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.

As predicted, it didn’t take very long for Bruce Boudreau to resurface on the NHL head coaching map. After being dismissed from his post with the Washington Capitals on Monday, Boudreau didn’t even have time to make it to the proverbial unemployment line.

Boudreau produced a 201-88-40 record in Washington. Anaheim hopes for similar success. (Photo credit: Jean Levac, Postmedia News)

When the Anaheim Ducks fired Randy Carlyle following Wednesday night’s 4-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, the team swooped in and hired the 56-year-old Boudreau to be his replacement.

The irony of the situation is many feel that Boudreau’s demise in Washington was hastened by an incident that occurred late in a November 1st meeting between the Capitals and Anaheim. Washington trailed by a goal late in regulation time, and Boudreau left captain and face of the franchise Alex Ovechkin on the bench with his club in dire need of a tying goal. Ovechkin was caught on camera uttering some unrepeatable phrases, and it seemed his play was rather indifferent for the rest of the month. Even though the team tied it and went on to win in overtime that night, it appeared that Boudreau’s fate with the Caps was sealed that night.

As pointed out in the aftermath of Boudreau’s firing in Washington, he absolutely deserved a better fate, but something had to be done.

Now just a month later to the day, Boudreau is at the helm of those very same Ducks.

Carlyle’s circumstances was very similar. Before Wednesday’s win, Anaheim had been in a horrific tailspin. Even with the victory against the Canadiens, the club had gone just 2-7-1 in their last 10 games, and 3-12-4 in the last 19. Their 7-13-4 record has the Ducks battling the Columbus Blue Jackets for the basement spot in the Western Conference.

Coaching the team since the 2005-06 campaign, Carlyle posted a 273-182-6 mark in Anaheim. His biggest accomplishment was in his second year with the organization, as he guided the team to a Stanley Cup championship in 2007.

One of the biggest disappointments for Anaheim this season has been their almost total lack of offense. In their last 16 losses, the club has mustered a measly 32 goals. The Ducks’ big line of Bobby Ryan, Ryan Getzlaf, and Corey Perry have all slumped this year, leading to persistent rumors that Ryan is on the trading block.

Look for the intensity of those rumors to calm down for a period of adjustment to the new coach, and for management to assess their club’s needs and Ryan’s performance.

It might be perceived that Boudreau is taking over in a climate that is much the same as what he experienced with the Capitals. The Ducks are a team that thrives when the big line produces, and Anaheim’s success is proportionately dependent on the amount of ice time given to the star players.

One of the issues he had tried to deal with in Washington was cutting the star player’s ice time, especially when they took a bad penalty or generally underperforming. In addition to Ovechkin’s murmuring caught on video, it also led to a rift with Alexander Semin, who was benched numerous times for lazy stick infractions and coasting in the team’s defensive zone.

For those expecting this move to be a failure in Anaheim, betting against Boudreau would not be a wise choice. Remember, he took over a confused and disjointed Capitals team in 2007, and immediately brought cohesion and disciplined play to the squad. He won the 2008 Jack Adams award as the League’s top coach, and sported a 201-88-40 record during his time in Washington.

The Ducks have looked to be in a similar fog of disarray this season, so Boudreau should be no stranger to the type of chaos he is coming in to.

Much the same as when he took over the Caps, many of the pieces are already in place in Anaheim. Just like Washington had Ovechkin, Semin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Mike Green, the Ducks boast reigning NHL MVP Perry, Getzlaf, and Perry, along with ageless wonder Teemu Selanne.

It may just be the team isn’t deep enough and moves will have to eventually be made. Or it could be all they need is for someone to arrange and maneuver the existing pieces in a way that makes sense, and in a manner that returns the Ducks to the western powerhouse we have come to expect.

It will be interesting to see just how long it will take to right the ship in Anaheim, but things will be rectified with a club that is struggling to find its way at the moment. Boudreau will see to that, just as he did in Washington.

And maybe, just maybe, Anaheim will eventually give Boudreau something in return that the Capitals could not during his time in Washington, and that is a deep playoff run.

By Alexander Monaghan
President

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images North America

Apparently Anaheim Ducks left wing Bobby Ryan is on the trading block.

