TOP 30
UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS
As of July 2, 2009 - 10:42pm ET

No. Player

Player Info.

Speculated Teams Showing Interest Status
1 Jay Bouwmeester Jay Bouwmeester, D (FLA)
2008-09 Salary: $4.875 million | Age: 25

The hot topic of the 2009 summer within the NHL, Jay Bouwmeester will command plenty of interest once July 1 rolls around.

As expected, the Florida Panthers traded Bouwmeester. The destination (Calgary) was unexpected, and the Flames want him locked up before July 1.

SIGNED WITH CALGARY
2 Marian Hossa Marian Hossa, RW (DET)
2008-09 Salary: $7.45 million | Age: 30

There are conflicting reports regarding Hossa's future in Detroit. One day, the two sides aren't close to a new deal. Another day, they are. Based on our sources, the Wings and Hossa's agent still have a lot of work to do.

One thing is certain: He'll hit the open market and weigh his options.

SIGNED WITH CHICAGO
3 Marian Gaborik Marian Gaborik, RW (MIN)
2008-09 Salary: $7.5 million | Age: 27

As gifted as Gaborik is, everyone knows how often he's hurt. Nevertheless, he'll command a boat load of interest once July 1 rolls around.

Teams may be hesitant to give Gaborik a long-term contract, so he may have to settle for a 2- or 3-year deal for now. But, stranger things have happened.

SIGNED WITH NY RANGERS
4 Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Daniel Sedin, LW | Henrik Sedin, C
2008-09 Salary: $3.575 million | Age: 28

One thing is certain... Daniel and Henrik Sedin will be playing on the same team once the puck drops on the 2009-10 season. Which team that may be remains to be seen.

The Canucks definitely want to keep these two dynamic twins, but so far it looks as if they will test the waters once the free agent doors open.

With Brian Burke's connection to these two, the Maple Leafs will certainly be watched once the calendar turns to July 1. Though, it's not set in stone that Toronto goes after the Sedins.

The Sedins could be the most interesting story to watch this summer.

SIGNED WITH VANCOUVER
5
6 Michael Cammalleri Mike Cammalleri, RW (CGY)
2008-09 Salary: $3.6 million | Age: 27

A great sniper, Cammalleri will receive plenty of calls this July.

The Flames would love to get him locked up, and despite reports suggesting otherwise, but it seems as if Cammalleri's set on testing the open market and weighing his options.

SIGNED WITH MONTREAL
7 Martin Havlat Martin Havlat, RW (CHI)
2008-09 Salary: $6 million | Age: 28

All signs point to Martin Havlat staying in Chicago. Blackhawks GM Dale Tallon continues to negotiate with Allan Walsh, Havlat's agent, and it looks like they're inching closer to a deal.

Havlat wants to stay in Chicago and might be willing to take a 'hometown' discount.

SIGNED WITH MINNESOTA
8 Mike Komisarek Mike Komisarek, D (MTL)
2008-09 Salary: $1.9 million | Age: 27

The Canadiens cannot afford to let Komisarek go without replacing him, especially after the Habs lost Sheldon Souray and Mark Streit to free agency in back-to-back years.

Komisarek's agent and the Habs will try to work out a deal before July 1, but he might be set on testing the market.

  SIGNED WITH TORONTO
9 Alex Tanguay Alex Tanguay, LW/RW (MTL)
2008-09 Salary: $5.375 million | Age: 29

Montreal is loaded with top-tier free agents, and the one they really want to keep might be Alex Tanguay.

Very productive, Tanguay is a skilled scorer the Habs desperately need. After all the turmoil in Montreal this year, the Habs need to retool and keeping Tanguay might be key.

  Available
10 Nikolai Khabibulin Nikolai Khabibulin, G (CHI)
2008-09 Salary: $6.75 million | Age: 36

Certainly the best goaltender available, Khabibulin proved he's still extremely capable of holding the fort as a premier No.1 goalie in the NHL.

He wants to stay in Chicago and the Blackhawks seem set on trying to get a new contract worked out.

SIGNED WITH EDMONTON
11 Mattias Ohlund Mattias Ohlund, D (VAN)
2008-09 Salary: $3.5 million | Age: 32

It doesn't look like the Canucks will be bringing Mattias Ohlund back next season, according to reports.

