UFA targets

Taz#24 · 05-06-2007, 03:15 PM

Physical forward who drives the net and can score 25+ (preferably a left winger)...

1. Scott HARTNELL: Unlike others available, he won't be a quick fix. He's in his mid-twenties hasn't reached his full potential and can grow with our core group.

2. Keith TKACHUK: Hometown favourite and can still play that role but PC should only sign him to a short term deal (three years max).

3. Brendan SHANAHAN: Still a warrior and would provide the leadership this team needs right now (three year deal max).

4. Taylor PYATT; No mean streak whatsoever but plays a solid physical game and proved he can score in Vancouver.

5. Bill GUERIN: Not sure if he has any interest in coming back to Boston but he is still a physical force.

6. Todd BERTUZZI: When playing his game, he's a real force but he hasn't been the same player since the Steve MOORE incident.

7. Gary ROBERTS: Getting pretty long in the tooth but if last year indicates anything, he can still play that role (short term deal, 2 years).

Other options....
Although not in the same category, Danuis ZUBRUS might be an option. He has played all three forward positions, he's big, skates well and plays a fairly physical brand. Viktor KOZLOV might also be a decent option although not a consistent physical guy at all.

A top four defenseman...

1. Scott HANNAN: Top notch shut-down defenseman, with a nasty edge, who would really help our young goaltenders succeed.

2. Vatali VISHNEVSKY: Solid in his own zone and plays a physical game.

3. Danny MARKOV: See VISHNEVSKY.

4. Andy SUTTON: Huge stay at homer with a solid physical game, paired with CHARA....hmmmmm.

5. Aaron MILLER: May be past his prime but still a safe player and would be a nice addition at the right salary.

6. Cory SARICH: Safe #4/5 guy and usually plays it tough.

7. Tom PREISSING: Playing along side CHARA might be a very nice tandem but I am thinking we need shut-down more then puck moving guys.

8. Roman HAMRLIK: Veteran with a good blend of O and D. Was a huge Ray BOURQUE fan so may come at a hometown discount but I doubt it.

9. Darryl SYDOR: Past his prime but still a solid #4 guy.

10. Bryce SALVADOR: Plays a consistent, if unspectacular physical game and may rebound if provided with a change of scenery.

11. Ossi VAANENEN: Nothing special but safe veteran option.

12. Bryan BERARD: Like PREISSING, more of a puck mover but if PC feels that is what we need, he might be a decent option.

13. Brent SOPEL: See BERARD.

14. Brad LUKOWICH: A decent option.

Third/fourth line character/grit/toughness.

1. Adam MAIR: Doesn't take stupid penalties and plays a hard nosed, safe game.

2. Aaron ASHAM: Under-rated player and very tough middle weight.

3. Ian LAPERRIERE: Can play center or wing, great team guy who can chip in.

4. Kirk MALTBY: Has been a two-way force in Detroit for years.

5. Scott NICHOL: Plays an in your face game and always shows up to compete.

6. Scott WALKER: Tough little guy who can score 12-15 goals.

Third line center (something we could use but not a priority)

1. Mike PECA: He's a prototypical third line center.

2. Craig CONROY: Very nice two-way center who can play on your second line if required.

3. Jeremy REONICK: Might flourish in that role (One year deal)

4. Radek BONK: At the right salary.

5. Eric BELANGER: He's a solid two-way player who would fulfill that role very well.

6. Wayne PRIMEAU: Did a good job in Boston while here before.

7. Trevor LINDEN: Still looks like he can contribute (short term deal, one year plus a club option).

8. Wes WALZ: At the right salary, I would take a look at him as an option.

9. Dean MCAMMOND: Playing a solid checking role in Ottawa but might be better suited as a fourth liner.

If MURRAY is traded and we need some scoring to replace him...

1. Chris DRURY: Mr CLUTCH, what else can one say.

2. Ryan SMYTHE: Just dreaming but he would be a great Bruin.

3. Teemu SELANNE: Can still skate and score.

4. Paul KARIYA: Loads of skill.

5. Ruslan FEDOTENKO: Good for 20+

6. Mike JOHNSON: An under the radar guy who can score 20.

Goaltenders...(Hopefully there will be no need)

1. JS GIGUERE: We can't afford him.

2. Mathieu GARON: Could be an option if camp doesn't go well.

3. Jussi MARKENNEN: See GARON.

4. David AEBISHER: This guy was on his way until being traded to the Habs, a change of scenery may be what he needs to get back.

