Today is a sad day at NHL Hot Stove as we close up shop.

I would like to thank every one who has ever contributed, commented and read our site. It was a fantastic ride which unfortunately we can no longer keep up.

Myself and David Strehle are taking on bigger roles at RLDHockey.net while Dustin Leed and The Hockey Guys has been generous enough to give a home to our other excellent contributors. Please be kind enough to give both sites a read.

The NHL announced tonight that they will change their current six-division setup into four conferences. For the first time since 1998, the League’s board of governors reached an agreement that not only alters the current outlook but also will allow every team to play a home-and-home series. The NHLPA will still need to approve the realignment but that appears to be a formality at this point.

These four conferences break down as the following:

Conference 1

Vancouver Canucks
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
San Jose Sharks
Anaheim Ducks
Colorado Avalanche
Phoenix Coyotes

Conference 2

Winnipeg Jets
Detroit Red Wings
Chicago Blackhawks
St. Louis Blues
Nashville Predators
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Minnesota Wild

Conference 3

Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Florida Panthers
Tampa Bay Lightning

Conference 4

Pittsburgh Penguins
Philadelphia Flyers
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
New Jersey Devils
Carolina Hurricanes
Washington Capitals

The current playoff configuration will also change with the first two playoff series coming within the Conference. However, eight teams will still make the show but there should be much more parity. For example, a team in a ‘weaker’ division would not be allowed to grab the third seed if they narrowly make the playoffs.

Furthermore, the schedule works out well for all teams. Home-and-home series should account for roughly 44-46 games with the remaining games getting played in rivalries within the conference. This change, as well as keeping natural rivals like Pittsburgh and Philadelphia; Chicago and Detroit; Calgary and Edmonton; should pave way for more excitement and interest around North America.

Now that we have the details down, let’s get to the fun part. What do we name these conferences? Do they get the old names: Norris, Campbell, Adams and Patrick? Do we rename them something more current like Gretzky, Lemieux, Howe and Orr? Put your vote in below and give some write-ins into the comments.

By Alexander Monaghan
President

Yesterday, we let you in on our contest to play a ‘One Day FREE Fantasy Contest‘ to win $100 in cash prizes from Draft Steet. Well, I signed up, How about you?

Here’s my lineup, I challenge you to beat this roster:

LW: Zach Parise — $11,018
LW: Daniel Sedin — $14,799

RW: Bryan Little — $5,941
RW: Martin St. Louis — $13,081

C: Mark Letestu — $5,990
C: Valtteri Filppula — $6,118

D: Niklas Kronwall — $6,547
D: P.K. Subban — $7,817

G: Jonathan Quick — $20,665
G: Brian Gionta — $7,976

Do you have what it takes to defeat a fantasy hockey expert? CLICK HERE to sign up for free and register for NHL Hot Stove $100 Freeroll on DraftStreet.com. Entry is free of charge while you get a chance of earning $100. No brainer if you ask me…

If you haven’t heard, there is a new trend in the world of fantasy sports. Fantasy enthusiasts all over the country are now participating in daily fantasy leagues for cash on DraftStreet.com. We’ve partnered up with Draftstreet to do a FREE one-day fantasy league with $100 in prizes exclusively for NHL Hot Stove readers.

This is a salary cap league where everyone tries to assemble the best team out of the available players. You will have a $100,000 budget to build a team of 2 LW’s, 2 RW’s, 2 Center’s, 2 Defensive players, 1 Goalie, and a FLEX. Each NHL player has been allocated a price based on their expected fantasy performance. For example, star LW Alex Ovechkin costs $14,331 where as RW Jarome Iginla costs $12,256.

You can adjust your roster up until the contest start’s on Thursday 10/13 at 7:00pm ET at which time your rosters will lock and the Live Scoreboard will be available.

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By Alexander Monaghan
President

By kaatiya (DSC_0049) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/ licenses/by/2.0)

Playing in a hockey city like Ottawa can be taxing on a player — they are recognized everywhere they go, praised when they do well and berated when they don’t. Couple that with his deteriorating relationship with then head coach Cory Clouston and the two sides simply agreed to disagree.

