MN Wild Free Agency Master Guide: An Overview

With the draft and free agency quickly approaching, trade season has already begun and moves have started to be made.  A few players, Matt Cooke included, have been bought out of their contract as teams struggle to keep under the salary cap of $71M.  The Wild have roughly $12M available and have pending free agents they'd like to sign in Devan Dubnyk, Mikael Granlund, Erik Haula and Christian Folin.  Considering Chuck Fletcher always leaves a couple of million dollars for in-season opportunities, and all 4 of those guys have to be signed for $10M or less.

We are going to take a close look at the top free agents at each position to give an overview of what else may be available in free agency when the market opens on July 1.  Some of these names could come off the board if they re-sign with their current team.  Today we are going to look at the Wild's pending Unrestricted Free Agents and what their futures look like as well as covering the market for available forwards.  We'll take a look at Defense and Goalies tomorrow.  We have also included a list of NHL UFAs for your reference.

Minnesota Wild UFAs

1. Devan Dubnyk

In case you completely missed last season, this guy saved the Wild's season and got them into the playoffs with his outstanding play.  He's a great fit for the Wild's system and wants to return, but very well could have earned himself a contract that moves him out of Minnesota.  Rumors are that he is seeking $5M per year, which would leave the Wild with less than $5M to re-sign Mikael Granlund, Christian Folin, and Erik Haula.  If it happens, look for this deal to get done in the range of 3 yr/ $15M to 4 yr/$16M.

2. Chris Stewart

Chris Stewart brought some size and grit to the Wild's first line after his arrival.  His skills as a power forward matched up well with Mikko Koivu and Jason Zucker and solidified the top 6.  The Wild would do well to find someone like Stewart to continue this trend (Charlie Coyle?), but it likely won't be Stewart, whose due raise isn't likely to fit with the Wild's cap constraints.  Stewart also completely disappeared in the post season, and missed the last few games with a separated shoulder.

3. Sean Bergenheim

Added at the trade deadline to help a mounting injury situation, Bergie never really found his fit on this team.  He had just a couple of flashes of what the Wild expected when they acquired him, but didn't settle in and ultimately spent a lot of time in the press box.  Bergenheim should find a job next year, it just won't be in Minnesota.

4. Kyle Brodziak

The third-longest tenured member of the Wild completed his second consecutive 3-year contract with Minnesota.  His offensive production has fallen off over the last couple years, but he filled the role of 4th liner perfectly, and added elite PK numbers.  #21 most likely will not return, but could if some salary is moved off the books and he is willing to take a substantial pay cut, as the coaching staff loves his ability to play the system.

5. Ryan Carter

Carter began his Wild career with a flourish, potting a couple goals early in the season.  He was solid throughout the year but was another odd man out as the Wild had an abundance of forwards down the stretch.  A prototypical 4th line grinder with offensive upside, he could be another victim of the cap, but the Wild could also find a way to bring him back inexpensively.  The emergence of Jordan Schroeder may prohibit this, however.

6. Jordan Leopold

Ravaged by the mumps, injuries and suspensions throughout the season, the Wild's defensive depth was exposed.  Leo was picked up at the deadline to add a little veteran presence to the 3rd pair, and he played well, never relinquishing the role to Nate Prosser when he returned from injury.  He's #OneOfUs and has a bond with Matt Dumba.  It would be wise of the Wild to find a way to bring him back on an inexpensive deal for one final year before he retires.

7. Keith Ballard

The State of Hockey collectively cringed as we saw a Matt Martin hit likely end Ballard's career.  Already dealing with a history of concussions, Ballard suffered another one plus several facial fractures and still hasn't recovered to the point he can take the ice on consecutive days.  It's a terrible way to go out, but Ballard is likely to retire.

