Top free agents in 2011 NHL Free Agency – Andrew Brunette, Brad Richards, Tomas Vokoun, Simon Gagne
Teams are on the run to cover all their players and sign them to new contracts before the 2011 National Hockey League (NHL) Free Agency begins, but by the looks of it, not all franchises will be able to retain players, either due to the little time available,
players’ intentions or even teams’ intentions of not keeping the players.
Restricted free agents might have it a little more strict, but ask the unrestricted free agents, of which some are bound to be selected by teams and some are hoping to get picked up by anyone at the most.
There are about 15 noticeable unrestricted free agents that will have the highest demand in the market which will officially be inaugurated on Friday, July 1.
Andrew Brunette (Minnesota Wild)
Ever since Minnesota Wild started its young player campaign when it ended the regular season out of the playoffs, Andrew Brunette does not stand a chance at being re-signed by the Stanley Cup thirsty franchise.
The Canadian native from Sudbury, Ontario, might not have had the best season a player could wish for last season, but it certainly was not one of the worst either.
He recorded 46 points with 18 goals and 28 assists in all 82 games he played. His consistency was a little off, but he still remains one of the top forwards in the league at the age of 37.
Brad Richards (Dallas Stars)
Which team would not want a player as good as Brad Richards?
Wait, they can get Richards himself since he will also be up for grabs in the market on Friday because of his intentions of not returning to Dallas Stars in any situation.
Richards, without a doubt, will be the hottest player in demand by teams all over and it will certainly be exciting to see where the 77-point, 28 goals and 49 assists, scoring centre player goes, since it will not be Dallas for sure.
Tomas Vokoun (Goalie, Florida Panthers)
Since Ilya Bryzgalov and Dwayne Roloson each signed with teams and did not have a chance to test the market, Vokoun will be leading as the top prospect goalie for any team, because having any number of good goalies on the line-up is never enough.
It is but natural he will not agree on returning to Florida in order to use his abilities with a team that could make a run for the Stanley Cup next season.
With a .922 saves percentage and 2.55 goals against average, Vokoun will be just too good to resist.
Simon Gagne (Tampa Bay Lightning)
Tampa Bay Lightning is losing players fast if it does not react to the epidemic soon.
Its left wing attacker, Simon Gagne, is also on the prime list of becoming a free agent and losing him would surely leave a huge gap in Tampa Bay’s attacking line-up.
The 22nd overall pick posted big numbers last season, 40 points with 17 goals and 23 assists in 63 games.
He also contributed immensely in Lightning’s Stanley Cup run which lasted until the Eastern Conference Finals. He played in 15 postseason games and registered 12 points with 5 goals and 7 assists.
It was his first season with Tampa Bay after spending 10 seasons with Philadelphia Flyers, so seeing a move from him will not be as surprising as thought earlier.
Even Philadelphia might consider picking him up again.
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