GM Bryan Murray admitted at the time that replacing a player the calibre of Heater would be much easier said than done. From ESPN.com news services:

“It’s hard to give up 50 goals,” Murray told reporters. “He didn’t get it last year — a lot of people underachieved — but Dany Heatley is that caliber of goal scorer. To be better than that is going to be difficult, there’s no question.”

While his goals decreased from back-t0-back 50 goals seasons into seasons of 41 and 39 goals, he still led the team in goal scoring in both seasons while his other counterparts in the C.A.S.H. line saw their numbers sputter. The team went from a dominant first line with a excellent supporting cast, into a one-trick pony in need of shaking some things up.

Even with Heatley, the team fell out of contention, finishing the year 11th in the Eastern Conference with 83 points. They weren’t close, and while his demands came at the wrong time, the feeling was probably more mutual than Clouston, Murray and the team’s brass ever let on.

They painted Heatley as a villian. A selfish player who could not sacrifice himself for the good of the organization. When they made awful personnel moves like trading speedy forward Antoine Vermette for the injury prone Pascal Leclaire or letting Zdeno Chara go in favor of Wade Redden, they could now blame Heatley.

By Dan4th (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dan4th /4354880364/) [CC-BY-2.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/2.0)

His regression came full circle. Coming from a team like San Jose that was previously filled with “playoff chokers”, he was singled out and traded for an question mark and former-Senator Martin Havlat. To put this trade into perspective, Havlat already went under the knife with offseason shoulder surgery and produced less than Heatley last season. He, along with Devin Setoguchi, were deemed expendable as the Sharks continue their quest for their first Stanley Cup.

To reiterate: the Senators felt spurned, cheated, hurt, etc by Heatley’s trade demands. He likely felt the same way with San Jose, when he was shipped out of town due to his postseason disappearing act — three goals and nine points through 18 games.

When Heatley and his now-fourth organization the Minnesota Wild come to town tonight, How will the Sens fans react? When questioned by James Gordon of Senators Extra, a resounding 65 percent of voters claimed “he betrayed this team and this city”. Every time he touches the puck in Scotiabank Place, he should expect to hear the boos.

After leaving, the Sens actually managed to make the playoffs in the 2009-2010 campaign, falling six points shy of the Northeast Division lead. While the team lost 17 goals by essentially swapping Milan Michalek with Heatley, the short-term damage was minimal. Last season, the difference was only eight tallies, which probably would not have been the difference maker in a season where they finished 29th in goals scored. If healthy this season, Michalek could score in excess of 25 goals, which should make Sens fans feel slightly better about the ‘lopsided’ trade.

Yet, they still feel spurned. A good Canadian boy who should have led them to a championship felt the need to leave for greener pastures and deny this franchise a legitimate chance at the Cup. The city of Ottawa seems poised to never forget this tragedy, and probably won’t forgive even after he retires.

The moral of this story: Don’t F*ck with Ottawa.

Good evening Wild fans, I hope everyone out there is having a great 4th of July weekend. We can celebrate not only our freedom this weekend, but the fact that our favorite team is making some aggressive moves to speed up their progress to the playoffs. I will say though I still don’t see them making the playoffs for at least two years; GM Chuck Fletcher is making some solid moves to build this team for the future with a lot of young talent.

During the NHL draft the Wild made their first huge splash by trading, fan favorite and 2003 first round pick, Brent Burns and a second round draft pick to the San Jose for Devin Setoguchi, Charlie Coyle, and a first round draft pick; where they chose Zach Phillips.

To some Wild fans, this came as a bit of a shock. There was talk throughout the state about moving Burns but I don’t think anyone was really thinking it would happen. I was continuously preaching that we should keep Burns and build our defense around him. With the solid play of Marco Scandella and Jared Spurgeon, there was a lot of upside by a Burns lead defense.

Martin Havlat (VirtKitty/Flickr)

Yet, everyday that I look at this trade I like it more and more. The one thing that I feel that everyone is overlooking is that Burns has had to battle concussion issues over the last three seasons and completely overhauled his game this last year so it wouldn’t (potentially) happen again and meant a less physical presence on the ice. Burns played in 80 games last season after missing the last 19 in 08-09 and almost half the season in 09-10. Not to take away anything from a solid player, everyone was excited by how he ended his season in 07-08. He was stepping up delivering crushing hits and sticking up for his teammates getting into a couple solid fights. Last season I can only remember him hugging an opponent in St. Louis to protect himself from potential blows to the head (which I totally understand and agree with), but since the concussion he hasn’t been the same player.