8. Nate Prosser

Prosser returned to the Wild after being cut by the Blues in the preseason.  He was supposed to be the 7th defenseman, but got more than his share of time due to injury and illness.  He likely set a record for Time on Glass/60 as the term #Prossered trended each time Prosser was demolished behind his own net.  This also cost him several games down the stretch as one of those hits ended with a groin injury.  Though he is #OneOfUs and knows the system, there is likely a better option than bringing back Prosser.

9. Josh Harding

A second sad story of a career ending, Harding is expected to retire this offseason as his battle against Multiple Sclerosis carries on.  He hasn't been able get into serious game time over the last two years, and his contract has come to an end.

NHL UFAs by Position

Center

1. Shawn Horcoff

Horcoff is a cagey veteran, but at 36 is reaching his twilight years in the NHL.  He put up 29 points for Dallas last year and is a solid all-aroud player.  However, at this age his biggest value is likely his leadership and ability to mentor younger players.

2. Mike Fisher

Fisher is coming off an injury-shortened season, posting 39 points in 59 games.  He also missed 3 games in the opening round of the playoffs against the Blackhawks.  Fisher has never been a explosive offensively, but is a solid 2-way center.  Nashville listed re-signing Fisher as their top priority of the off-season, and at 34 he is likely due one last big payday, which he will likely find returning to Nashville.

3. Daniel Briere

There is speculation that the 17 year vet and his 696 points and 53 career playoff goals will retire.  He finished the season with a foot injury after having a rough go in his only season with Colorado, posting just 13 points in 57 games.  At 37, with his numbers in decline, it will be tough for him to find a new job.

4. Antoine Vermette

Following a strange Stanley Cup run in which he was scratched for a few games but returned and scored 3 game winners, Vermette may have earned himself a nice payday, but will likely be overpaid due to his heroics in the playoffs.  He struggled to transition to a new role in Chicago, no longer being 1C and his game suffered.  He has always been known for showing up in big moments though.  At 32, he will likely hit the open market and find a (likely overvalued) payday.

5. Matt Cullen

Having just finished his 17th year in the league, Cullen said that if he plays, he wants to be close to his Minnesota home and would consider "a few" teams to play on.  Cullen is a versatile player who still skates well at 38 and has generally scored between 30 and 50 points per year.  He could be useful for a team looking for a bottom-6 forward role, but would have to take a major paycut from the $4M he earned in Nashville last year.

6. Jarret Stoll

Stoll is a bottom-6 grinder who was infamously busted with cocaine and MDMA entering a Las Vegas casino following the Kings non-playoff season.  He won't be brought back to LA, but is just 32 and could catch on with another team, who would benefit from his salary requirements falling due to his trouble with the law.

7. Rich Peverley

Peverley has not played a game since he collapsed on the Dallas bench in March of 2014, delaying the game as both the team and fans were stunned.  His future is likely in coaching.

8. Jiri Tlusty

Tlusty is an up-and-coming forward, and at 27, one of the youngest players in this list.  He is versatile, having played mostly Left Wing following his trade to Winnipeg.  His ceiling isn't likely that high, projecting to be a 40 point per year type of player, which is disappointing for a former first-round pick known as a sniper.

9. Kyle Brodziak

Brodziak is a grinder and defensive specialist.  He has shown offensive upside in the past, but that has waned over the last few seasons as he has settled into a shutdown PK role.  Just 31, Brodziak would be a good fit for a team looking for a veteran presence in their bottom-6 that can stabilize the PK while mentoring youth and winning a few faceoffs.

10. Olli Jonkinen

Jokinen is an NHL journeyman who began his career 16 years ago under the wing of a guy by the name of Gretzky.  He has shown huge offensive upside, scoring as many as 91 points in a season.  Unfortunately, that was almost 10 years ago an more recent years have not been as kind.  At age 36, Jokinen should be able to carry on his career with a couple of 1 year deals with teams seeking veteran talent at a reasonable rate.