5. Niklas BACKSTROM: Looked pretty good this past season.

Depth....

1. Bobby ALLEN: Good swing guy to have around and deserves a look after what he did last year.

2. Jeremy REICH: Brings a great attitude and plays a safe physical game, love to see him back.

3. Michael RYAN: This kid impressed me when he was called up to Buffalo, I think he's worth a look.

4. Krys BARCH: Fourth line toughness?

5. Tom KOSTOPOULOS: See BARCH.

Ideal line-up for me (possibly attainable)...

HARTNELL-SAVARD-MURRAY
STURM-KESSEL-BERGERON
AXELSSON-PECA-KOBASEW
KALUS-MAIR-DONOVAN
Depth...Michael RYAN/Jeremy REICH/David KREJCI

CHARA-HANNAN
WARD-PREISSING
FERENCE-STUART/ALBERTS
Depth...Bobby ALLEN/Matt LASHOFF

TOIVONEN
THOMAS
Depth...Tuuka RASK.

WIDEMAN, MOWERS, BOCHENSKI and CHISTOV can all walk as far as I am concerned and based on these possible upgrades.

Drury77 · 05-06-2007, 03:34 PM

Hey Taz welcome aboard and great post.

In your top 7, I'd take Hartnell, your right he's not a quick fix, but by god he'd bang some bodies in the FC.

I'd love to get my hands on Drury for obvious reasons and I really like what Mair would bring to a club that is looking for some strength and toughness.

I need to look that over more but those are my first impressions.

reject · 05-15-2007, 12:38 AM

Welcome to the site, Taz.

I'd like Drury as a UFA signing. Maybe some other less notable UFA's that can help somewhat. On the goalie front, I'd rather not sign anyone cause I feel like Thomas and Toivonen can handle it. But, if so, I'd like to have Hasek or Backstrom. Hasek is a bigger longshot than Backstrom because he'd only want to play on a team that is on the cusp of winning a cup. Backstrom apparentely likes it in Minnesota.

