Players on my "Realistic Wish-List":
F
1. Josh Bailey, NYI - 3.3m, UFA 2018, 6-23-29 in 43gp
The time has come to replace MacArthur, and Bailey is a good option to do so. Bailey is less of a goalscorer, which makes him a somewhat less than ideal option, but he is inexpensive, signed beyond this season, pretty good all-around and seems like he would be available for a reasonable price.
2. Brian Boyle, TBL - 2m, UFA, 11-5-16 in 41gp
Boyle is a big, positionally versatile playoff monster. Wreaked havoc against us as a Ranger and has gone on plenty of long runs since them (with varying success, but always as a useful role player - and generally as a useful secondary scorer). Would be a huge boost to our bottom 6.
3. Patrick Eaves, DA: - 1m, UFA, 16-11-27 in 46
Wow, what a year for Patty. I really wanted the Sens to bring him back this year, but obviously he has strong ties in Dallas. Who knows if they are willing to trade him, even if they are out of the playoff picture by the Deadline. Eaves, who plays left and right wing, is in the midst of a career season, needing 5 more points and 4 more goals to top the career bests he set in his rookie and sophomore season with Ottawa. Eaves would likely just be a rental, but he would be a difference making rental. He could play with any of our top 3 centers as their RW, and while I would be shocked if he continued his pace, I am confident he would chip in offense every 3 or 4 games at least.
3. Brian Gionta, BUF - 3.25m, UFA, 9-12-21 in 44gp
Speedy, versatile, solid defensively and a great locker-room presence. Far from what he used to be, but G is still a good player when used in a depth role. Would look good on Pageau's wing, or maybe Brassard's. Only concern is his size, but G has always played with an edge.
4. Jason Chimera, NYI - 2.25m, UFA in 2018. 8-8-16 in 43gp
At 37, the extra year on his contract is definitely a concern, but his play this season has been solid enough to alleviate some doubts about his ability to be a contributor for another year. Super speedy character winger who has developed into an inconsistent 15 goal guy. Having an okay year this year, would provide speedy and skill to the bottom 6. Sort of an over-the-hill Zack Smith, but I think he'd be a nice add for the next 2 years. Only concern is, his play tends to range from "good 4th liner" to "good middle 6er". That is similar to the next guy on my list, but Chimera's play comes with a higher floor as well as a higher ceiling.
5. Shawn Matthias, WPG - 2.125, UFA in 2018, 6-2-8 in 23gp
Matthias has pretty consistently paced between 20-30pts as a LW or C. Ok defensively for a C, great size and good skating, and a pretty good goal scorer. It is always tough to get a read on him - his "range" goes from okay 4th liner to very good 3rd liner, and a lot of how he performs depends on fit. That said, I am willing to take a chance on him being an overpaid 4th liner for a year and a bit, due to the potential upside of gaining an underpaid 3rd liner for a year and a bit.
6. Drew Stafford, WPG - 4.35m, UFA, 4-8-12 in 33
A big, versatile winger who has always had goal scoring ability, especially as a depth player. Always leaves you wanting more, but could work out well as a depth rental. Likely wouldn't cost much.
7. Lauri Korpikoski, DAL - 1m, UFA, 6-11-17 in 46
Korpi has had a good year for the Stars in a bottom 6 role and has paced better offensively than he has in several years. Korpi is another guy who plays both positions, but mainly LW. He could be a good plugger on the bottom line.
8. Rene Bourque, COL - 650k, UFA. 9-4-13 in 41gp
His stats look okay, but keep in mind he has 1 pt in his last 15gp. Could likely be had for a late round pick, though, costs almost nothing, has good wheels and a big body, and could form a nice 4th line with Lazar and Pyatt.
HM - Players I'd like but don't see being dealt
- Palat
- Jannik Hansen
- Marcus Foligno
- Antoine Roussel
- Mike Fisher
- Anders Lee
I'll do DMen later
