Free agents of change?
A look at who’s available:
Cream of the crop
●LW Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils
Age: 27
Previous salary: $6 million
2011-12 stats: 31 goals, 38 assists, 69 points
The skinny: A true offensive talent with leadership qualities, Parise will be the most highly sought-after player when free agency opens. The Devils want to bring him back. If they can’t, Pittsburgh, Minnesota and Detroit are believed to be front-runners.
●D Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators
Age: 27
Previous salary: $3.5 million
2011-12 stats: 7 goals, 39 assists, 46 points
The skinny: A solid two-way player, who logs a lot of tough minutes and can anchor a team’s defense, Suter is someone who would be on most teams’ wish list. Detroit is expected to make a strong push for Suter now that Nicklas Lidstrom has retired, but he hasn’t ruled out remaining in Nashville.
Best of the rest
●RW Shane Doan, Phoenix Coyotes
Age: 35
Previous salary: $4.55 million
2011-12 stats: 22 goals, 28 assists, 50 points
The skinny: Phoenix’s captain has recorded at least 50 points each of the past three seasons and is one of the few top-six forwards available for teams in search of one, like the Capitals. But will he leave the desert and the only team he’s ever played for?
●D Matt Carle, Philadelphia Flyers
Age: 27
Previous salary: $3.8 million
2011-12 stats: 4 goals, 34 assists, 38 points
The skinny: An offensive defenseman that may be the next best option for those who miss out on the Suter sweepstakes. After Dennis Wideman received a five-year, $26.25 million contract from Calgary, though, many expect Carle’s price to soar.
●RW P.A. Parenteau, New York Islanders
Age: 29
Previous salary: $1.25 million
2011-12 stats: 18 goals, 49 assists, 67 points
The skinny: He excelled alongside John Tavares, but will he have as successful offensive output elsewhere? At the right price, teams may be willing to take the risk with the late-blooming Parenteau. The Caps might be one of them.
●D Jason Garrison, Florida Panthers
Age: 27
Previous salary: $700,000
2011-12 stats: 16 goals, 17 assists, 33 points
The skinny: A shallow free agent pool and the limited number of offensive defensemen available could signal a big raise for Garrison, if teams believe there’s continued upside for a blue-liner who’s played just 190 career games.
●RW Alexander Semin, Washington Capitals
Age: 28
Previous salary: $6.7 million
2011-12 stats: 21 goals, 33 assists, 54 points
The skinny: After seven years, it appears Semin’s time in Washington has come to a close. The Russian winger will be one of the most talented, true scoring options on the free agent market and teams in search of offensive upgrades may be willing to overlook his inconsistency.
— Katie Carrera
Loading...
Comments