Setoguchi is going to give the Wild a solid scoring threat to their second line and improve last years’ punch-less offense. Prospect Coyle is committed to the Boston University next year and if you saw his play in the WJC earlier this year, Coyle has a ton of upside that he will bring to the team in physical play and adding to the offense. The Wild then took Phillips of the QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs with the pick they received from San Jose. Phillips is another potential scoring threat who put up 95 points in 67 games, as long as the Wild can continue his development. Though I don’t see either Coyle or Phillips getting called up for at least two years, the talent that Fletcher is amassing should give any Wild fan hope.

WILD ACQUIRE HEATLEY

The Wild were not done making moves when last night another big trade came with San Jose, the Wild traded forward Martin Havlat for Dany Heatley.

After the departure of Marian Gaborik the Wild were looking to replace his scoring and talent by picking up then free agent Havlat. Havlat never seemed to live up to his potential here and often seemed to mirror Gaborik’s play when he wanted to mentality. Just a one way player Havlat never found the right chemistry with any of the line matchups given to him throughout the season. Playing on the second line Havlat often times had problems seeing eye to eye with former coach Todd Richards.

Since coming in to the NHL in 05-06, Heatley is one of the best in the league. Ranking first in power play goals and game winning goals he is going to give the Wild a much needed jump in offense they have needed the last couple of years. Being able to play on the PP and is more of a two-way play than Havlat was it is an instant upgrade Wild fans are going to love.

Gaining solid veteran play in Heatley and the youth to build around for the future the next two-three years Wild fans are going to have a lot to look forward to. Potentially watching Setoguchi, Mikael Granlund, Johan Larson, Phillips, Coyle, Jason Zucker, and Jonas Brodin come up and make impact on this team, the future is looking very bright.

Josh Sargent
NHLHS Wild correspondent
Twitter: @Josh_Sargent

It has been quite some time since I’ve sat down at a computer, any computer for that matter, and typed about the National Hockey League.

In that time, the team I consider the reason for breathing some nights, the Philadelphia Flyers, were embarrassed in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the (hat tip) eventual Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins, the salary cap took yet another raise into Christmas in July (Free Agent Frenzy). The aforementioned Flyers completely dismantled its core from head to toe — though the news of the departure of Jeff Carter was music to these ears — and the San Jose Sharks and Minnesota Wild made a trade that will be soon put on a list with the rest of lopsided trades in the history of the NHL.

Ok, maybe not that exaggerated, however, let’s be real here.  How does anyone get away with trading a player with a statistical history such as Dany Heatley. Wait, wait what was that? Oh, Heatley has only five playoff goals in 32 playoff games with the Sharks where Havlat has 12 playoff goals in his last 26 playoff games; guessing that’s the logic behind Mr. Wilson and his madness.

Or maybe that Shark crest is simply haunted to anyone who plays for it? Who am I to say?

Taking a deeper look into the issues the Sharks have had this off-season will give GM Doug Wilson his walking papers in due time.

Dany Heatley (Dan4th/Flickr)

Was it not the same man, and the same team, to ship Milan Michalek and Jonathan Cheechoo to the Ottawa Senators for Heater in the first place?  Then you decide to move, prior to yesterday’s debacle, Devin Setoguchi and now you take the man that you paid a decent price for, and ship him out for a fragile, flash in the pan player making only $2.5 million  less?

Heatley has one season (not counting ’03-’04) where he was unable to reach the 30 goals or more plateau. That was this prior season. So let’s throw away a perennial 30 goal man for a player who has had one……..YES you read that correctly, ONE entire season with 30 goals or better (Havlat ended the ’03-’04 campaign with 31 goals).