First reported by Sportnet’s Nick Kypreos, via Twitter, last night, there can’t be a single team that does not want a scoring winger of his pedigree — if it was not for Sidney Crosby, Ryan would have been the first overall pick in 2005. The Cherry Hill, New Jersey native has been incredibly disappointing through 23 games, scoring only seven goals and 11 points. Those totals project for 25 goals and 39 points, which would be the lowest totals of his young career and would guarantee the Ducks on the outside of the playoff picture.

Yesterday, Ryan was moved to offensive mecca known as the third line where he will flank 1-career goal scorer Ben Maxwell and an over-the-hill Niklas Hagman. Head coach Randy Carlyle phrased the move as an attempt to stimulate offense from the bottom lines. Considering the currently configured bottom lines have combined for all of three goals, it makes sense. Yet it makes you wonder, why only Ryan? Why was he the only player shifted around when the second line stays completely in tact and Ryan Getzlaf remains glued to Corey Perry.

The reason is simple: Ryan needs a wake-up call. He’s a stalled engine in need of a boost and this line change was supposed to fix that. Furthermore, trade rumors will do even more to get his motor running.

As a good teammate you will hear him go on about his new linemates, citing Hagman’s deceptive shot and Maxwell’s underrated playmaking ability but you have to think not playing with the now ‘Big-2′ is eating him up. As Eric Stephens of The OC Register Ducks Blog noted, Ryan “put on his best face” while giving his opinion on the switch. He can’t be happy with his play, his situation or the standing of the entire team.

So what is GM Bob Murray to do with his struggling winger? Is he supposed to package him for some much-needed offensive and defensive depth? Well, Bob, that would be ill-advised.

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images North America

While every team will want to enter the Bobby Ryan Sweepstakes, they will have to overpay the Ducks in order for Murray to get good value for him. Look no farther than what the Atlanta Thrashers got for Ilya Kovalchuk — a depth defenseman, KHL forward, checking-line prospect and a late first rounder. You could argue that many of those pieces were unproven. Then the Dion Phaneuf megadeal is more to your liking, which translates to an overpaid fourth liner, a waiver-wire quality winger, checking-line forward and a serviceable offensive defenseman.

Simply put, you rarely get what you need for a superstar. While the two offseason blockbusters in Philadelphia seem to be doing relatively well, the Flyers were able to trade their two young studs at a time where teams are retooling and exploring other options– their individual values were at their peak, not the valley that Ryan currently resides in. There are probably only a handful of teams willing to retool on-the-fly despite the high-potential they could add.

Nevertheless, we’ve seen some solid proposals bandied about. Jeremy Gover of Cell Block 303 took a stab at Ryan’s value recently in a proposal that likely still does not suit the Ducks’ needs in full.

According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, the team is looking for a second line center, top four defender, a top prospect and a draft pick. Their projected cap space is just over $3.6 million which would, in theory, allow them to take on some salary if they weren’t already at their budget. Elliotte Friedman notes in his 30 Thoughts that they are indeed ‘stretched to the limit‘.

Refining that original proposal, the team is looking for something like Colin Wilson, Ryan Ellis, Kevin Klein and a first rounder. While that would satisfy Murray’s asking price and add some depth to the club, it would also deplete the team’s top-level skill without really replacing Ryan. Not to mention, the Preds would be trading three NHL bodies for one that may or may not work out in their sweater.

Such is the case for most NHL teams who likely wouldn’t risk most of their depth and some young, valuable assets for a player who seems lost right now.

The New York Rangers are another team that is kicking the tires on Ryan, as first reported by Larry Brooks of the NY Post, via Twitter. Brooksie would later hedge his statement and describe the talks as preliminary with Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh declared untouchable. From there, that leaves Brandon Dubinsky and a list of b-level prospects that likely don’t seal the deal. Not to mention, Ryan and Dubinsky aren’t struggling that much to necessitate a change of scenery, hockey trade.

We could list off another 27 teams who fit the same bill, the perfect deal simply is not out there. Do the Ducks take worse than his market value or just try to gut through it?

