NHL Free Agent Targets: Forward Part Four

Closing out the forward free agent targets, we look at four players that were recommended by readers. After looking at the names, I think people may have had a case of the OMG-LookWhoIsAvailables. Age, futility, lack of positional need. Not to mention their ages. Oh, and how old they are. 

I'm not saying these guys are old, but I'm thinking dinner on off days would be served at 3PM to ensure these guys could be in bed by 8PM. With these reader suggestions, I am considering placing you all on waivers, but I'm afraid even Nucks Misconduct wouldn't take you. 

After the jump, four players that make zero sense for the Wild, but whom we explore anyway. 

Tim Connolly

#19 / Center / Buffalo Sabres

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

Born: May 07, 1981

Current Cap Hit: $4.5 million
Age: 30

JS: I don't think there's a chance in hell he's come to Minnesota. Besides, I don't think another season with Brodz as the 2nd line center is necessarily going to kill us, he's doing a good job and is getting better and better. Also, Connolly rhymes with injury in more ways than one.
Verdict: Pass.

Bryan: One of the worst contracts in the NHL. Terrible production from a guy pulling down a giant paycheck. The Wild do not need a center, so thankfully, will not even be tempted by Connolly. Did I mention his terrible contract?
Verdict: Pass. 

Nathan: This team needs another bad contract like a hole in the head.
Verdict: Pass. 

Erik Cole

#26 / Left Wing / Carolina Hurricanes

Height: 6-2

Weight: 205

Born: Nov 06, 1978

Current Cap Hit: $2.9 million
Age: 32

JS: Played his first full season in a century and had a great comeback season. Hence, he shall be too hard on the wallet. Sure we can dream, but he's back to being the player he was before his horrible neck injury and he might get better. Besides, my money is on him re-signing with the Canes.
Verdict: Not gonna happen.

Bryan: It sucks to call a guy the same age as me old, but with the direction the Wild are headed, Cole seems to be on the wrong side of the the calendar. It seems odd to say that a guy that would have led the team in goals last year isn't even and option, but Cole is not in the cards, for many reasons. Age, price, translation to the Western Conference, lack of anywhere to put him... the list is lengthy. 
Verdict: Would love the offense, but it's not happening. 

Nathan: I'd love to see Erik Cole succeed, and do so with the Wild, but he is simply going down the wrong path from the Wild.
Verdict: Pass

Jason Arnott

#44 / Center / Washington Capitals

Height: 6-5

Weight: 220

Born: Oct 11, 1974

Current Cap Hit: $4.5 million
Age: 36

JS: He would be a great veteran presence, but he's getting old, he's slowing down offensively and he'll be looking to sign with a contender, which is not something the Wild can boast. No way Arnott wears the Iron range red.
Verdict: Signs with a contender. Not the Wild.

Bryan: Sigh. No. I'm sorry, I like Arnott, but if the Wild are going to have an aging forward around, I would prefer the hang on to Andrew Brunette. 
Verdict: Pass.

Nathan: Good lord no. That contract and lack of production is ridiculous.
Verdict: Pass.

Vinny Prospal

#20 / Left Wing / New York Rangers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 198

Born: Feb 17, 1975

Current Cap Hit: $2.48 million
Age: 36

JS: If he were willing to sign for as low as he has in the last two years, he would be a beautiful option if healthy. It's unlikely the two scenarios happen at the same time though, but if possible, jump on a 1 year contract.
Verdict: 1 year, 1.5-2 million.

Bryan: Ha ha. Yeah right. Moving on.
Verdict: No. Not a chance. 

Nathan: No.
Verdict: Pass