I finally had sometime to sit down and actually look at Free Agents. I went to our friends over at Cap Geek, if you have never checked this site out it is must viewing for Hockey fans, and reviewed the upcoming Free Agent Frenzy. The way I broke it down in the following paragraphs is first by who on the Canucks are Free Agents (Restricted and Unrestricted) and who should be kept, then I looked at who will be available.
For evaluating the current, and hopefully future, Canucks I have looked at level of play, for the regular and post seasons, cost, what other teams are willing to pay, and my opinion. I am going to start off with looking at the Cap, then players from last year's team, then go to NHL Free Agents. Here we go:
CAP:
The Salary Cap went up this year to $64,300,000 this year. The Canucks current payroll is at $45,683,333, which covers 13 players. Luckily for the Canucks this covers the core of the team, with most of this should be going to the Defense, but we will get into that later. So to start off we have $18,616,667 of Cap Space to have some fun with. I will be keeping track as I am "spending money" with parenthesis throughout. Lets do this!
FORWARDS:
The Canucks have two Restricted Free Agents: Jannik Hansen and Max Lapierre. I would love to see both of these guys back in the Blue, Green and White next season.
Jannik Hansen played great with Manny and Raffi, and stepped his game up in the playoffs. At times he seemed to be the only one trying. He could also score when he had to. Last year he made $825,000, and I see no problem giving him a raise by doubling his salary to $1.6 million for three years ($17,016,667).
Max Lapierre is such a pain in the butt. He mouths-off, hooks, and takes his shots when he can. I hate him...until the Canucks got him. Total case of a guy you hate until he is on your team. I think sometimes last year he was a little too unleashed, but he did his job well. Another high-energy guy that can score occasionally. Guys have made a career out of it for sure (i.e. Jarkko Ruutu and Matt Cooke). I would pay Max $1.5 million over three years, no problem ($15,516,667).
The Canucks have four Unrestricted Free Agent Forwards: Chris Higgins, Raffi Torres, Tanner Glass, and Jeff Tambellini. These are tougher to decide on, especially with the Cap being down to $15 million and the Defense hasn't even been addressed yet.
Chris Higgins was acquired at the deadline and played fairly well. He played 14 Regular Season games having 2 G, 3 A, and was an even rating. In the playoffs he played in 25 games scoring 4 G, 4 A and was a plus one rating. Not setting the world on fire, but he was injured and went to a new team. He made $1.6 million last year and has been traded around quite a bit. He is a guy who can play Wing or Center, and even get some Power Play time. I say if you can get him at the same price you have to do it ($13,916,667).
Raffi Torres was a beast on the third line with Manny and Jannik. He was a back-checking, hitting machine. I always loved seeing that line out there, and especially Raffi. He also came through big a few times and scored some memorable goals. That's why it will be tough to see him go. They got him at a bargain for $1 million last year, and it was his audition. Someone will come through with an offer the Canucks won't be able to match. Good luck Raffi, you will be missed ($13,916,667).
Tanner Glass is another one of those guys I liked seeing on the ice. The guy played with a lot of energy and was a good fourth-liner. He came in at a $625,000 last year and had 3 G, 7 A, and was a -5. Pretty much what you expect out of a fourth liner. I would say with the emergence of Viktor Oreskovich Tanner Glass is expendable. I would let him walk ($13,916,667).
Jeff Tambellini is much like Tanner Glass. Good fourth-liner, and even got some time on the third line, but he was very streaky. He finished the year with 17 points in 62 games, and was a plus 10. He is only 27, so if they could get him for a little bump in salary, say $650,000 (up $150,000 from last year) I would do it ($13,266,667).
NHL FREE AGENTS:
Upon reviewing the Unrestricted Free Agent Forwards, pickings look slim. I don't think the Canucks will be looking to snag away any Restricted Free Agents either. Plus the I found three players that I think would fit in well on this team:
Erik Cole is a little older (32), but has regained his scoring touch back in Carolina (26G, 26A, -1). However, he saw substantial time on the Power Play and Penalty Kill. He performed well playing with talented Centers (Jeff Skinner and Eric Staal), so he could play with Henrik on the PP and Kesler for five-on-five. He made $3 million last year, but they could probably get him away from the Hurricanes for a raise, maybe around $4 million for three years.
Brooks Laich is a little more intriguing being on the good side of 30 (28). He played fairly well last year with the Capitals (16 G, 32 A, +14 in 82 games). He would be a nice extra weapon on the PP, with the Sedins or on a second unit with Kesler and Jannik, or Sammy. He made $2.4 million last year and would most likely be looking for a raise and something more long term. I bet they could get him for 5 years at about $3.7 million per year.
Patrick Eaves would be more of an addition for the third or fourth lines. I think he would be a great addition to the third line with Manny and either Jannik or Mason Raymond. He is constantly moving on the ice and always gives 100% effort. He is only 27, and played pretty well for the Red Wings last year (13 G, 7 A, -2 in 63 games). He could even see a little time on the Power Play if there were injuries. He made $1.7 million last year, but he would be a nice addition for around $2 million per year.
After the Defense additions and subtractions we are still left with a nice amount to play with (5,616,667). The team needs some upgrading upfront, especially with the injuries late in the season and playoffs. also we have to take into account Mason Raymond will not be available until November at the very earliest. I would offer Brooks Laich a front loaded contract, with a cap hit of about $3.7 million per year, which would still leave the Canucks with a little room for late season moves or other additions ($1,916,667).
So as of now this is how my Canucks Forwards look:
Line 1 D. Sedin H. Sedin A. Burrows
Line 2 B. Laich R. Kesler C. Higgins
Line 3 J. Hansen M. Malhotra M. Sammuelson
Line 4 V. Oreskovich M. Lapierre J. Tambellini
With M. Raymond (returning at some point), Hodgson, Volpatti, Rypien, Shirokov, and Bolduc in addition.
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