The Frenzy that is Free Agency is almost upon us…  This article would be so much easier to compile if Sumit Purba was not a member of our league.  But that’s one of the many factors that will make the next couple of weeks extremely entertaining.   Here is a breakdown of this summer’s crop, along with a few teams who may or may not target those specific players due to team needs or wants.

Sidney Crosby… What you need to know… Maybe the most appealing name available this summer is Crosby.  Arguably a top 5-7 player of all time, Sid has the highest offensive upside ratings-wise for this year.  He may put you shorthanded a few more times than you’d like, and might slack on the backcheck a bit, but he’ll be a big target for many teams who need a big offensive push at the centre position.   Possible suitors – Hawks, Habs, Preds, Sharks

Jamie Benn… What you need to know…  He’s a bit younger than I realized, and has multi-position eligibility, which is great.  Especially considering he’s good on draws.  Because he’s a couple years younger than some of our top free agents, he might garner a longer term contract.  But only time will tell if someone will get desperate and do something stupid like offering him a 5-6 year deal.  He has big upside in all rating categories this year, but is a little light in the skating department.  Possible suitors – Isles, Wild, Hawks, Blue Jackets

Anze Kopitar… What you need to know… Still a very strong all-round player.  Unless you put a ton of emphasis on weird rates like puck handling and checking, he likely edges out the others as the most well rounded ufa this summer, and can help you in multiple categories.  He had a great year which resulted in great ratings, but with age, and the fact the Kings now have a couple other options up the middle to do the things Kopitar usually does, regression will probably begin sooner rather than later.  So, the term he gets will be the most interesting thing to watch here.   Possible suitors – Blues, Flyers, Jets

 Patrice Bergeron… What you need to know… What we want to know is actually bigger than what we do know.  Many do presume he will retire, meaning this will be his last season with BRHL rates, but if that is still up in the air, will he be inked to a nice and tidy 2 year contract by one of our fearless GMs?  He currently features some fantastic rates, which could lead to a massive 1 year deal… but if some managers believes he returns, will they gamble on a 2^nd season and what would that AAV look like?  Possible suitors – Flames, Bruins, Sens

Joe Pavelski…  What you need to know… He’ll score lots, hit a bit, and won’t ever take a dumb penalty, but his skating is a little on the iffy side.  If you need a RWer though, there aren’t many better options.  He’s getting up there in age, but also doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so he’s undoubtedly going to be rewarded with a couple years’ worth of term.  Possible suitors – Leafs, Sabres, Penguins

Adam Henrique… What you need to know… Outside of the top few names with the most star-power, Henrique might have the best blend of scoring and defense.   He put up a great season despite the generally weak Ducks players he suited up with.  A breakthrough year from one or two of the Ducks highly-touted young centremen, could lead to an even better season for Henrique.  Being multi-position eligible means, he should garner plenty of attention too.  Possible suitors – Devils, Avs, Blue Jackets

David Perron… What you need to know… Perron features no major weaknesses, and sports plenty of offensive abilities heading into the season.  He can play both wings, and has incredible puck handling skills.  He just had his 35^th birthday, but still has a primo gig with the Wings, so if he slows down a ton this season, it’s his own fault.  But don’t bet on it.  Possible suitors – Devils, Lightning, Sens, Wings

Jason Zucker… What you need to know… Despite being small and helpless on defense, Zucker can score and hit.  So, you know he’ll be high on a few teams’ lists.  He’s 31 too, so will get term.  As long as he’s playing with Sid or Geno, he’ll have lots of upside for big seasons, but those days will probably end at some point.  And will probably end before whatever BRHL contract does that he signs.  Possible suitors – Coyotes, Kraken, Sharks, Habs

Josh Anderson… What you need to know… Anderson is still a big body that can chip in and score some goals when needed.  He’s also not a liability on defense either.  He did prove again this season that he is a terrible puck handler and passer… which might lead to lots of turnovers, who knows how the sim actually works… but the intimidation factor is appealing as long as he doesn’t spend too much time in the box.  Possible suitors – Hurricanes, Oilers, Stars

Charlie Coyle… What you need to know… Coyle is an absolute beast defensively.  For anyone looking for help in that department or on the PK, he will be an intriguing option.  His weakness is puck handling, but he can actually chip in offensively in addition to being a great skater, great defender, and an absolute beast in the faceoff circle.  Possible suitors – Caps, Ducks, Sabres

Matt Duchene… What you need to know… Duchene is the best skater amongst this year’s crop of free agents.  His defense is iffy, so he would need to played on a line that makes up for that, but despite coming off of a bit of a down season, he’s still an 80+ passer and scorer.  If he finds a resurgence in the Lonestar State, he could be a worthwhile investment not only for this season, but for at least the following couple.  Possible suitors – Blues, Knights, Red Wings

Yanni Gourde… What you need to know… He can check, pass, play defense, and win some draws.  He is a bit on the small side, but is without question the best free agent available that can play all forward positions.   At 31, he has plenty of road in front of him, and because he is so versatile, will likely be logging big minutes for several years to come.  He might get lots of term, but we’ll see how crazy people get.  Possible suitors – Bruins, Canucks, Rangers

Brian Rust… What you need to know… He’s a solid skater and puck handler.  He can chip in offensively while being responsible in his own end.   Most teams looking to compete will have to fill out their middle six, and Rust would be a perfect fit for just about everyone.   He’s still on the younger side, and has made multiple seasons around a point a game.  Possible suitors – Jackets, Kraken, Sharks

Tj Oshie… What you need to know… Although he is defensively challenged and has difficulty staying out of the box, Oshie can still find the back of the net, which is one of the most important things in our sport.  He does turn 37 early this season, so it will be interesting to see if gets multiple years, especially if GMs figure he’ll take a step back.  Possible suitors – Panthers, Leafs, and Red Wings

Zach Parise… What you need to know… He’s not much of a passer, but can defend and score.  And that is all BRHL GMs really care about deep down inside.  At 38 father time is bearing down on him though.  He is one of the oldest free agents.  So, we shall see if he attracts a big one-year ticket, or if someone desperate with limited cap space gives him multiple seasons.  Possible suitors – Avs, Jets, Oiler

Kevin Hayes… What you need to know… Hayes is a big, strong man who can pass the puck well, and only just turned 31.  His ratings are no better than middle six, but a return to form may be in order after moving over to St Louis.  Possible suitors – Caps, Flyers, Wild, Pens

Garnet Hathaway… What you need to know… He’s big, he hits, and he defends well.  He won’t be contributing for anyone’s top 6, but he appears to be that prototypical sim darling that can be plugged in near the bottom of the lineup, along with a nice PK gig.  Possible suitors – Preds, Jets, Stars