Considering the nature of the beast, known as the business side of Hockey Operations, players will come and go with the blink of an eye. Christian Ehrhoff saw, similar to the situation with Dan Hamhuis last year, that you can be part of three teams in one twenty four hour period. He also remembers getting traded from the Sharks for essentially cap space. But when your team is cursed, if you believe in that sort of thing, and you go through previous coaching and player changes, why ship out one of the better players from your roster for one who hasn’t proven anything more then said player?

There really is only one answer: You DON’T (unless you are Wilson).

I’d love to know what’s in your smoke pipe in your office Mr. Wilson because what I have seen take place over the course of the last few days has me pondering how close of friends you and Paul Holmgren truly are. And kudos to Brian Burke and the Toronto Maple Leafs, acquiring two injury-prone centers totally spells out “playoff potential”. Sheesh…that’s another one for another time.

At least Mikko Koivu has some goal scorers to finish off his passes on his line now.

NHL Hot Stove Staff

Just as everyone was getting comfortable and ready for bed, the Minnesota Wild and San Jose Sharks turn up the volume with a massive trade. Sending Sharks forward Dany Heatley to the Wild for Martin Havlat.

According to TSN insider Bob McKenzie, who graciously made us aware of the deal while on vacation, the deal is official and will see a swap of former super stars.

The Sharks are essentially swapping a goal scorer in Heatley for a similar player in Havlat, who has seemed to have kicked the injury bug playing in 70-plus games the last three seasons. This past season Havlat scored 22 goals for 62 points in 78 games.

Never having true success in San Jose, Heatley will now play for his fourth NHL club. This past season Heatley scored 26 goals for 64 points in 80 games.

Clearly both teams contingents are comfortable with each other after dealing Devin Setoguchi for Brent Burns last week. It will be interesting to see which team actually wins this trade. As both players have issues on the ice. Havlat is entering the better situation, having Joe Thornton passing him the puck we could see him hit the 30 goal mark for the second time (2003-04) in his career.

Havlat is signed with the Sharks for the next four seasons at a $5 million cap hit. While Heatley is signed on at three more years at a $7.5 million hit.

Christian Ehrhoff and James Wisniewski never even hit the open market. Two teams, actually three teams if you include the New York Islanders, traded for their rights and re-signed them to mega-deals — the type of contract you scoff at, open market or not. As explained previously, this market has shifted in a player-oriented direction with offensive, puck-moving defensemen at a premium.  Younger, dominant puck-moving defensemen that is.

Both Wisniewski and Ehrhoff could be classified as powerplay specialists and are both coming off career seasons. While Tomas Kaberle just won the Stanley Cup, the Boston Bruins essentially did not need him as much as could be expected. He only scored one goal in 49 games as a Bruin, putting none in the back of the net during his 25 postseason games. At this point, their GM Peter Chiarelli is playing hard ball, not willing to overspend after already sacrificing a solid package during the regular season.

However, there may yet be hope for the 33-year-old Kaberle, who enters his second day of free agency in his career.

Prior to getting traded to Columbus, Wisniewski discussed a shortlist of six-to-eight teams that both held the cap space appropriate and needed a defenseman of his stature. He admitted the Columbus Blue Jackets were one of them, and by all accounts likely the Buffalo Sabres as well, but which other clubs could he have indicated? The Minnesota Wild hold both the cap space and the need after trading away Brent Burns but also hold veteran Marek Zidlicky on their roster — a very similar player. Perhaps the Los Angeles Kings could upgrade there as well if their presumed Plan A of Brad Richards falters. Regardless, an aging player like Kaberle likely does not fit into either of their plans organically.

Considering the sparse market for a puck-mover, Kaberle may now be forced to take a lesser role on a winning team. You mean like the Bruins? Yes, the Bruins are an option if they prefer him to the younger Steve Kampfer. He could also replace Brian Rafalski on the Detroit Red Wings or the big minutes of Robyn Regehr in Calgary. Nevertheless, to do this, he actually might have to take a pay cut.

So now the question becomes: How important is it for Kaberle to win? After coming off a Cup-winning season, he could decide he wants more money. Maybe the New York Islanders will offer him a market value deal and for a couple of years he will help groom some of their kids. He spent many lowly seasons in a Toronto Maple Leafs uniform, perhaps he is used to it by now. Maybe, it is all he knows.

