I came across a really nice article from about a month ago via
The Hockey News that highlights the top 30 UFA players heading into this summer.
There's some solid talent in this crop, particularly in the defensemen category, and some options that I think could come in and really help bolster Florida's blue line if they can manage to get someone.
Here are the defensemen listed in the article:
1. ALEX PIETRANGELO, D, 30
2019-20 cap hit: $6,500,000
He’s a big, rangy, skilled leader with a Stanley Cup ring. He still defends at an elite level. He’d already set a career high with 16 goals and was three away from beating his personal-best point total of 54 when the NHL shutdown halted his progress with 11 games to go. His next contract may not look the prettiest in its final few years, but whichever team signs him can just decide to worry about that time when it comes. He’s a difference-maker in the short term. Do the Blues retain him? It may depend on what the salary cap projects to be next season, as he should
command something in the Roman Josi range of $9 million-plus.
3. TOREY KRUG, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: $5,250,000
More than just a power-play maven. Size doesn’t hinder his defensive effectiveness as much in today’s game, and he plays with feistiness. Could easily end up the top UFA ‘D’ prize should Pietrangelo re-sign. If Krug leaves Boston, the pull toward his beloved childhood team in Detroit should be strong.
5. TYSON BARRIE, D, 28
2019-20 cap hit: $5,500,000
When the Leafs replaced coach Mike Babcock with Sheldon Keefe, it saved Barrie’s season – and wallet. As a right-shot with excellent power-play acumen, he’ll have a long list of suitors.
10. SAMI VATANEN, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: $4,875,000
Has a heck of a time staying healthy – a 60-game season qualifies as a win with him – but moves the puck and can work a power play. Right-handedness will net him some extra bucks.
12. T.J. BRODIE, D, 30
2019-20 cap hit: $4,650,400
Not flashy, but he’s a mobile top-four type who moves the puck pretty well and, as a lefty, functions best on the right side. Optimal to pair him with a top-end No. 1, however, as he has struggled at times when not skating with Mark Giordano in Calgary.
15. KEVIN SHATTENKIRK, D, 31
2019-20 cap hit: $1,750,000
Was better than his Ranger numbers indicated, making him less of a gamble than it may have seemed when Tampa signed him. Not surprisingly, he got his production back on track – just in time for another pay day.
16. ERIK GUSTAFSSON, D, 28
2019-20 cap hit: $1,200,000
Monster 2018-19 was clearly an anomaly. In a way, seeing his offensive production almost halved makes him more of a bargain. He can move the puck, and you no longer have to pay the premium of a 60-point defenseman.
17. BRENDEN DILLON, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: $3,270,000
A throwback who defends with his big body and doesn’t get too cute with the puck. He’s also mobile enough that he can play alongside elite rushers, like Brent Burns and Erik Karlsson in San Jose and John Carlson in Washington.
19. TRAVIS HAMONIC, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: 3,857,143
Perpetually nicked up but plays a simple game that could stabilize a team’s middle pair or, ideally at this stage of his career, third pair. He’s a beloved teammate.
21. JUSTIN SCHULTZ, D, 29
2019-20 cap hit: $5,500,000
Schultz underwhelmed offensively in his contract year. But potential suitors should be encouraged that his most productive stretches as a Penguin came when Kris Letang was out long-term and Schultz was forced into a bigger role. Schultz finished 10th in the 2016-17 Norris vote when Letang missed half the season.
22. DYLAN DEMELO, D, 27
2019-20 cap hit; $900,000
Far from flashy, but DeMelo was a quietly effective defensive defenseman on a bad Ottawa team, to the point he became a tradable rental asset at the deadline. He’s been perceived as more of a sixth or seventh defenseman, but he can handle himself on a middle pair.
23. RADKO GUDAS, D, 30
2019-20 cap hit: $3,350,000
He’s a throwback, physical to the point he often crosses the line, and he offers little offense – but he’s not a statue out there, either. Brings nastiness to a bottom pair but is mobile enough that he’s not a liability.
27. CHRIS TANEV, D, 30
2019-20 cap hit: $4,450,000
Defensive D-man sacrifices his body a lot, and it’s taken a toll on him. Even if his value peaked a few years ago, however, he can still help most teams in a depth-pair shutdown role.
29. ZDENO CHARA, D, 43
2019-20 cap hit: $2,000,000
He’s approaching the Chris Chelios Years. But, like Chelios, Chara is Hall-of-Fame-level special. If anyone has the fitness and motivation to return for an age-44 season, it’s Chara. You could make a case a cancelled 2019-20 would increase Z’s odds of returning. He’d want one more crack at the Cup.
30. MARK BOROWIECKI, D, 30
2019-20 cap hit: $1,200,000
He’ll never duplicate his seven-goal effort again. The bruiser scored on 11.1 percent of his shots, which is absurdly lucky for a defenseman. But even if he isn’t scoring, he’ll attract offers because of his extreme bodycheck output and leadership.
Looking at this list, there are a number of guys I'd like to see in a Cats sweater, but with limited cap space, I believe they'll need to let Hoffman or Dadonov walk and make some other moves (as rumored).
Hoffman saves you over $5M and Dadonov over $4M. I assume they'll let Boyle and his $940K go, but probably resign Haula for around $3M-ish? I'm also assuming Pysyk and his $2.7M is a casualty of the summer (which I think is fine).
All the wheelin'-and'dealin' aside, just looking at that list, who would you want - assuming the Cats can only get one?
Obviously guys like guys like Pietrangelo and Krug would be ideal, but I don't think there's any way Florida can swing those guys and I have to believe STL and BOS will make a big push for them.
When I think of the Florida blue line, the ingredient that's missing is a true defensive-minded guy that has some snarl. They don't need anymore offensive-minds back there.
I like the combo of Borowiecki's money and physical play. It could be a nice addition. Demelo is another cheap option that could work out well.
If they're looking to stay in the 3-4 M range, which I think is reasonable, then I'd like to see Dillon, Hamonic, or (I can't believe I'm saying this) Gudas.
For me, Dillon has that old school toughens and simplicity that could really bring a different dynamic on the back end. As much as I'm not a Gudas fan, the physicality he'd bring on the blue line is sorely needed - if he can just keep it in line and not go over it.
I'd love to hear from fans of the teams these guys played/play on to get some better insight into their play, as we only see bits and pieces from highlights, reading, etc.
Heck, I'd be curious to give Chara a try if he leaves BOS. Why not?
Of course...don't forget that Buff is looming around out there and could be gotten for cheap (potentially).
The Cats missed their opportunity to really make a splash defensively last summer. Don't get me wrong, I like Stralman, but most of the guys on this list make close to the same, or less than him, and would probably have a bigger impact on the backend if brought in. That's not a knock on #6. I think his strength is not hearing his name throughout the game, because he's quietly doing his job. But some of these UFAs on the list have a "louder" game that might be heard on a nightly basis.
Who knows though...the Cats will probably target a forward or two.
Setup Sunday
Big Al gets the nod this weekend, but not so much for his rather bland leg pads and blocker/glove combo...
[Image from NHL-NBC Sports website]
While he did have nice little subtle stripe of color in his equipment at some point, Montoya's mask was just a beauty.
I always prefer simplicity, but there's something about the enlarged leaping cat, its enlarged features, and smooth airbrush job that made this look so good. I also loved that his face was in the mouth of the panther.
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Stay safe out there and go Panthers!
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