Updated: Greg and Joe’s Third Annual NHL Free Agent Predictions (2011)

EDIT: This list will be updated as signings happen! Keep checking back! (Last update 7/2 @ 4:10 PM EST)

For the third year in a row, Joe Aiello and I have sat down to make our NHL free agent signing predictions. Each time, our predictions are normally pretty forgettable, but there is always room for improvement! This year really does not have the nice, exciting crop that we are used to dealing with, but we will still do our guessing game nonetheless.

Previous Picking Stats

Greg (2009): 10/40 (25%)

Joe (2009): 8/40 (20%)

Greg (2010): 12/50 (24%)

Joe (2010): 8/50 (16%)

Grand total: 38/180 (21%)…Still better than Eklund!

Our 2011 Free Agent Picks Are:

Centers

• Brad Richards (DAL): Agreed on NYR

• Tim Connolly (BUF): Greg: BUF; Joe: DAL

3. Jason Arnott (WSH): Agreed on NJD

• Michal Handzus (LAK): Agreed on LAK

• Tomas Fleischmann (COL): Greg: FLA; Joe: COL

6. Todd White (NYR): Agreed on retiring

7. Vinny Prospal (NYR): Greg: TBL, Joe: FLA

• Chris Higgins (VAN): Agreed on VAN

9. John Madden (MIN): Greg: NJD, Joe: MIN

Left Wingers

• Simon Gagne (TBL): Greg: PHI; Joe: LAK

• Eric Cole (CAR): Agreed on CAR

12. Sergei Samsonov (FLA): Greg: FLA; Joe: Europe

• Andrew Brunette (MIN): Greg: NYR; Joe: BUF

14. Nikolai Zherdev (PHI): Agreed on NYI

• Jussi Jokinen (CAR): Greg: CAR; Joe: NYI

• Ville Leino (PHI): Greg: PHI; Joe: TOR

Right Wingers

17. Alexei Kovalev (PIT): Agreed on Europe

18. Teemu Selanne (ANH): Greg: WPG; Joe: ANH

• Michael Ryder (BOS): Agreed on NSH

• Steve Sullivan (NSH): Agreed on NSH

• Radim Vrbata (PHX): Agreed on PHX

22. Jamie Langenbrunner (DAL): Greg: NYR; Joe: TOR

23. Mike Knuble (WSH): Greg: WSH; Joe: BOS

• Scottie Upshall (CLB): Greg: CLB; Joe: STL

Defensemen

• Ed Jovanovski PHX): Agreed on PHX

26. Bryan McCabe (NYR): Greg: FLA; Joe: SJS

• Roman Hamrlik (MTL): Agreed on MTL

28. Scott Hannan (WSH): Agreed WSH

29. Tomas Kaberle (BOS): Greg: BOS; Joe: NJD

• Christian Ehrhoff (VAN): Greg: FLA; Joe: NYI

• James Wisniewski (MTL): Greg: CGY; Joe: CLB

32. Anton Babchuk (CGY): Greg: WPG; Joe: FLA

Goalies

• J.S Giguere (TOR): Greg: TOR; Joe: WPG

• Tomas Vokoun (FLA): Greg: FLA; Joe: COL

35. Pascal Leclaire (OTT): Agreed on Europe

• Brian Boucher (PHI): Greg: FLA; Joe: PHX

• Mike Smith (TBL): Agreed on CLB

• Johan Hedberg (NJD): Greg: Europe; Joe: NJD

39. Marty Turco (CHI): Greg: COL; Joe: Retires

40. Ty Conklin (STL): Greg: COL; Joe: STL

New York Rangers Bring Back Marc Staal

After a summer of worrying, speculation, and negotiations, the New York Rangers finally come to terms with their cornerstone defenseman Marc Staal, who according to TSN’s Bob Mackenzie, has signed a five-year deal worth $19.875 million. The dollar amount per season is $3.975 million.

This is a great signing for the Rangers at a bargain price. All summer long we worried that Staal was going to ask for too much money, and the Rangers get him for less than what I was even expecting; somewhere in the $4.5 million range, a price he is not worth, but could ask for.

In locking up Staal to this long-term deal for under $20 million, the Rangers also bought his first two years of unrestricted free agency, and ensured themselves that they will have their franchise defenseman for the foreseeable future. On the open market two years from now, Staal could have easily fetched $5 million.

Staal, 23, has played three seasons for the Rangers, improving his offensive output in each year. He reached a career high with 27 points last season, and was a +11 on a team who had a majority of minus players. I would love to see Staal improve his offensive game yet again, but he is here for his defense, something he struggled with for the first half of last season. But he was able to pick it up and finish on a high note, something he will hopefully bring into next season.

The Rangers got a bargain here, folks. I don’t see anything at all to complain about.

New York Rangers Day One Free Agency Recap

The New York Rangers may or may not be done for the night, but in all likelihood, we will have to wait until tomorrow before we see any more moves. Today was an exciting day for free agency. It was not as hectic as in years past, but controlled. It seemed that early on, announcements of signings were coming at a nice even pace. That made it really easy for us writers to cover what was going on.