With a fairly limited number of talented defenseman available this summer, Ohlund should get a solid multi-year contract somewhere.

SIGNED WITH TAMPA BAY
12 Brian Gionta Brian Gionta, RW (NJ)
2008-09 Salary: $4 million | Age: 30

Gionta put up another solid season in 2008-09, but he'll likely have to take a pay cut next year.

The Devils are interested in re-signing him, but it looks like he'll test the free agent waters next month.

SIGNED WITH MONTREAL
13 Saku Koivu Saku Koivu, C (MTL)
2008-09 Salary: $4.75 million | Age: 34

Might this be the year the Canadiens say "au revoir" to their captain?

The Habs look to be heading in a different direction, and Saku Koivu's tenure in Montreal might be over. Koivu's said he'd love to stay, if the situation was right, but reports suggest he'll end up in Minnesota with his brother.

Available
14 Derek Morris Derek Morris, D (NYR)
2008-09 Salary: $3.95 million | Age: 30

The Rangers liked what they saw in Morris after acquiring him at the trade deadline, but the veteran defenseman has also expressed his interest in playing for Phoenix next year... providing they're still there.

Available
15 Alex Kovalev Alex Kovalev, RW (MTL)
2008-09 Salary: $4.5 million | Age: 36

Kovalev and the Canadiens will start discussing a new contract very shortly, despite rumors indicating that an offer has already been presented -- that was news to Kovalev's agent.

The Habs wouldn't mind keeping him, but they could use his salary to go after another big-name free agent.

Available
16 Todd Bertuzzi Todd Bertuzzi, RW (CGY)
2008-09 Salary: $1.95 million | Age: 34

Bertuzzi wants to re-sign with the Flames, and at his price tag, there's a good chance Calgary takes him up on that.

He's not the same player he was five years ago, but he's worked in Calgary and he won't be expensive to re-sign.

Available
17 Nik Antropov Nik Antropov, C/RW (NYR)
2008-09 Salary: $2.15 million | Age: 29

Nik Antropov did a solid job for the New York Rangers, but they might not have the money to keep him around long-term.

Antropov will likely hit the free agent market fishing for offers.

  SIGNED WITH ATLANTA
18 Erik Cole Erik Cole, LW (CAR)
2008-09 Salary: $4 million | Age: 30

We expect the Carolina Hurricanes to re-sign Erik Cole, but he'll need to take a pay cut in order for that to happen.

Cole's return to Carolina helped the entire team, especially young superstar Eric Staal. They work well together, and the Hurricanes recognize that.

SIGNED WITH CAROLINA
19 Mikael Samuelsson Mikael Samuelsson, RW (DET)
2008-09 Salary: $1.2 million | Age: 32

If the Red Wings re-sign Hossa, they won't have the funds to keep Samuelsson around, making him available likely to the highest bidder.

Samuelsson's in line for a raise, and he'll get it. He's a winner, and a playoff contender could certainly benefit from having him.

Available
20 Johnny Oduya Johnny Oduya, D (NJ)
2008-09 Salary: $600,000 | Age: 27

New Jersey Devils GM Lou Lamoriello wants to keep Johnny Oduya, but he's in line for a hefty raise.

As a result Oduya will likely hit the open market July 1 as an unrestricted free agent and entertain offers.

SIGNED WITH NEW JERSEY
21 Dennis Seidenberg Dennis Seidenberg, D (CAR)
2008-09 Salary: $1.2 million | Age: 27

Seidenberg performed extremely well for Carolina this year, breaking out in an expanded role.

It's his time to cash in this summer, and he'll receive a lot of interest league-wide.

Available
22 Keith Tkachuk Keith Tkachuk, C/LW (STL)
2008-09 Salary: $4.5 million | Age: 37

'Walt' wants to stay in St. Louis, and he'll likely get his wish.

The Blues need his veteran presence in their lineup, and with a healthy roster, St. Louis could be fairly dangerous next season.

SIGNED WITH ST. LOUIS
23 Bill Guerin Bill Guerin, RW (PIT)
2008-09 Salary: $4.5 million | Age: 38

It's still too early to predict what Bill Guerin's future holds, but he'll be back in the NHL next season.

