Now that the Predators lifted the GVFHL Stanley Cup for the first time, we are slowly approaching unrestricted free agency. While still some weeks to go, there are quite a few interesting names available that could change the landscape of the league. With Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, two of the biggest fishes in league are about to enter the unavoidable rebuild stage after years of chasing the cup as both team will have to release the largest number of high end players (76+OV) to unrestricted free agency. The Penguins have made their decision already and will keep Ryan O’Reilly around with their loyalty extension which means likely saying goodbye to not only Patrice Bergeron but also two defensemen in Pietrangelo and Weber, who would be #1s on most of the teams. Flyers GM Adrian still has the tough loyalty decision ahead of hit but it wont be an easy one considering the likes of Bobrovsky, Doughty, Letang, McDonagh, Kessel and Zuccarello are about to test the market.
So while the East is heading for a heavy power shift, it is looking a little less busy in the Western Conference but never the less, the most impacted team will be the Ducks in Anaheim as a core piece from each position is looking for a big payday. Not only is veteran goalie Pekka Rinne looking for is last big deal at the age of 37, electrifying defenseman P.K.Subban is looking for another deal paying him at least the $9m he got on his last contract. Up front two thirds of the first line are without a contract as Matt Duchesne and Blake Wheeler may play else where next season. GM Mourice can only re-sign one of the 4 before the others hit the open market, it will be interesting to see where his priorities are.
Best of class
Goalies
1. Robin Lehner, 28y, 83ov
2. Pekka Rinne, 37y, 80ov
3. Mark-Andre Fleury, 35y, 79ov
4. Jaroslav Halakm 34y, 79ov
5. Devon Dubnyk, 33y, 79ov
Defensemen
1. Kris Letang (PHI), 32y, 85ov
2. Mark Giordano (CGY), 36y, 84ov
3. Erik Karlsson (OTT), 29y, 80ov
4. Roman Josi (WPG), 29y, 80ov
5. Shea Weber (PIT), 34y, 79ov
Center
1. Sidney Crosby (CGY), 32y, 84ov
2. Patrice Bergeron (PIT), 34y, 84ov
3. Matt Duchene (ANA), 28y, 77ov
4. Nicklas Backstrom (ANA), 32y, 77ov
5. Ryan Getzlaf (OTT), 34y, 77ov
Winger
1. Alex Ovechkin (STL), 34y, 87ov
2. Vladimir Tarasenko (STL), 28y, 81ov
3. Patrick Kane (LA), 31y, 80ov
4. Taylor Hall (WPG), 28y, 79ov
5. Blake Wheeler (ANA), 33y, 78ov