11. Brad Richards

Richards was was signed to shore up Chicago's second line, and reviews were positive.  He didn't post a ton of points with 37 on the year, but proved to be an effective 2C, while also playing well in the playoffs.  He is known as a two-way center and should have a line of suitors this summer, including incumbent Chicago.  This is a solid player that still has a lot to offer at age 35.

Wings

1. Martin St. Louis

St. Louis turned 40 on June 18th but the man is ageless on the ice. In first full season with the Blue Shirts, Marty scored 21 goals and contributed 31 helpers for 52 points. St. Louis managed only one goal and seven assists in his 19 game playoff run with the Rangers but if MSL decides to play another year he will have plenty of suitors. He is still a bonafide top-6 wing and is as dynamic as ever come game-time.

2. Justin Williams

Williams will be highly sought after by contenders if he reaches free agency. He is clutch, 25 points in 26 games during LA's 2013-14 Cup run, and consistently checks in around the 20 goal mark during the regular season. Williams turn 34 shortly into the 2015-2016 NHL season but is still a valuable top-6 winger.

3. Drew Stafford

In 50 games for the Buffalo Sabres Stafford had nine goals and 15 assists for 24 points. In 26 games for the Jets Stafford had nine goals and 10 assists for 19 points. Simply put, in the right situation (a team actually trying to win games) Stafford can be a solid secondary scoring option with upside that also brings a physical game. He should be compensated well in free agency as one of the better wingers available.

4. Michael Frolik

Frolik has put up 42 points in each of his past two seasons in Winnipeg, producing much more offense than his two and half seasons in Chicago, and should be an attractive option for team's seeking top-6 help in free agency. Frolik is sound defensively and at 27 years old has plenty of good years ahead of him.

5. Matt Beleskey

Beleskey enters unrestricted free agency at 27 and does so coming off a a career year in Anaheim. The scrappy left winger potted 22 goals and 10 assists in 65 regular season games for the Ducks and continued his hot hand in the playoffs by scoring eight goals and adding an assist for nine points in 16 post-season contests. Beleskey looks primed receive a significant increase of his previous two-year 2.7 million deal come July 1st if he hits the open market.

6. Steve Downie

Much like the Wild's own Matt Cooke, Steve Downie is a player that needed to figure out how to toe that fine line of physical play in order to continue his NHL career. Downie has done that and become a valued bottom-6 asset as a hard-nosed, agitating winger that can chip in offensively. Downie is the type of player built for a playoff team and should be inked to a new contract shortly into free agency.

7. Erik Cole

At 36 years old Erik Cole is still a productive and versatile NHL player. Cole brings some grit and physicality but his 21 goals in 68 games, split between Dallas and Detroit, last season shows he can still score at this level too. Cole would be a nice add to a team seeking bottom-6 and secondary scoring help as well as providing a veteran presence.

8. Joel Ward

Yet another quality bottom-6 winger on the list. Ward brings size, grit, and some scoring touch evidenced by his 19 goals and 34 points last season. Adding to Ward's resumé is that he has been a solid playoff contributor over his career and continued that trend with nine points in 14 playoff games for the Caps this past playoff.

9. Curtis Glencross

Glencross continues the trend of solid bottom-6 wingers that should hit the free agent market. This past season Glencross put up 35 points between Calgary and Washington and also scored a goal in 10 playoff games for the Capitals. Glencross won't be a headline signing but he provides leadership and is a dependable 3rd/4th line player with offensive upside.

10. Erik Condra

At just 28 years old Condra should be a relatively reasonable addition, financially, for a team looking for 4th line help. Given the other names available, assuming they all hit free agency, Condra will likely be the bargain option that could exceed expectations. His 23 points last season show he can provide some offense and +13 rating indicates he's defensively responsible.

