a long term deal paying him like a top line center.

 

4. Mats Zuccarello (RW) - Zuc had a great year even though he sustained a big injury.  He came back and still put up great numbers in the playoffs for the NHL Stars.  He is a free agent, so where he goes can really help the term he gets for his BRHL contract.  I can see him getting a 1 year tradable deal or a long term deal since he's only 31.

 

5. Paul Statsny (C) - This guy will be very similar to Krejci.  Both should get roughly the same contract.  Statsny does come with a higher DF which may get him a bigger contract than Krejci, but shouldn't by much.  More overpayment for a middle 6 center.

 

6. Mikko Koivu (C) - Koivu's offensive numbers are noticably lower than Krejci and Statsny, but his DF is very high.  People will over pay for the DF and get a salary close to top 6 center when he is a 3rd line center on a contending team.  

 

7. Paul Byron (C/LW/RW) - What?  Did I just read Paul fricken Byron?  Yes you did.  This is how sad this FA class is.  The great thing about Byron is that he is versitile.  He plays all three forward positions and knows how to give the best rusty trombones.  His ratings are all just mediocre, but he will get overpaid as well.

 

8. Brad Richardson (C/LW) - This guy is def getting overpaid!  High DF, yes please!  High SC, shut up and take my money!  This guy is going to get money close to the top 3 centers, even though he shouldn't be, the 96FO will help with that.  I can't wait to see what he gets.

 

9. Joe Thornton (C) - Jesus, who needs a center?  Jumbo Joe is the 4th center only forward to be in the top 10.  Joe's PA isn't as bad I thought it would be.  Mid 80s PA and FO rates are the only thing that he really offers.  Still will be overpaid.  I think FA has always had inflatted salaries, but this year will be more so than ever.  

 

10. Derek Ryan (C/LW/RW) - (Sigh) Derek Ryan is going to get less than the guys above him, but he may end up with salary close to his value.  He plays all 3 forward positions, has high DF and FO.  Has everything except the SC and PA.  This is the type of player I would go after to see if I can get a bargain for my bottom 6.  Yes, we are talking about bottom 6 players at the 10th best available free agent.  If you planned on using FA to really help your team, you are screwed!

 

GM Kato saw this abomination ahead of him and has already made plans to have a full roster after his sign and trades are completed.  This is the most pathetic FA, class since he has joined the league 4 years ago.  He is glad to see that his competitors will not be able to improve their teams substantially and cannot wait to start his defense of the title.

Login to Post Comments