After a poor season for a good player, it is hard gauge what the League thinks of him, although I find it telling he was not signed on the first day of free agency. Then again, many top players were not.

Kaberle earned $4.25 million last season in the final year of his sweetheart, five-year contract signed after the 2006 season. He played well below market value as the top defenseman on every one of those teams and now after getting a taste of winning, likely wants a better paycheck. An increase in salary would indicate he is in fact a better player than Ehrhoff or worth a similar amount to Wisniewski. At 33, with declining skills, he is neither of these things. He would be lucky to receive a contract in excess of four seasons and in a similar range to his current pay.

In this market, some team might pay it, but all depends on what is more important. Winning or money, Tomas? Puck is in your end of the ice…

By Brandon Macdonald
NHL Hot Stove Editor

It’s almost that time of year again, hockey fans. The spot on everyone’s calendar that reads “Free Agent Frenzy” also known as July 1st. It’s the time when teams assess their needs and attempt to replenish via free agency. There are always one or two headliners every year, but the depth of the 2011 free agent class is not quite comparable to past years. There is only one current superstar and a ton of depth players available for negotiations come Friday.

Here at NHLhotstove.com, we have many writers covering various teams around the League so for more in-depth analysis on your favorite team, continue to check the site for up-to-date news. Just for fun, let’s look over a list of what I believe are the Top-10 most coveted free agents of the 2011 free agent season. Feel free to leave your own top 10 list in the comment section or send me an email with your thoughts.

Honorable mentions: Tyler Kennedy, Fredrik Sjostrom, Shane O’Brien, Chris Higgins, Ray Emery and Mike Smith

Photo Credit: lindsay_rockstar.

#10 – Maxime Talbot, 27, Pittsburgh Penguins, 2010-11 cap hit $2.6 million

Last season statistics: 82 GP/8G/13A/60PIM/-3

Although Talbot is not going to wow you with his offensive prowess, he brings the kind of grit and hustle to the table that every team would welcome with open arms. Throughout the years he became a solid third line centre who has the ability to get under the opposing team’s skin and who has shown an ability to score some important goals (Don’t click Red Wing fans). Talbot would be a good fit with teams that are looking to round out their bottom six with role players.

Where he will land: Detroit Red Wings

#9 – Ville Leino, 27, Philadelphia Flyers, 2010-11 cap hit $800k

Last season statistics: 81GP/19G/34A/22PIM/+14

After being acquired by the Flyers for Ole-Kristian Tollefsen in 2009, Leino proved his worth with a fantastic post season and continued the solid play in 2010-11. He was an intricate part of the Flyers offence during both the regular season and post season. With dynamic speed and puck handling ability Leino will undoubtedly receive a large raise from his $800 k cap hit and a multi-year deal is in his future.

With the massive overhaul on the Philadelphia front line, one would assume it would be in GM Paul Holmgren‘s best interests to retain the 27-year-old Finn as he enters the prime of his career.

Where he will land: Philadelphia Flyers

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#8 – Erik Cole, 32, Carolina Hurricanes, 2010-11 cap hit $2.9 million

Last season statistics: 82GP/26G/26A/49PIM/-1

The curious case of Erik Cole –the man that only seems to find his top game in Carolina. Even during the lockout season while playing with Berlin Polar Bears in Germany, Cole managed to score only six goals in 39 games. He was welcomed back to Carolina via a trade after signing with Edmonton in 2008. This past season was Cole’s best since 2007, he scored 26 times and played in all 82 games. This is a good sign for him, as it’s the first time in his NHL career he played the entire campaign.

It only makes sense that the Hurricanes keep Cole, especially considering shootout specialist Jussi Jokinen and Chad LaRose are both set to hit the open market. Cole would be a good fit with teams wanting that extra scoring depth on the wing, as he could log considerable minutes on the second line and even fill in on the top line pending injuries. The Canes are in desperate need for scoring depth as they saw what happened last year when they relied on Eric Staal and Calder trophy winner Jeff Skinner for the bulk of scoring.

