A breakdown of the the six most compelling free agents available tomorrow
ZACH PARISE, LW
Age 27 2011-12 stats 31 goals, 38 assists, 69 points
Former team New Jersey
Devils
Last year’s salary US$6-mil
lion
Possible destinations New Jersey, Minnesota, Detroit, L.A. and Pittsburgh
The gist Rarely does a player of Parise’s calibre hit unrestricted free agency. The Devils want him back, and he wants to stay, but at what cost? Minnesota has more than US$18-million to work with, and there are local connections: Parise grew up in the Twin Cities and his father, J.P., played for the North Stars. The Stanley Cup champions are also rumoured to be in the mix. By all indications, Parise will be cashing in on a very long-term deal.
MARTIN BRODEUR, G
Age 40 2011-12 stats 31-21-4, 2.41 goals-against average, .908 save percentage
Former team New Jersey
Devils
Last year’s salary US$5.25
million
Possible destinations New Jersey, Toronto, Florida and Chicago
The gist Brodeur silenced the critics by playing like a kid again, leading New Jersey to the Stanley Cup final. Few expect him to sign elsewhere, but he will reportedly sniff around, having recently retained the services of prominent agent Pat Brisson. With nearly US$28-million in cap space, and no replacement waiting in the wings, expect the Devils to sign Brodeur to a two- to three-year deal.
ALEXANDER SEMIN, RW
Age 28 2011-12 stats 21 goals, 33 assists, 54 points
Former team Washington
Capitals
Last year’s salary US$6.7
million
Possible destinations Detroit, Toronto, Minnesota and Carolina
The gist Washington reportedly has had no contract discussions with a player only two years removed from a 40goal season. A lot of teams, the Capitals included, do not like his demeanour. However, he is an extremely talented player, and proven scorer, who in the right circumstances could be worth the gamble. The aforementioned clubs could all use some punch up front, and have wiggle room under the cup. After acquiring Jordan Staal at the draft, the Hurricanes make a lot of sense.
RYAN SUTER, D
Age 27 2011-12 stats 7 goals, 39 assists, 46 points
Former team Nashville Pred
ators
Last year’s salary US$3.5
million
Possible destinations Nashville, Detroit, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Minnesota
The gist Predators GM David Poile has made it his priority to keep Suter, but the former first-round pick is highly coveted, and will be listening to offers. Teammate and Norris Trophy finalist Shea Weber is an unrestricted free agent, and is also seeking a long-term deal. The two are the cornerstones of Nashville’s blue line, and the possibility of losing both must be frightening. The Preds have the most cap space in the NHL, but Suter’s motivation for staying put might not be entirely financial. The Wings are expected to make Suter their No. 1 free-agent target as a replacement for Nicklas Lidstrom.
SHANE DOAN, RW
Age 35 2011-12 stats 22 goals, 28 assists, 50 points
Former team Phoenix Coy
otes
Last year’s salary US$4.55
million
Possible destinations Phoenix, Toronto, Chicago, Boston and Montreal
The gist Doan was a firstround selection of the franchise — then the Jets — back in 1995, and has known no other organization during his 16-year career. He is a natural leader and the backbone of the Coyotes. Even at 35, Doan is a consistent 50-point getter, and scored 30 goals as recently as the 2008-09 season. Reports suggest Doan has reached his breaking point with Phoenix’s never-ending ownership saga, and that he may ultimately decide not to wait around. Doan is expected to ask for a four-year deal.
JUSTIN SCHULTZ, D
Age 21 2011-12 stats 16 G, 28 A, 44
points
Former team University of
Wisconsin
Possible destinations Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto, Detroit, Ottawa, the New York Rangers and Minnesota
The gist If Schultz is as good as advertised, then he will come relatively cheap. But, there is no shortage of suitors clamouring for the U.S. college product’s services. Word is he is ready to log heavy minutes right away, and as a result, he is looking for a fit where he will have an opportunity to do so. Edmonton makes a ton of sense — desperate at the back — and has reportedly made the short list.