From the sounds of things, the Penguins would like to keep him if he's willing to sign for something closer to the $3 million range.

SIGNED WITH PITTSBURGH
24 Rob Scuderi Rob Scuderi, D (PIT)
2008-09 Salary: $725,000 | Age: 30

Scuderi's performance not only during the season but throughout the playoffs has opened Pittsburgh's eyes.

He'll get a nice raise this summer, much like Brooks Orpik did last year after breaking out for the Penguins.

SIGNED WITH LOS ANGELES
25 Robert Lang Robert Lang, C (MTL)
2008-09 Salary: $4 million | Age: 38

Another big-name Montreal free agent! Robert Lang likely won't be back skating for the Canadiens next season, but he wants to play for somebody in 2009-10.

Lang won't get the same money he made this year, but he can still produce at a very effective level.

Available
26 Samuel Pahlsson Samuel Pahlsson, C (CHI)
2008-09 Salary: $1.4 million | Age: 31

Samuel Pahlsson's a very effective two-way player, and the Blackhawks would like to keep him around long-term.

But, the Ducks, his former club, would also like to see him return. He'll pick up a raise this summer, something close to the $2 million range.

SIGNED WITH COLUMBUS
27 Chris Neil Chris Neil, RW (OTT)
2008-09 Salary: $1.2 million | Age: 30

It doesn't sound like negotiations are progressing in the right direction for the Ottawa Senators, prompting speculation that Chris Neil will hit the open market as an unrestricted free agent.

SIGNED WITH OTTAWA
28 Mike Knuble Mike Knuble, RW (PHI)
2008-09 Salary: $2.8 million | Age: 37

The Flyers would like to keep Mike Knuble around, and the veteran forward wants to stay.

However, Philadelphia will likely want him to take a bit of a reduction in salary.

SIGNED WITH WASHINGTON
29 Francois Beauchemin Francois Beauchemin, D (ANA)
2008-09 Salary: $1.65 million | Age: 29

Beauchemin battled through injuries this past season, but he still proved why he's a very reliable defenseman to have.

The Ducks might be going in a different direction this summer, but there are many teams keep their eyes on this blueliner.

Available
30 Christian Backman Christian Backman, D (CBJ)
2008-09 Salary: $3.4 million | Age: 29

Christian Backman's a big, strong, physical defenseman and the Blue Jackets would like to keep him.

But, given his size and ability to clear away the opposition, he should receive a number of phone calls on July 1.

Available
 
HONORABLE MENTIONS
(Those pondering retirement)
Player

Player Info.

Speculated Teams Showing Interest Status
Scott Niedermayer Scott Niedermayer, D (ANA)
2008-09 Salary: $6.75 million | Age: 35

Scott Niedermayer's future is up in the air once again. The Ducks want him back, and their latest push into the second-round of the playoffs might have helped their chances.

Niedermayer could re-sign to a one-year deal to be a part of the Winter Olympics, which might help the Ducks at the negotiation table.

SIGNED WITH ANAHEIM
Joe Sakic Joe Sakic, C (COL)
2008-09 Salary: $6 million | Age: 40

Much like Niedermayer, Joe Sakic would love to play for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics, and that might be a deciding factor for him when it comes down to re-signing with the Colorado Avalanche.

One thing is certain, he'll only play for the Avs if he's back in the NHL next year.

  Available
Mats Sundin Mats Sundin, C (VAN)
Cap Hit: $5.626 million | Age: 38

Sundin wasn't able to get his championship this year, and it's unknown if he's willing to give it another shot next season.

The Canucks certainly want him back, and are willing to give him the salary high-priced contract.

Available
Rob Blake Rob Blake, D (SJ)
Cap Hit: $5 million | Age: 39

Blake's future remains up in the air, however he's indicated that he would like to play another season in the NHL.

He won't pick up the same salary he made this past year, but that isn't a priority for him; he wants to win.

SIGNED WITH SAN JOSE
Mathieu Schneider Mathieu Schneider, D (MTL)
Cap Hit: $5.75 million | Age: 40

Schneider's said, on several occasions, that he isn't done playing hockey and wants to compete for a championship next season.

The veteran defenseman will have to take a significant pay cut, but he's more than willing to do so if it means playing for a contender next year.

Available
 

 

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