Free Agency Looms Upon Us

Yesterday, we heard some rumors of names starting to fly around the NHL. This morning, the first trade and sign took place. It was minor, but marks the start of the madness that will ensue in the next few weeks leading up to draft day and then free agency opening. Pittsburgh acquired Washington unrestricted free agent goaltender Tomas Vokoun for a seventh round draft pick. Shortly thereafter, Vokoun was signed to a two year deal with the Penguins. These next few weeks are going to be really fun as the Stanley Cup is awarded to one of two teams, the trades begin, draft day hits, and then finally, what is known as "Half Christmas" to any big hockey fan, free agency opens up. This will allow all 30 teams to get ready and prepare for the next season by bringing in whoever is out there and free to come to their team.

The other big name being passed around yesterday was Alexander Radulov. Nobody had figured to hear this name until the New York Rangers called and apparently began negotiating for his rights. Currently, the Nashville star, who got himself into some trouble this playoffs after being caught at the bar late the night before Game 3, was in serious negotiations with CSKA of the KHL. It will be known, at the latest, by the end of the week if he will return to Russia or play in the NHL. If he stays in North America, expect the Rangers to be on the forefront to make a trade for his rights and sign him. Without Marian Gaborik, the Rangers leading scorer, until November, expect the Rangers to be swinging some moves to improve the team. 

Some other big names that will garner plenty of interest and big money this off-season will include Zach Parise, Alexander Semin, Dustin Penner, Shane Doan, Ryan Suter, Shea Weber, and Dustin Wideman. Another name who will have to be acquired through trade with be Rick Nash. However, this is just the best of the best and there are plenty of other notable players that will be of great service to teams. For example, Jason Garrison who had a breakthrough year with the Florida Panthers will have plenty of calls to be a third or fourth defenseman on a good team. He may not be in the top tier with some of the names above, however, he will definitely be getting some calls. Another name that brings interest is P.A. Parenteau who had a very good year with the Islanders. 

One other name to keep a close eye on will be Justin Schultz. Not many casual hockey fans will even recognize the name and he has never even played a game in the NHL, but he is a hot commodity. He was a second round choice in the 2008 draft by the Anaheim Ducks and has had a great career so far at Wisconsin. After this season, he left, giving the Ducks one full month to sign him. That period will end right before free agency looms. The problem is he has no intention of signing with the Ducks. Therefore, they will heavily try and trade his rights to get at least something back for him before he becomes and unrestricted free agent at the end of June. The team he is most likely to end up with at this point is the New York Rangers. They have done this move before after acquiring Tim Erixson last year and signing him just hours before he was free from the Calgary Flames. Also, Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh are both former teammates with Schultz. He makes a great fit with the Rangers as they try and bolster up the five and six spot in their defense. 

In an upcoming article, I will break down the top free agents and take a guess as to where they land. One thing is certain, nobody has a clue as to what will happen and that's what makes it that much more fun. Teams and fans will either be jumping for joy when they hear a big name signing with their team or know they may be in for another long year just a few days after July 1st. Draft day will also be interesting as Rick Nash will be back on the table and five teams will be bidding hard for him. It will be an interesting few weeks. Enjoy it hockey fans.