Potential Free Agents - Closing Thoughts

The point is, you just never know. The writers of Hockey Wilderness offer some closing thoughts on potential free agents. Make the jump, and let us know how we did.

That said, maybe the bank will be broken on Plekanec, or they'll make a long-term offer to Lombardi. If that's the case, I'm ok with that. It'll still allow for competition for the young guys. I just don't want to see a bunch of also-rans and Twins-like moves. Now, yes, I have faith in Chuck Fletcher, and believe that he will do the right thing.

Is there even a free agent Fletcher might target? Anyone at all on the list he feels fits the plan for the future?

The overriding point is that the class is thin, and the Wild's needs are great. Trades are necessary, as none of the free agents make the Wild better without crippling them with the cap, save for the scenario of Plekanec coming in should Bouchard not come back.

Too many ifs, not enough solid info. Usually results in a quiet July 1st.

The problem is, Anahiem matches a $4 million offer sheet before the ink is dry. To land an RFA, a team has to over pay. Likely it would take more like $6 to $6.5 before Anaheim balks at it. Compensation to the Ducks for that level of contract? Two first round picks, a second round and a third round. You think Chuck Fletcher is willing to give that up, plus over pay Ryan? I don't.

Here are a couple of notable RFAs, which I didn't look too much into since the chances of us getting them are rather small:

-David Perron: Needs to grow defensively, but he's got loads of talent. 3 years, 2.5 - 3 million per year

-Bobby Ryan: I love seeing this guy play... too bad it's for the Ducks... I think forest green would go well on him. 3 years, 2.5 - 3 million per year

- Devin Setoguchi: He's well on his way towards becoming an absolute beast. 3 years, 2.75 - 3.25 million per year