Where he will land: Carolina Hurricanes

#7 – Tomas Kaberle, 33, Boston Bruins, 2010-11 cap hit $4.25 million

Last season statistics: 82GP/4G/43A/18PIM/+4

It’s yet to be seen if Kaberle will be back with the Bruins next season. After a less-than-stellar debut with the team, it seemed like he settled into his role throughout the playoffs, especially after seeing significantly less minutes than he was used to getting in Toronto. Fitting in on the second defensive pair with Adam McQuaid, his role changed. He wasn’t the power play saviour that the team expected, yet he did lead Bruins defenceman in scoring in the playoffs with 11 assists.

It all comes down to the numbers in regards to GM Peter Chiarelli‘s decision to pursue the Czech native. If he can get Kaberle at his previous cap hit, it seems like he will remain in Boston. However, there are cheaper options for the Bruins out there— albeit not many — and they have a young puck moving defenceman in Steven Kampfer waiting in the wings for his chance. Some have speculated that Kaberle could end up back in Toronto, but that seems like a long shot.

Where he will end up: Boston Bruins

Now the next three picks are, in my opinion, interchangeable.

#6 – Simon Gagne, 31, Tampa Bay Lightning, 2010-11 cap hit $2.5 million

Last season statistics: 63GP/17G/23A/20PIM/-12

One of the biggest question marks when it comes to free agency is: What do you offer Gagne? He is an aging veteran with a history of injury issues, but managed to play in 63 games this past season. For the second straight year Gagne chipped in with 17 goals and there is nothing saying he isn’t capable of hitting the 20-25 mark again in his career. If he can stay healthy and play with a playmaking centre, that is almost a given.

The problem when it comes to Gagne is how much money would he accept. Nobody wants to lowball a veteran with success at the NHL level, but take into account his past. Gagne has nothing to prove except for playing 60-plus games per season. It’s likely that he will want to play with a Stanley Cup contender and there is a chance he could get that chance. A team like the Los Angeles Kings stick out to me as they could use a goal-scoring winger to compliment newly acquired — and former teammate — Mike Richards on the second line. The question for the Kings is whether or not they will have the cap space after locking up pending RFA Drew Doughty.

Where he will land: Los Angeles Kings

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#5 - Michael Ryder, 31, Boston Bruins, 2010-11 cap hit $4 million

Last season statistics: 79GP/18G/23A/26PIM/-1

Entering the Stanley Cup playoffs anyone connected to Boston would have told you Ryder would be donning a new sweater come next season. However, times have changed and it’s likely that opinions have as well. Ryder stepped up his game in the Bruins’ quest for Lord Stanley scoring eight goals and finishing with 17 points, which likely has other teams chomping at the bit to acquire the Newfoundland native.

The oft-criticized 31-year-old has a game changing shot, but is often found floating while wearing his invisibility cloak. When he feels like it, Ryder can be a very dangerous player. The Bruins have four skaters headed to free agency (five if you count Mark Recchi) and the cap space to retain all of their services. Chiarelli has not made any public statements on the team’s intentions to re-up Ryder, so only time will tell if he is back with the Bruins on their quest for back-to-back titles.

Eclipsing 25 goals in six of his NHL seasons should have teams looking to sign Ryder. After winning a Cup, it’s likely he will continue to ask for $4 million per season and lengthy contract that will see him continue to be paid. It’s yet to be seen if the Bruins will continue to pay that salary to a guy playing on their third line.

Where he will land: Florida Panthers

#4 – Tim Connolly, 30, Buffalo Sabres, 2010-11 cap hit $4.5 million

Last season statistics: 68GP/13G/29/20PIM/-10

Always a question as to whether or not he can stay healthy, Connolly could see a plethora of contracts tossed his way come July 1st. Having played 65-plus games the past two seasons, he could almost argue for his ability to stay healthy as he would make any team he joins better. If need be, he could serve as a number one centre, but likely would serve better as a number two. With great hands and a quick shot, Connolly would serve well on a young team looking for depth.

It seems like Connolly could stay in Buffalo, as their options at centre appear sparse, but they may have injury concerns and Connolly is likely looking for long-term contract. Nevertheless, new Sabres owner Terry Pegula proves himself as willing to spend the money to make the team better and losing Connolly does not make them a better team. With shooters like Drew Stafford, Thomas Vanek, Tyler Ennis and Brad Boyes the team will need someone to pass them the puck.

