CBS Sports' Wes Goldstein adds his voice to those who think RFAs might even be more attractive this year than UFAs.
His thoughts:
Restricted, but no restraint? Seven FAs who might be in play
Wes Goldstein CBSSports.com March 19 2009
http://www.cbssports.com/print/nhl/story/11523643/rss
When it comes to free agency, teams tend to live by the NHL's unwritten golden rule: Thou shalt not poach restricted players.
It has been that way for more than a decade, although the code has been ignored at times, most notably in the summer of 2007 when the Edmonton Oilers made two over-the-top offers and succeeded with one. That landed the Oilers then-24-year-old Dustin Penner, who signed for $21 million over five years and these days usually finds himself on the fourth line if not in the press box.
There's probably a lesson in there somewhere about adhering to gentlemen's agreements, but it might apply even less this coming summer. Economic conditions have created enough uncertainty about salary cap levels in the next few seasons to force teams everywhere to change payroll projections, and for some, that may create opportunities to go after restricted free agents.
Here are a few players whose current teams might not be able or willing to keep them:
Jiri Hudler, Detroit: Hudler is another example of how the Red Wings just keep stepping in it when it comes to finding and developing players. But Detroit might not have room to fit him under their cap next season because the priority is to re-sign Marian Hossa and Johan Franzen. So Hudler, who makes $1.5 million this season, will likely be in play. He gets a little lost in the shadow of Detroit's stars, but the 25-year-old forward is a speedster who is having a career offensive season after playing an important role in the Red Wings' Stanley Cup title last June.
Josh Harding, Minnesota: Harding is good enough to be a starting goaltender in the NHL, and he's at the beginning of his prime career years. But the Wild locked up Niklas Backstrom for the next four seasons before the deadline, which effectively meant they think of Harding only as a backup, with a backup's salary. Harding made $750,000 this season, but he could get an offer that Minnesota might not want to match because it has $6 million a season committed to Backstrom.
Brandon Dubinsky, N.Y. Rangers: Dubinsky has struggled in his sophomore season in New York, but he's not the only Ranger who has had challenging times this season. More important, Dubinsky is only 22 and has a lot of upside offensively, something he showed last season when he played with Jaromir Jagr. Dubinsky doesn't make much by Rangers standards -- only $635,000 -- but New York already has more than $40 million committed for next season, and only nine players signed.
Tomas Plekanec, Montreal: Plekanec has stepped up his game since Robert Lang was lost for the season, and he has arguably been the Canadiens' best player for the last month. But Plekanc is sometimes scapegoated in Montreal, which might be why his name always seem to be in major trade rumors over the past few years. No doubt several teams are interested in his offensive skills, and he could be a target since the Canadiens already have nearly $24 million committed to 11 players for next season. And Plekanec will be due a raise from his current $1.8 million.
Drew Stafford, Buffalo: The Sabres should be able to fit Stafford, who is 23 and has increased his scoring in each of his three seasons, under the cap next season. But the question in Buffalo is always will he fit into the Sabres' budget. Stafford makes just under $1 million, and he has 19 goals. But the Sabres have about $46 million allotted for next season, and the organization doesn't like to push to the limit.
Scottie Upshall, Phoenix: The Flyers traded him at the deadline because they'll be up against the cap again next season and wouldn't be able to afford Upshall's raise. He's a feisty recent first-round draft pick, who makes $1.2 million and is young enough to fit in well with what the Coyotes are trying to build. But money is a problem for the Coyotes, who might not be able or willing to match an offer Upshall might get.
Phil Kessel, Boston: For those with plenty of cap room looking to approach things the way Edmonton did with Penner, Kessel might be the guy to bet the farm on and hope the Bruins can't or won't match. Based on this season, young teammate David Krejci might actually be worth it, too, but Kessel is only 20, a couple of years removed from being the fifth draft pick and coming off his rookie contract. He's still maturing physically but is already one of the best finishers in the league.
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