The Rangers made the first splash of the day when they inked goaltender Martin Biron at 12:01pm to a two year deal worth $1.8 million. This was a great move by Sather, who addressed this team’s biggest need right off the bat. Speculation was rampant leading up until noon that it would happen, and it did. Biron had been given permission last night by the Islanders to talk to other teams. Biron has since told the press he wants to push Lundqvist, and be a solid insurance policy as backup goalie. (My article on Biron)

Then came the biggest shocker of the day. Jody Shelley, who most expected would re-sign with the Rangers, fled to Philadelphia for three years at $1.1 million per. The Rangers then went and jumped on Derek Boogaard, and gave him a four year deal at $1.65 million per. Fans have been ripping this signing all day long, but it really is not that bad. Boogaard is an immense physical specimen and will finally provide adequate protection for Henrik Lundqvist and the team’s smaller forwards. This is a good signing, and I am really excited to see him fight wearing Ranger blue. (My article on Boogaard)

The Rangers then welcomed back two new faces in Vaclav Prospal and Erik Christensen. Prospal would sign for an even lower amount than last season, at just $1 million. There is also an additional $1.1 million in bonuses up for grabs. But still, it is a bargain and shows how much he really wanted to be here.

Christensen also took an affordable contract, for one year at $925,000. He will most likely be this team’s number one center this season, unless they make a trade.

When you take a look at how economical the Rangers were, on four players they spent $4.75 million for next season. Meanwhile, Anton Volchenkov himself got $4.5 million from the Devils for next season.

I said last night that if the Rangers could not get Kovalchuk, that they should only make small moves. Kovalchuk is still on the market, and there is no word that the Rangers are interested, and that he is close to signing with the Los Angeles Kings. If that is the case, then expect the Rangers to just re-sign their RFA’s, and call it an off-season.

However, several interesting trade rumors came up on Twitter this afternoon. Early on, the Fan590 reported a deal between the Rangers and Flames was in the works, and this was later echoed by beat writer Steve Zipay. We do not know who exactly was involved, but it seemed serious for a while. Calgary is reportedly done for tonight, so we will see tomorrow if any of this rumors come to fruition.

One last thing regarding the Boogaard naysayers. Let’s take a look at some other contracts dolled out today. Manny Malhotra, who scored a career high 14 goals last season got three years/$7.50 million from Vancouver. What a brutal contract, yet TSN chose not to bash that. Should the Rangers have signed him, they would have been up in arms.

Instead, they focused an entire five minutes, ripping into the Rangers signing, and basically had Keith Jones telling viewers that Jody Shelley was the greatest player to ever don a Rangers sweater.

Disgraceful.

Same can be said for the Johan Hedberg contract– he got $1.5 million and a no trade clause as a 37 year old backup. Everyone is mum on him too.

Negativity must just be a Ranger thing.

Rangers Sign Feared Enforcer Derek Boogaard

About a half hour ago it was announced that Jody Shelley had signed with the Philadelphia Flyers for three years at $1.1 million per. Although I wanted him back, he was not worth that much, not for a 34 year old fighter whose best days are behind him.

With Shelley off the market, the Rangers then went and locked up Derek Boogaard, for four years at $1.65 million per. This is a decent signing by the Rangers, as Boogaard is one of the scariest, and is perhaps the most feared enforcer in the league. He stands 6’8” and will almost be seven feet tall on skates. He also weights 257 pounds. He is a massive physical specimen who runs a fighting school in his hometown. In other words, he knows what he is doing.

Boogaard is also six years younger than Shelley, and is a much better fighter. Just look him up on Youtube, and see some of his utter destruction of opponents.

The money may be a little high, but overall, I like it. No one will be running into Henrik Lundvist this season without paying the price. Stop crying, Rangers fans. Just stop.

And this is just awesome:

Rangers Sign Martin Biron to Bargain Basement Deal

The New York Rangers took my advice and locked up goaltender Martin Biron just one minute after free agency opened up at twelve noon. According to Bob Mackenzie, the deal is for two years at $1.8 million total.

This is an incredible move, and is even less than what Alex Auld was reportedly seeking. Hats off to Glen Sather. He addressed one of the Rangers most important needs right off the bat, without breaking the bank. The contract he recieved from the Rangers is even less than what he got from the Islanders last season.

As backup goalie to Lundqvist, Biron’s role will be crucial to the Rangers. He can push Lundqvist if he struggles, and he can replace him should he get injured. Biron needs to play at least twenty games this season, to lighten Lundqvist’s workload.

But the best part of this is the fact that I got at least one prediction correct this summer.

Expected Hamhuis and Volchenkov Salaries Make Rozsival Look Like a Bargain

For as long as Michal Rozsival dons a New York Rangers sweater, and probably even beyond that, fans will voice their displeasure for the one they call the overpaid, under achieving defenseman.