Where he will land: Buffalo Sabres

Photo Credit: bridgetds.

#3 – Tomas Vokoun, 34, Florida Panthers, 2010-11 cap hit $5.7 million

Last season statistics: 22W/28L/.922SV%/2.55GAA

In recent years the market for goaltenders has not been busy, but then again, there hasn’t been many goaltenders available like Vokoun. On an unfortunate Florida Panthers team, Vokoun has managed to maintain respectable numbers and has the title of the “best goalie on a bad team” label. Vokoun’s high cap hit may scare some teams away from taking a chance on this guy, but if put in a good situation Vokoun could flourish.

It’s not likely that the Panthers will re-sign the Czech puck stopper, nor is it likely he plans on re-signing. Testing the free agent market seems like the best idea for the aging goalie and latching onto a Cup contending team missing that extra piece could be a match made in heaven. There are a few teams that come to mind like Washington, but the Capitals have had opportunities to snag veteran goalies before and seem keen on maintaining the youthful approach in goal. Colorado seems like another choice — a young team that seems to be a few pieces away from contending in the tough West. Vokoun could be just the guy they need.

Where he will land: Colorado Avalanche

#2 – Christian Ehrhoff, 28, New York Islanders, 2010-11 cap hit $3.1 million

Last season statistics: 79GP/14G/36A/52PIM/+19

With one of the deepest defensive units in the NHL, the Vancouver Canucks will have some decisions to make come July 1st. They have the likes of Andrew Alberts, Sami Salo and Ehrhoff to re-sign, as well as a handful of forwards. With youngsters Chris Tanev and Yann Sauve in the system, they also possess some youth that can fill holes. Clearly the Canucks have some options on the back end, but Ehrhoff is a dependable asset who provides both offensive and defensive stability.

It’s not too often that teams have the chance to acquire a puck-moving defenceman who can also play in his own zone. If Ehrhoff’s camp decides to test the open market, it’s likely he will not be there for too long. His defensive mate Kevin Bieksa recently signed a five-year contract that has him at a $4.6 million cap hit per season. Ehrhoff should receive a similar contract, but the fact that Bieksa had a better postseason likely had something to do with his raise. Regardless, expect Ehrhoff to earn at least $5 million per season as the best d-man available.

After their recent acquisition of Robyn Regehr the Buffalo Sabres are closer to having a solid blue line, but adding Ehrhoff would continue to solidify their spot in the tough North East division. Say what you like about his numbers getting inflated due to a high-powered offence. Ehrhoff can get it done when leaned on.

(Editor’s note: Ehrhoff has been traded to the New York Islanders in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft)

Where he will land: Buffalo Sabres

Photo Credit: Resolute

#1 – Brad Richards, 31, Dallas Stars, 2010-11 cap hit $7.8 million

Although this years free agent class is a weak one, Richards would have reigned tall no matter who else was available. He is a legitimate number one centre and a superstar in the NHL. With soft hands and a nose for the net, Richards is the cover boy for playmaking centre any Cup contending team wants — see 2004 Lightning. He comes with the hardware, having the coveted Stanley Cup ring, as well as the Conn Smythe as the playoff MVP.

What he brings to the table is the ability to make the players around him better with his passing although he can also score the big goal. There are going to be many suitors for his talent come July 1st and it’s expect that he will make the league maximum, or close to it, with a long-term contract. Most teams in the NHL will likely put in an offer for the Price Edward Island native, but he has made it known he wants to have a chance to contend. It seems that Richards has the New York Rangers and Tampa Bay Lightning on top of his list, but with the amount of money the Lightning have locked up — without a contract for Steven Stamkos — it doesn’t seem likely for a return to Tampa.

No matter what team Richards winds up with, he will be the focal point of the team and instantly make them better. It’s going to take big money to bring him in, but in today’s NHL there are no surprises.

Where he will land: New York Rangers

This article is pure speculation from Brandon Macdonald. No sources have been used to determine potential landing zones for free agents.

Brandon Macdonald
NHLHS Editor
bmacdonald@nhlhotstove.com
Twitter @bMacdonald8