Why Haven’t These Guys Signed Yet?
The Free Agency Window has been open for more than 3 weeks now, and most of the big name players have either re-signed with their teams or have found new homes.
However, there are still a number of high-quality players out there that could be a good fit on any team that has the cap space and the money with which to spend on them. Here are 7 quality, productive players that should have found a home but still are without a contract in place.
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (84) drives to the net with the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar. 22, 2013; Uniondale, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) and New York Islanders center Brad Boyes (24) battle for the puck during the second period at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports
The former New York Islander played on a 1 year, $1M contract in order to prove that he was still a legitimate top 6 forward. Well he did just that playing alongside John Tavares and Matt Moulson, and quite frankly I am surprised the Islanders have not got his name back on a contract yet. Also surprised that another team hasn’t wooed him away. Obvioulsy it will take more than $1M to get him signed, but he might be the best value for money still out there.
May 12, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Maple Leafs center Mikhail Grabovski (84) drives to the net with the puck against the Boston Bruins during game six of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Air Canada Centre. The Maple Leafs beat the Bruins 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Bought out by the Maple Leafs, Grabovski is still apparently looking for upwards of $5M per season, which is probably why he hasn’t signed yet. He would be a nice fit for a team in need of a 2nd-3rd line centre, but that price would have to come down to a $2.5-$3.5M cap hit for it to be worthwhile for his new team. Apparently he is down to 3 teams and a decision could come down this week.
May 20, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (50) makes a save on a shot by Detroit Red Wings center Damien Brunner (24) in the third period in game three of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The talented winger made a nice impact in his rookie season, and had a solid playoff that tells teams that he can play in the hard style games. He would be a nice pickup for a team in need of a top 6 forward, and one who wouldn’t likely break the bank.
April 18, 2013; Winnipeg, MB, CAN; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Ron Hainsey (6) reacts during the first period against the Carolina Hurricanes at the MTS Centre. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
The former Jet might be coming to the realization that defensive defensemen aren’t the commodity they used to be, and as such might have to take a substantial pay cut from the $4.5M average annual salary he got on his last contract.
Apr 10, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Vancouver Canucks left wing Mason Raymond (21) skates with the puck against the Calgary Flames during the first period at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Vancouver Canucks won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
I am sure if the Canucks weren’t in such deep cap trouble, that the speedy winger would be back in Vancouver. However, it is surprising that the potential 50 point winger who can kill penalties hasn’t found a home yet.
March 7, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Edmonton Oilers defenseman Ryan Whitney (6) skates with the puck as Detroit Red Wings right wing Jordin Tootoo (22) slips to the ice in the third period at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Whitney found a home in the doghouse in Edmonton, but he is still only 30 years old. On a quality team where he can focus more on the offensive side of his game, he could put up 40-45 points from the blue line if he can stay healthy. That has been his issue over the last couple of years, the ability (or lack thereof) to stay in the lineup.
Apr 25, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov (30) makes a save against the New York Islanders during the second period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, he is eccentric, and yes, he commanded a huge salary in Philly. But Bryzgalov is a quality goalie who could be a stop-gap for a team in need of a true #1 stopper. I don’t think he will get as much money as he signed for in Philadelphia, but most would agree that relationship was doomed from the start. Bryzgalov is most likely destined for the KHL, with not many NHL jobs still open.