Wingmen

Rumours aside, I’d put a priority on re-signing Tanguay. He’s a great hometown player who, if healthy, can probably chip in a good 75-80 points. While a salary of $5.25 – $5.5 million might seem like a lot, other UFA options will cost a lot more.

Marian Gaborik is a natural and electrifying goal-scorer and away from defensive-minded Jacques Lemaire, the 27 year-old Slovak might be able to put up even better numbers (in 2007-08 he notched 42 goals and 83 points in 77 games). That’s if - and that’s a big if - he can stay healthy. Gaborik has had recurring hip/groin problems for years, but did undergo corrective surgery earlier this season. Will he hold up for an entire 82 games? And playoffs? Most people have their doubts, but somebody will end up taking the risk. Gaborik will be looking for a deal worth about $7.5/season. He’ll negotiate for long-term, but might have to settle for something shorter to prove he can survive a season.

Martin Havlat is another great player who’s had bad luck with injuries. Groin and shoulder problems? Ouch. The Blackhawks will try hard to re-sign this veteran, but with their young guns due for big raises in the next couple of years, the probably won’t have the cap space for Havlat. He was making $6 million last season and will be looking for something similar. In 81 games last season, the 28-year old scored 29 goals and 48 assists for 77 points and (+/-) rating of +29.

Marian Hossa after being runner-up two years in a row, Hossa might opt to comfort himself with millions of dollars. He could easily fetch $8 million a season in a multi-year deal. He’s hit the 100-point mark once in his career and has thrice scored 40+ goals. He might try to figure something out with the Wings, but Ken Holland might not have the cap space if he wants to keep other key, and more affordable, pieces.

Daniel Sedin would be affordable, but when you tack on the identical contract that you’ll have to give his brother, Henrik, well, it starts to add up. More than the money, it’s the 12-year deals they’re looking for that could sour any deal. Worried that Lecavalier has a 10-year contract? Imagine two of those. The Canucks don’t want to lose their two most productive forwards, so there’s a good chance they re-sign in Vancouver. If not, it’s rumoured that the Leafs’ Brian Burke would make a pitch. Both brothers are good for about a point-per-game.

Mike Cammalleri will be looking to double his salary after a career year in Calgary (GP-81; G-39; A-43; P-82). He’s only 27 and might just be hitting his stride. It’s unclear if the Sutters will try to re-sign him or not, but with a disappointing playoff exit Darryl might be looking to shake up more than the coaching staff.

Who Else?

Brian Gionta, Erik Cole, Miroslav Satan, Maxim Afinogenov, Steve Sullivan, Mike Knuble, Petr Sykora, Ales Kotalik, Todd Bertuzzi, Mikael Samuelsson.

Half of these guys will be re-signed by their current teams and the other half are good depth forwards, but aren’t necessarily the game-breaking goal scorers we’re dying to land.

Best Bet

Re-sign Tanguay. Toss an offer out to Cammalleri, and the Sedins. Maybe offer Gaborik an interesting one or two-year contract.

See who bites.

And if nobody does, then all it means is that you haven’t overpaid.

Kovalev will be waiting.

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Check out the Habs options Down the Middle.