NHL UFAs

Player	Pos	Team	Age	Cap Hit	FA Status
Mike Green	D	WSH	29	6,083,333	2015 (UFA)
Martin St. Louis	RW	NYR	39	5,625,000	2015 (UFA)
Shawn Horcoff	C	DAL	36	5,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Paul Martin	D	PIT	34	5,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Lubomir Visnovsky	D	NYI	38	4,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Sergei Gonchar	D	MTL	41	4,600,000	2015 (UFA)
Erik Cole	LW	DET	36	4,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Tomas Fleischmann	LW	ANA	31	4,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Martin Erat	RW	ARI	33	4,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Mike Fisher	C	NSH	35	4,200,000	2015 (UFA)
Andrej Meszaros	D	BUF	29	4,125,000	2015 (UFA)
Daniel Briere	C	COL	37	4,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Drew Stafford	RW	WPG	29	4,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Christian Ehrhoff	D	PIT	32	4,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Antti Niemi	G	SJS	31	3,800,000	2015 (UFA)
Antoine Vermette	C	CHI	32	3,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Sheldon Souray	D	ANA	38	3,666,667	2015 (UFA)
Justin Williams	RW	LAK	33	3,650,000	2015 (UFA)
Bryan Allen	D	MTL	34	3,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Cullen	C	NSH	38	3,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Francois Beauchemin	D	ANA	35	3,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Scottie Upshall	LW	FLA	31	3,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Michael Ryder	RW	NJD	35	3,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Johnny Oduya	D	CHI	33	3,375,000	2015 (UFA)
Cody Franson	D	NSH	27	3,300,000	2015 (UFA)
Michael Frolik	RW	WPG	27	3,300,000	2015 (UFA)
Jarret Stoll	C	LAK	32	3,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Rich Peverley	C	DAL	32	3,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Jan Hejda	D	COL	36	3,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Barret Jackman	D	STL	34	3,166,667	2015 (UFA)
Bryce Salvador	D	NJD	39	3,166,667	2015 (UFA)
Tomas Kopecky	RW	FLA	33	3,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Robyn Regehr	D	LAK	35	3,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Joel Ward	RW	WSH	34	3,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Jiri Tlusty	C	WPG	27	2,950,000	2015 (UFA)
Viktor Fasth	G	EDM	32	2,900,000	2015 (UFA)
Eric Brewer	D	TOR	36	2,867,500	2015 (UFA)
Kyle Brodziak	C	MIN	31	2,833,333	2015 (UFA)
Karri Ramo	G	CGY	28	2,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Andrej Sekera	D	LAK	29	2,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Sean Bergenheim	LW	MIN	31	2,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Curtis Glencross	LW	WSH	32	2,550,000	2015 (UFA)
Olli Jokinen	C	STL	36	2,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Michal Neuvirth	G	NYI	27	2,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Tyler Kennedy	C	NYI	28	2,350,000	2015 (UFA)
Ryan Wilson	D	COL	28	2,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Michal Rozsival	D	CHI	36	2,200,000	2015 (UFA)
Chris Stewart	RW	MIN	27	2,075,000	2015 (UFA)
Brad Richards	C	CHI	35	2,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Zbynek Michalek	D	STL	32	2,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Marek Zidlicky	D	DET	38	2,000,000	2015 (UFA)
John Erskine	D	WSH	34	1,962,500	2015 (UFA)
Josh Harding	G	MIN	30	1,900,000	2015 (UFA)
Jonas Gustavsson	G	DET	30	1,850,000	2015 (UFA)
Jordan Leopold	D	MIN	34	1,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Mike Weaver	D	MTL	37	1,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Shawn Matthias	C	VAN	27	1,750,000	2015 (UFA)
