NHL Free Agent Targets: Forwards Part Three

Continuing our look at free agent targets for the Minnesota Wild, we move on from the "unattainables" and the grinders to a handful of guys the Wild might actually target given the right circumstances. Again, we here at Hockey Wilderness do not feel the Wild be very active in free agency, so take all of these with a grain of salt. The key words will be "in the right situation."

We all watched as Anton Khudobin went from designated back up to the backup to a no one on his way to Boston. The lesson is that things change, and they change quickly. Young players do not necessarily have to come from Houston, even if that is where we would like to see them come from.  Given a decision to fill the roster with young NHL savvy talent, we feel these are the targets. 

Make the jump for Marek Svatos, Ville Leino, and Patrick Eaves.

Marek Svatos

#10 / Right Wing / Ottawa Senators

Height: 5-10

Weight: 185

Born: Jun 17, 1982

Current Cap Hit:$800K
Age: 29

JS: What the hell happened to this guy? He was so promising. If you can find a time machine for this guy, sign him by all means. The only way I could see the Wild maybe giving this guy a shot is give him the Patrick O'Sullivan treatment: Cheap contract and if it doesn't work out, off to Houston you go. Possible low-risk, high-reward situation, could be worth a shot, but don't expect much.
Verdict: 1 year, two-way if possible, under 1 million.

Bryan: As a third or fourth liner, maybe Svatos works. I do not know a ton about him, but I do know he never lived up to the hype. Sixty points one time, and then nothing. Nothing at all. If he has some defensive ability, great, sign him for under a million, but at this point, I don't see it. 
Verdict: Pass

Nathan: Svatos could have been someone. He could have made an impact, but flamed out too soon.
Verdict: Pass

Ville Leino

#22 / Left Wing / Philadelphia Flyers

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

Born: Oct 06, 1983

Current Cap Hit: $800K
Age: 27

JS: Will probably be one of the more attractive UFAs out there this year, and he'll likely ask for a ton of cash. He's a rather enigmatic player though. He was unwanted in Detroit, so was shipped to Philly, where he emerged in last year's playoffs. This season, he attained a good 53 points, by far his best total, yet a good deal of fans don't like him too much. It seems to be a mixed bag: He's a good playmaker, but many say his effort level isn't high enough or that he's not willing to play in the dirty areas. He can play both wings, but we don't need yet another playmaker. I don't think he fits with the Wild, besides, he's likely to be costly.
Verdict: Pass.

Bryan: Ville Leino intrigues me. He intrigues the hell right out of me. A clear cap casualty in Philly, Leino was once one of the top prospects in the Red Wings organization. He also put up 53 points last season, including those 19 goals. Nineteen goals would have tied him for... get this... second on the Wild last year. And the Flyers deemed him worthy to be gone. Unreal. He has good size, is fast, and could make a great second / third line player. He likely gets a pay day, though.
Verdict: 2 years, $1.4 million per.

Nathan: Decent size. Decent production. Decent talent. Now, he'll be getting a decent increase this season considering the weakness of the class, his 53 points and 27 years of age. He will not sign here, no matter how much I'd love him as a top-6/bottom-6 swing guy.
Verdict: 3 years, $1.7 million per.

Patrick Eaves

#17 / Right Wing / Detroit Red Wings

Height: 6-0

Weight: 191

Born: May 01, 1984

Current Cap Hit: $750K
Age: 27

JS: Versatile 3rd-4th line option. Would be a good choice if the Wild aren't quite ready to bring too many young players up yet. Could bring around 20 points, maybe 15 goals, but he's an injury concern. Nonetheless, he plays with energy and would be inexpensive. Give it a shot Fletch, I won't mind.
Verdict: 1-2 years, around 800-900k per year.

Bryan: Eaves is, as JS mentioned, a solid option should the Wild feel uncomfortable with the kids coming up. The problem is, they will need to decide sooner rather than later, since Eaves wil likely go on July 1st. He's a great checking forward, and has a touch of offense to go with it. He is young enough to fit in with the youth movement, and would be a great veteran presence, should the Wild deem it necessary. Perhaps on the Clutterbuck - Powe line?
Verdict: 2 years, $1 million per

Nathan: Pat Eaves does absolutely nothing for me personally.
Verdict: Pass