In the summer of 2008, Rozsival was extended to a four-year deal worth $20 million. He carries an annual cap hit of $5 million. It sounds ridiculous, especially when you consider the last two seasons for him, after he signed the biggest contract of his hockey career:

2008/09: 8 goals, 22 assists, 30 points

2009/10: 3 goals, 20 assists, 23 points

Each season has seen his grand totals drop from the previous year, making him in no way worth the money he is being paid.

However, with Dan Hamhuis’ agent seeking “an upwards of $5 million” (per William DePaoli) for the free agent whose rights are currently owned by the Flyers, after acquiring them from Nashville, Rozsival at the same amount seems like a bargain.

Hamhuis is coming off a season where he recorded five goals and 19 assists for a whopping 24 points. Rozsival, when you consider it, received his raise in pay after a season in which he scored 13 goals and 25 assists for 38 points. Hamhuis is obviously better defensively, but down the stretch last season, Rozsival hunkered down and played some of the best defensive hockey in his tenure with the Rangers.

Should Hamhuis receive such a ludicrous amount, then the other highly touted free agent defenseman, Anton Volchenkov, would probably get $5.5-6 million. Volchenkov, who annually finishes in the top-five in blocked shots scored four goals and ten assists last season. He can block all the shots he wants, but that still does not make him or anyone else worth that amount of money.

With Rozsival set to earn only $4 million this season and $3 million next, his contract really is not the problem the Rangers have. The real task at hand is Wade Redden, who was left out of this write-up, essentially, because his contract is indefensible.

My advice to the Rangers, even if they have a slight interest, walk away from Volchenkov and run like hell from Hamhuis.

Twitter is the Place to be for NHL Fans During the Next Week

From tonight on through July 1, the most exciting week in the off-season will be underway. Beginning with the 2010 NHL Entry Draft tonight on Versus, we will no doubt see some moves made, and more leading all the way up until free agent frenzy which begins on the first of July.

Twitter has now enabled fans to receive information faster, from beat writers and insiders, than they would get by even checking the official website of their favorite team.

Beginning tonight, I will be Tweeting updates throughout the draft on selections and various swaps made throughout the evening. Also, for the first time in what seems like four or five years, I will be home on July 1, and will be giving as many updates as I can.

This is the place to be for hockey fans! Don’t miss out!

Please follow me @gcaggiano.

Also make sure to follow these independent bloggers: @RangersTribune, @BlueshirtBanter, @BlueSeatBlogs, @ScottyHockey, @5holeblog, and @TheNYRBlog.

The real insiders: @TSNBobMcKenzie, @DarrenDreger, @tsnjamesduthie, and @TSN_Mcguire.

To get a good laugh, there is always @Eklund.

Other accounts of note include the immortal @wyshynski and the Eklund runner-up @SunGarrioch. There is also @NYRNation, @PuckCentral and the Rangers beat writers @AGrossrecord, and @stevezipay.

Devils Acquire Jason Arnott, Try to Reclaim Past Glory

This afternoon the New Jersey Devils acquired former Stanley Cup hero Jason Arnott from the Nashville Predators in exchange for Dave Halischuk and a second round pick and 2011. This move will prove to be both good and bad for the Devils.

Devils fans will never forget the Cup-clinching, double overtime goal Arnott scored in 2000, and within two seasons of that monumental event, he was traded to the team he scored against, the Dallas Stars. After playing three solid seasons there, he then moved to the Nashville Predators, where he would end up becoming captain, and again, string together four very good seasons.

Although battling injuries for the last few seasons, Arnott is still a very tough and strong presence up the middle, as he stands 6’5” and 219 pounds. The reason why this move is good for New Jersey, is because they needed a checking center with offensive capability, something they lost when John Madden bolted for Chicago before last season.

Any way you look at it, this movie is not terrible. Should he stay healthy, he will easily put up 50-60 points. However, this move does not show the Devils going in the right direction.

With several disappointing and early playoff exits since the lockout, General Manager Lou Lamoriello has been trying to reclaim past glory. First was when he brought back a then 35 year old Brian Rolston early in the summer of 2008, and then later that off-season with the addition of a 38 year old Bobby Holik.

Both had won the Cup with New Jersey in previous seasons.

Arnott falls under the same, recent trend from the Devils, who also brought back former Cup winning coach Jacques Lemaire last season, before he was let go just weeks after this past season ended. Arnott will be 37 this October, and for a Devils team that already has eight players over the age of 34, this move really does not speak much for the future.

Jason Arnott is also slated to make $4.5 million in what is the final year of his contract. It’s a pretty big cap hit, but that amount seems to be the going rate for a 50 point player.

This series of moves seems eerily similar to Neil Smith during the tail-end of his tenure with the Rangers in the late 90′s. When nothing else was working, he resorted to bringing back the 1994 Cup heroes and former Oilers teammates of Mark Messier, who were then way past their prime. It worked a little bit, but fizzled out after a short while.

Could Lamoriello be running out of options, and bringing back aging stars is all he has left? We will soon see, with still an entire off-season still to come. It will be interesting what direction the Devils take.