05-06-2007, 03:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
Taz#24 New Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 1	UFA targets Physical forward who drives the net and can score 25+ (preferably a left winger)... 1. Scott HARTNELL: Unlike others available, he won't be a quick fix. He's in his mid-twenties hasn't reached his full potential and can grow with our core group. 2. Keith TKACHUK: Hometown favourite and can still play that role but PC should only sign him to a short term deal (three years max). 3. Brendan SHANAHAN: Still a warrior and would provide the leadership this team needs right now (three year deal max). 4. Taylor PYATT; No mean streak whatsoever but plays a solid physical game and proved he can score in Vancouver. 5. Bill GUERIN: Not sure if he has any interest in coming back to Boston but he is still a physical force. 6. Todd BERTUZZI: When playing his game, he's a real force but he hasn't been the same player since the Steve MOORE incident. 7. Gary ROBERTS: Getting pretty long in the tooth but if last year indicates anything, he can still play that role (short term deal, 2 years). Other options.... Although not in the same category, Danuis ZUBRUS might be an option. He has played all three forward positions, he's big, skates well and plays a fairly physical brand. Viktor KOZLOV might also be a decent option although not a consistent physical guy at all. A top four defenseman... 1. Scott HANNAN: Top notch shut-down defenseman, with a nasty edge, who would really help our young goaltenders succeed. 2. Vatali VISHNEVSKY: Solid in his own zone and plays a physical game. 3. Danny MARKOV: See VISHNEVSKY. 4. Andy SUTTON: Huge stay at homer with a solid physical game, paired with CHARA....hmmmmm. 5. Aaron MILLER: May be past his prime but still a safe player and would be a nice addition at the right salary. 6. Cory SARICH: Safe #4/5 guy and usually plays it tough. 7. Tom PREISSING: Playing along side CHARA might be a very nice tandem but I am thinking we need shut-down more then puck moving guys. 8. Roman HAMRLIK: Veteran with a good blend of O and D. Was a huge Ray BOURQUE fan so may come at a hometown discount but I doubt it. 9. Darryl SYDOR: Past his prime but still a solid #4 guy. 10. Bryce SALVADOR: Plays a consistent, if unspectacular physical game and may rebound if provided with a change of scenery. 11. Ossi VAANENEN: Nothing special but safe veteran option. 12. Bryan BERARD: Like PREISSING, more of a puck mover but if PC feels that is what we need, he might be a decent option. 13. Brent SOPEL: See BERARD. 14. Brad LUKOWICH: A decent option. Third/fourth line character/grit/toughness. 1. Adam MAIR: Doesn't take stupid penalties and plays a hard nosed, safe game. 2. Aaron ASHAM: Under-rated player and very tough middle weight. 3. Ian LAPERRIERE: Can play center or wing, great team guy who can chip in. 4. Kirk MALTBY: Has been a two-way force in Detroit for years. 5. Scott NICHOL: Plays an in your face game and always shows up to compete. 6. Scott WALKER: Tough little guy who can score 12-15 goals. Third line center (something we could use but not a priority) 1. Mike PECA: He's a prototypical third line center. 2. Craig CONROY: Very nice two-way center who can play on your second line if required. 3. Jeremy REONICK: Might flourish in that role (One year deal) 4. Radek BONK: At the right salary. 5. Eric BELANGER: He's a solid two-way player who would fulfill that role very well. 6. Wayne PRIMEAU: Did a good job in Boston while here before. 7. Trevor LINDEN: Still looks like he can contribute (short term deal, one year plus a club option). 8. Wes WALZ: At the right salary, I would take a look at him as an option. 9. Dean MCAMMOND: Playing a solid checking role in Ottawa but might be better suited as a fourth liner. If MURRAY is traded and we need some scoring to replace him... 1. Chris DRURY: Mr CLUTCH, what else can one say. 2. Ryan SMYTHE: Just dreaming but he would be a great Bruin. 3. Teemu SELANNE: Can still skate and score. 4. Paul KARIYA: Loads of skill. 5. Ruslan FEDOTENKO: Good for 20+ 6. Mike JOHNSON: An under the radar guy who can score 20. Goaltenders...(Hopefully there will be no need) 1. JS GIGUERE: We can't afford him. 2. Mathieu GARON: Could be an option if camp doesn't go well. 3. Jussi MARKENNEN: See GARON. 4. David AEBISHER: This guy was on his way until being traded to the Habs, a change of scenery may be what he needs to get back. 5. Niklas BACKSTROM: Looked pretty good this past season. Depth.... 1. Bobby ALLEN: Good swing guy to have around and deserves a look after what he did last year. 2. Jeremy REICH: Brings a great attitude and plays a safe physical game, love to see him back. 3. Michael RYAN: This kid impressed me when he was called up to Buffalo, I think he's worth a look. 4. Krys BARCH: Fourth line toughness? 5. Tom KOSTOPOULOS: See BARCH. Ideal line-up for me (possibly attainable)... HARTNELL-SAVARD-MURRAY STURM-KESSEL-BERGERON AXELSSON-PECA-KOBASEW KALUS-MAIR-DONOVAN Depth...Michael RYAN/Jeremy REICH/David KREJCI CHARA-HANNAN WARD-PREISSING FERENCE-STUART/ALBERTS Depth...Bobby ALLEN/Matt LASHOFF TOIVONEN THOMAS Depth...Tuuka RASK. WIDEMAN, MOWERS, BOCHENSKI and CHISTOV can all walk as far as I am concerned and based on these possible upgrades.

05-06-2007, 03:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
Drury77 Hockey Community Mod Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Clarksville, TN Posts: 864	Hey Taz welcome aboard and great post. In your top 7, I'd take Hartnell, your right he's not a quick fix, but by god he'd bang some bodies in the FC. I'd love to get my hands on Drury for obvious reasons and I really like what Mair would bring to a club that is looking for some strength and toughness. I need to look that over more but those are my first impressions. __________________ Visit Traci's Card Place \| Stop by the Bruins Forum \| Stop by the Predators Forum

05-15-2007, 12:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
reject Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts Posts: 158	Welcome to the site, Taz. I'd like Drury as a UFA signing. Maybe some other less notable UFA's that can help somewhat. On the goalie front, I'd rather not sign anyone cause I feel like Thomas and Toivonen can handle it. But, if so, I'd like to have Hasek or Backstrom. Hasek is a bigger longshot than Backstrom because he'd only want to play on a team that is on the cusp of winning a cup. Backstrom apparentely likes it in Minnesota.