View from the Cheap Seats: The top free agents at each position

With the NHL draft just days away, some trades already being made and the rumor mills in full swing I think it’s only appropriate to take a look at some of the biggest catches that are out there for teams this summer. While there’s not a huge overdose of talent available this summer, there are a couple of players that will draw some big money and heavy interest from teams around the league. With that in mind, let’s look at what each of the top free agents this offseason offers to a team, what teams will likely be interested and where I think they’ll end up signing.

Ilya Kovalchuk (LW): Clearly the prize catch of the summer, there’s probably not a general manager around the league that hasn’t at least given a passing thought to what he would bring to the franchise. A six time 40 goal scorer, Kovalchuk has scored points in bundles for nearly all of the last decade, despite playing on a Thrashers team that has yet to win a playoff series. With a huge slap shot, Kovalchuk can play the point on the powerplay, but the combination of his scoring touch and great speed make him valuable in any situation. It will take deep pockets to sign the Russian, but for the right environment, there’s talk that he would consider signing for less than astronomical numbers.
Teams Rumored to be Interested: Just about all of them
Where will he land? The possibility that Kovalchuk’s rights get traded sometime before the start of free agency has apparently grown larger in the last couple days, as the beacon of accuracy, HockeyBuzz, recently posted that it was a virtual lock that he would be traded. If a trade were to happen, that opens up limitless possibilities for Kovy’s new home. Should he choose to test the waters of free agency, I’d have to think there are a couple of logical destinations for him. New Jersey is a perennial playoff club, something he’s never been a part of and I could see him re-signing with the Devils if there were some additions to the offense. Managing that with the salary cap, however, would be quite a task, and I think there’s other teams that can offer more in terms of cash and location that would appeal to the Russian. Of course, the KHL is always an option, but I don’t think he’s at the stage in his career where he’s ready to pack it in just yet. Apparently Leafs’ GM Brian Burke is considering making a pitch for him, but I just don’t see it happening. With most of the cap space currently tied up, signing Kovalchuk would probably kick the keg on the Leafs’ spending, and their current needs are certainly more than just one winger. With all the chatter that surrounded Kovalchuk and the Kings in the spring, my money is still on LA, but there’s also been indications on that front that they may no longer be as interested in acquiring his services.

Patrick Marleau (C): With the Sharks making a much better run in the playoffs than they have in the past, I doubt there will be as much clamor for change in San Jose this summer. Still, I’ve already heard at least two rumors involving Joe Thornton being traded, and Marleau’s pending free agency is certainly one of the biggest questions facing the Sharks. The veteran center who finished 4th in goal scoring this season, behind only Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin and Steve Stamkos, has been a member of the franchise for his entire career, and I just don’t see him changing that.
Teams Rumored to be Interested: Los Angeles, Toronto
Where I think he’ll land: First of all, Marleau and Ron Wilson have a long history of not getting along, and I don’t see an aging vet fitting in the current building plans of the Leafs. Los Angeles would make sense, but I think in the end, Marleau will end up staying in San Jose, and may even take a bit of a pay cut to do so.

Pavol Demitra (RW): With Todd Bertuzzi and Milan Hejduk already re-signed by their respective clubs, Demitra is probably the most valuable veteran right winger on the market right now, although Bill Guerin, Marek Svatos and Fernando Pisani will also generate some interest. Shoulder surgery limited him to just 28 games this season, never a good thing for a player in a contract year, but Demitra is still a talented player that can contribute.
Teams Rumored to be Interested: Again, the rumor mills always come up with all kinds of crazy nonsense this time of year, but there’s a couple of teams that have been thrown around more than most. The Rangers, Leafs and his former team, St. Louis, have all been included in the recent flurry of rumors.
Where I think he’ll land: I could definitely see New York as a possible destination, given Sather’s penchant for signing older players, and the fact that Demitra and Marian Gaborik played together for quite awhile in Minnesota. Going back to his old club in St. Louis would also make sense, but I think he’ll probably end up re-signing back in Vancouver, probably on a fairly short-term deal.

Sergei Gonchar (D): Gonchar and Nick Lidstrom have been the premier offensive defensemen in the league for nearly a decade now, and Gonchar’s presence in Pittsburgh is a huge reason for the success they’ve had recently. At 35 though, Pittsburgh may be wary of locking up the type of funds and cap space Gonchar will likely be looking for. Darren Dreger from TSN reported that the Pens would consider trading his rights if they can’t extend his contract.
Teams Rumored to be Interested: Ottawa, Montreal, Washington
Where I think he’ll land: It’s always tough to predict where a player that has been a crucial element of a team’s success will land without assuming he won’t re-sign with that club. In this case though, I think Gonchar’s days in Pitt are numbered and a trade is the most likely scenario. Assuming he doesn’t get traded, I could definitely see Ottawa making a heavy pitch for him, especially with Anton Volchenkov bound for new shores and a potential Jason Spezza trade looming on the horizon that could open up significant cap room.

Scott Niedermayer (D): Another superstar defenseman in the twilight of his career, I’m actually a bit surprised Nieds hasn’t hung em up yet. Not to say he’s washed up at all, but at 38, with Olympic gold medals and Cup rings in his trophy case, there’s not much else Niedermayer can add to his resume at this point. Apparently, Niedermayer’s agent has stated it’s probably “Anaheim or nothing” which makes sense. I haven’t heard any significant rumors about any particular team making a bid for his services, so my guess is he’ll probably end up finishing his Hall of Fame career with the Ducks.

Chris Mason (G): Yes, Evgeni Nabokov is a pending UFA, but I just can’t see San Jose letting him walk with no established replacement. Marty Turco will certainly draw some attention, and Mason probably would have been re-signed by the Blues if they hadn’t gone out and gotten the hottest goalie from the playoffs in one of the biggest steals in recent memory. Halak’s presence in St. Louis makes Mason and his $3 million salary unnecessary, but the young keeper posted 30 wins and a 2.53 GAA for a team that didn’t make the playoffs this season, so there will definitely be some suitors.
Teams Rumored to be Interested: Washington, Philadelphia, Tampa Bay
Where I think he’ll land: Either Washington or Philly would make sense, although Philly would probably make more sense unless the Caps end up moving one of their young netminders. With Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov on the roster and Theodore most likely on the way out, Mason could be a good fit if the Caps don’t feel Neuvirth and Varly are enough for them. Philly rode Brian Boucher and Michael Leighton to the Finals, but I don’t think either of them is the long-term solution to their goaltending question. Mason is young, talented and won’t command a huge superstar salary. I think Philly is probably the best bet.

There’s my take on the top UFA at each position, but there’s dozens of other players that will be lacing em up in new locker rooms next fall. With all kinds of rumors flying around already, this should make to be quite an entertaining offseason.