What’s required to go deep into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, depth up front, players who can play at both ends of the us. We’re going to look at four of these players, who happen to be unrestricted free agents on July 1.
Jordin Tootoo
Has the end of the 2011-12 season left a sour taste in Jordin Tootoo’s mouth, so much so he might want out of Nashville. The long time Predator was not a fan of sitting out eight playoff games as a healthy scratch.
To some he’s an overrated forward with a “lack of skill”, but there are others like myself that think he’s undervalued. A career high 30 points in 77 games shows he more than a fourth liner. His willingness to fight the other teams heavyweight while being cruiser weight shows in passion to do anything to win.
His salary will increase from his 1.35 million dollars in 11-12; look for a dozen or more teams to look his way. I suggest he could get a Maxine Talbot type contract (5 years totalling 9 million) or a Gregory Campbell type deal (3 years @ 1.6 million per).
Daniel Winnik
Daniel Winnik’s stock was never higher than this past trade deadline. The San Jose Sharks acquired the veteran and he did what they expected him to do. Improve the bottom half of the lineup, unfortunately it was the top half that failed the team again. The former Coyote and Avalanche will likely be getting a 3 year, 5-6 million dollar offer. Just my opinion, Winnik is consistent night in night out, but there is not allot of upside. He doesn’t have the ability to score 12-13 goals, and cannot play in a top six role even temporally.
Jay Mcclement
The former St.Louis Blue center, is one of the more unsung, underrated centers. A top faceoff man, consistently scoring 10-12 goals a year along with 20-30 points. He’s absolutely not nearly as physical as Tootoo or even Winnik, but he does go about his game quietly. He as well would be seeking a three year contract, likely to earn 1.2-1.5 million per season. As a Leafs fan I would love to see him as our fourth line center.
Brandon Prust
Make no mistake, Brandon Prust will get almost as many offers on July 1 as he did fights (21) last year. His salary of 800k will at least double, might it even triple?
The former Calgary Flame has the ability to score 10 or more goals a year, be a premier penalty killer and be your enforcer; all at the same time. He reminds me of former NHLer Ian Lapierrere, all guts and no glory, it’s team first all the way.
The Rangers will do whatever they can do to re-sign him, but teams like the Flyers, Leafs, Islanders, Canucks and Predators would love to have this addition to their bottom six units.
He has no reported concussions in his NHL career, which should indicate the 28 year will be injury free for the next 3 or 4 years.
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