Looking Into Free Agency

With free agency quickly approaching, its time to look at who is still available. Most of the talk has been of Brad Richards, but there are plenty of other players out there that are valuable. The blog will be updated from now until July 1st when contracts are made. Here are some players the Ducks might look into picking up:

Unrestricted Free Agents:

Forwards:

Teemu Selanne: It was announced if he comes back, he will remain a Duck. It is entirely up to him whether or not he returns, which he will announce on July 1st. Every Duck fan wants one more year of the Finnish Flash.

-Simon Gagne: Elite goal scorer who has scored 40 goals twice in his career. Has had several injury problems that sidelined him from the season.

-Brad Richards: 31 years old and one of the best all around players in the league, Richards is looking to test the market this off-season. He tallied 28 goals and 49 assists in 72 games this season.

–Ville Leino: Only 27 years old, Leino has helped the Flyers to multiple playoff runs and puts up impressive numbers.

-Tim Connolly: A 30 year old Center who is a stellar set-up man. Could serve on any line due to his versatile play.

-Chris Drury: The New York Rangers have decided to buyout the last year of their captains contract. Drury is a solid team player who could be very useful, if they can get the right price for him.

Defensemen:

-Ed Jovanovski: With 1,000 games under his belt, Jovo Cop is a gritty, tough guy who can backstop a powerplay and is likely to be a hot pick if he makes it to the Free Agency.

-Christian Ehrhoff: One of the best defenseman’s in the league, his past two seasons with the Canucks have been spectacular. Able to put up the offensive numbers as well as shut down the Canucks zone. Christian Ehrhoff’s rights were given to the New York Islanders for a 4th round pick on June 28th, who then traded his rights to Buffalo,

-Tomas Kaberle: A lot of pressure was put onto Kaberle last season when the Bruins were intent on getting another Stanley Cup. He didn’t exactly bring his A-game, but still managed to help the Bruins win the cup. He is still a massive threat on the powerplay and puts up impressive numbers.

Goalies:

-Tomas Vokoun: Vokoun was a two time All Star while in Nashville, and has continued to show his abilities in the net. Although his numbers in Florida have not been great, he is still one of the top netminders on the market. With many goaltenders on the market, Vokoun will be one of the first to go.

-Ray Emery: Us Ducks fans were relatively impressed with Emery’s ability to back-up Hiller while he was suffering vertigo. Although he was abit shaky, he still shows tons of promise and would be a great back-up goaltender.

-Johan Hedberg: Hedberg got more time than most people anticipated when Brodeur was injured. He compiled a 15-12 record, while trying to save a slumping New Jersey Devils. His performance was stellar and showed that he can be a reliable netminder for any team that picks him up.

-Marty Turco: He spent the majority of his career with the Dallas Stars until General Manager Joe Nieuwendyk decided not to bring him back. Although he looked shaky with the Blackhawks last season, Turco’s ability to play the puck is a rare talent these days. He is also capable of allowing few goals and backstopping a team to the playoffs.

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