Jim Slater	C	WPG	32	1,600,000	2015 (UFA)
Gregory Campbell	C	BOS	31	1,600,000	2015 (UFA)
Adam McQuaid	D	BOS	28	1,566,667	2015 (UFA)
Brenden Morrow	LW	TBL	36	1,550,000	2015 (UFA)
Keith Ballard	D	MIN	32	1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Michael Santorelli	C	NSH		1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Eric Fehr	C	WSH	29	1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Daniel Cleary	RW	DET	36	1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Carkner	D	NYI	34	1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Martin Havlat	LW	NJD	34	1,500,000	2015 (UFA)
Peter Budaj	G	WPG	32	1,400,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Beleskey	LW	ANA	27	1,350,000	2015 (UFA)
Daniel Paille	LW	BOS	31	1,300,000	2015 (UFA)
Patrick Kaleta	RW	BUF	29	1,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Mark Letestu	C	CBJ	30	1,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Jhonas Enroth	G	DAL	26	1,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Erik Condra	RW	OTT	28	1,250,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Bartkowski	D	BOS	27	1,250,000	2015 (UFA)
James Sheppard	C	NYR	27	1,200,000	2015 (UFA)
Tim Gleason	D	WSH	32	1,200,000	2015 (UFA)
Marcel Goc	C	STL	31	1,200,000	2015 (UFA)
David Schlemko	D	CGY	28	1,187,500	2015 (UFA)
Brad Richardson	RW	VAN	30	1,150,000	2015 (UFA)
B.J. Crombeen	RW	ARI	29	1,150,000	2015 (UFA)
David Booth	LW	TOR	30	1,100,000	2015 (UFA)
Maxim Lapierre	C	PIT	30	1,100,000	2015 (UFA)
Mike Ribeiro	C	NSH	35	1,050,000	2015 (UFA)
Carl Soderberg	C	BOS	29	1,008,333	2015 (UFA)
Dany Heatley	LW	FLA	34	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Anton Volchenkov	D	NSH	33	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Scott Hannan	D	SJS	36	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Irwin	D	SJS	27	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Thomas Greiss	G	PIT	29	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Steve Downie	RW	PIT	28	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Ray Emery	G	PHI	32	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Derek Roy	C	EDM	32	1,000,000	2015 (UFA)
Jesse Joensuu	LW	EDM	27	950,000	2015 (UFA)
Anders Lindback	G	BUF	27	925,000	2015 (UFA)
Colton Orr	RW	TOR	33	925,000	2015 (UFA)
Dan Ellis	G	FLA	34	900,000	2015 (UFA)
Patrick Dwyer	RW	CAR	31	900,000	2015 (UFA)
Lee Stempniak	RW	WPG	32	900,000	2015 (UFA)
Jay Beagle	RW	WSH	29	900,000	2015 (UFA)
Jayson Megna	C	PIT	25	874,125	2015 (UFA)
Manny Malhotra	C	MTL	35	850,000	2015 (UFA)
Aaron Ness	D	NYI	25	826,875	2015 (UFA)
Danny Kristo	RW	NYR	24	826,875	2015 (UFA)
Matt Donovan	D	NYI	25	826,875	2015 (UFA)
Devan Dubnyk	G	MIN	29	800,000	2015 (UFA)
Peter Harrold	D	NJD	32	800,000	2015 (UFA)
David Moss	RW	ARI	33	800,000	2015 (UFA)
Andre Benoit	D	BUF	31	800,000	2015 (UFA)
Aaron Johnson	D	OTT	32	800,000	2015 (UFA)
Korbinian Holzer	D	ANA	27	787,500	2015 (UFA)
Matt Hackett	G	BUF	25	750,750	2015 (UFA)
Tom Sestito	LW	VAN	27	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Brian McGrattan	RW	CGY	33	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Brian Gibbons	C	CBJ	27	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Jason LaBarbera	G	ANA	35	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Andrew Desjardins	C	CHI	28	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Devin Setoguchi	RW	CGY	28	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Jack Skille	RW	CBJ	28	750,000	2015 (UFA)
Matt Halischuk	RW	WPG	27	725,000	2015 (UFA)
Ryan Carter	C	MIN	31	725,000	2015 (UFA)
Jason Missiaen	G	NYR	25	715,000	2015 (UFA)
Paul Carey	C	BOS	26	715,000	2015 (UFA)