Kent Wilson of Puck Prospectus did an entire article on Bobby Ryan’s value with and without Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry determining that Ryan’s numbers are better because of the duo and they are better because of him. In addition, Carlyle tended to play Ryan more in the offensive zone to help his chances of succeeding. This analysis was done last season, when the Big 3 was working on all cylinders. In the fourth year of their tenure, they simply are not working.

These things happen. Big lines work and then they don’t. Ask Dany Heatley on the CASH line; ask Heatley on the Burger Line. The hottest line one year is figured out the next. By my count, these guys have had three excellent seasons together which forced Murray to commit just under a quarter of his salary cap to three players.

What happens when the three aren’t producing? You split them up, via line change or via trade. That trade simply does not look like it’s there making the rumors and shuffling motivation for the rest of the team to improve. If they can’t they have two options: rebuild or retool like the Tampa Bay Lightning did under GM Steve Yzerman — a task much easier said than done.

By Alexander Monaghan
President

UPDATE: According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, via Twitter, Rome will not be suspended for the play. The League felt that the penalty on the ice was sufficient for the actions taken. Only 18 percent of our voters agreed they should not have been a suspension on the play. Guess we can’t all get them right…

* * *

Earlier tonight Aaron Rome received a five-minute major and 10 minute misconduct when he elbowed Devante Smith-Pelly of the Anaheim Ducks. The Vancouver Canuck defenseman landed yet another controversial hit at the 11:04 marker of the second period after catching the Ducks rookie in the head with an errant forearm.

Let’s check out the hit:

While not identical to his open ice hit on Nathan Horton, Rome is a repeat offender which should garner a second look from NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan. One can only expect he gets a similar suspension to Andy Sutton for a direct shot to the head.

What do you think the punishment should be? We urge you to take the vote below:

By Alexander Monaghan
President 

Over the weekend, NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan had some work to do. At least five separate incidents were reviewed (pretty much everything is reviewed in the ‘Shanaban’ era) but at the end of the day, only two players wound up suspended from the League. Dan Carcillo, a repeat offender, took a two-game ban for a dangerous push-from-behind on Carolina Hurricanes d-man Joni Pitkanen. Andy Sutton, another repeat offender, traveled to New York today in order to find out his punishment from a high clothesline delivered to Colorado Avalanche rookie Gabriel Landeskog.

One of the bigger non-calls was Francois Beauchemin’s open-ice hit on Mike Fisher, which came from the blind side. Fisher never saw it coming and while the hit was not targeting the head — the explanation handed down upon us — it came out of nowhere. Take a look for yourself:

Fisher, an outspoken veteran forward and team leader, was quite expressive over this non-call, via Twitter:

@ian_mendes players are really confused. I’m out because of a similar play and no dice as well. I don’t get it!

A very important center in the Nashville Predators system, Fisher already made his impact known with two goals and four points in three games. Last season he was a vital cog for coach Barry Trotz and company, helping them defeat the offense-heavy Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Unfortunately, his impact now will be counterproductive for the Preds as his absence hurts the team’s depth as well as their chances of getting back into the playoffs.

As this article is written, the Preds play without him in the lineup. In fact, his return to the lineup is somewhat indefinite. His presence on Twitter may indicate he’s healthy enough to perform daily activities but he almost certainly won’t travel with the team to Phoenix and is highly doubtful for their three games in California.

So, in summary, we leave you with the facts and the vote.

Despite the crackdown on headshots and blindside hits, League referees don’t always make the right call. Last night’s incident is a perfect example of just that when Anaheim Ducks enforcer George Parros delivered his shoulder to the face of Dallas Stars Krys Barch; Barch clearly had no idea it was coming.

While we expected these two to get a bit chippy, a blindside hit is illegal despite the participants. Parros was not penalized on the ice and Barch did not undergo any quiet room procedures as the officials got this call wrong by all accounts. View the play for yourself below:

Luckily for Parros he escaped suspension over his seven-year career so he will not be viewed as a repeat offender, just a bonehead. Nevertheless, he should have some sort of punishment handed to him as he delivered a hit which signified exactly what Brendan Shanahan and company want to get rid of.

Be the judge, lay down the hammer and take a vote:

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?

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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

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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.

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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