NOt sure who is a available, but I think there is going to be a lot because teams were reluctant to sign guys long term before they knew how this new deal would shake out.

I think our priorities are a stay at home, solid-type defenseman (ie. Phillips, Reghr, Jason Smith etc.).  A mobile defenseman (ie. Leopold).  A power forward with some size and 25-30 goals in him.  I think the goaltending is fine.

24 Rings wrote:

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NOt sure who is a available, but I think there is going to be a lot because teams were reluctant to sign guys long term before they knew how this new deal would shake out. I think our priorities are a stay at home, solid-type defenseman (ie. Phillips, Reghr, Jason Smith etc.).  A mobile defenseman (ie. Leopold).  A power forward with some size and 25-30 goals in him.  I think the goaltending is fine.

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One player I always thought could thrive in a Habs jersey is Vinny Lecavalier, 6'4" / 225lbs, He's still 26 years old and he's a rock. Funny but I saw him on Leno last year after TB won the cup...they invited a few players and he looked like a giant beside his teamates...especially St. Louis, of course. He's admitted that he would love to play here. Imagine the pressure it would take off Saks' back?

Alex Tanguay would be a great pick up too. Now, are these players signed? I'm sure they are but after the playoffs, I'm sure a Ribiero, Zednik etc would be interesting to other teams. 

Jay1982 wrote:

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Anyone have a listing on who will be Free agent this summer?

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Not a complete list, but one that includes the so called elite players that will be available: selanne Sykora Marc Savard Kozlov Samsanov Afineganov Dumont Mckee Numminnen Briere Yelle Calder Blake Sakic Vyborny Arnott  Lidstrom Shanahan Cassels Friesen Carter Jovonski McCauley Young Brewer Morris Redden Chara Mitchell Kubina Langenbrunner Straka Daze Elias Peca Parrish Pothier Ruchin Ruchinsky Colin White Carney Mcdonald McCabe Allison Lindross.

     Interestingly enough the Canadiens have the following players as UFA's: Begin Bullis Boullion Huet and are most recent pick up Aebischer.

     Did not include goalies on the list but  Mathieu Garon and Marty Turco are also at present unsigned going into the off season.

      Whether the Habs can go head to head with some teams to get the real elite free agents is difficult to know, but there are some quality second teir free agents on this list that would be very attractive, Willie Mitchell and Kubina on defence would look great. Daniel Briere or Vyborny at center would be very interesting. There are a whole host of other free agents that I did not include the Reinprecht's of the world that I would consider a definte cut below the above mentioned list, but obviously there would be some useful role players that could fill out a roster rather adequately.

I think Gainey will go after Arnott with a vengeance. Big, Physical, Scoring Center with a right-handed shot. He's an excellent #2 guy and would open lots of room for Kovalev to go to work. I would also seriously consider Tanguay, as well as a skilled, right-shooting D, as we are very strong on the left-side.

Habtastic

wright wrote:

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Jay1982 wrote: Anyone have a listing on who will be Free agent this summer? Not a complete list, but one that includes the so called elite players that will be available: selanne Sykora Marc Savard Kozlov Samsanov Afineganov Dumont Mckee Numminnen Briere Yelle Calder Blake Sakic Vyborny Arnott  Lidstrom Shanahan Cassels Friesen Carter Jovonski McCauley Young Brewer Morris Redden Chara Mitchell Kubina Langenbrunner Straka Daze Elias Peca Parrish Pothier Ruchin Ruchinsky Colin White Carney Mcdonald McCabe Allison Lindross.      Interestingly enough the Canadiens have the following players as UFA's: Begin Bullis Boullion Huet and are most recent pick up Aebischer.      Did not include goalies on the list but  Mathieu Garon and Marty Turco are also at present unsigned going into the off season.       Whether the Habs can go head to head with some teams to get the real elite free agents is difficult to know, but there are some quality second teir free agents on this list that would be very attractive, Willie Mitchell and Kubina on defence would look great. Daniel Briere or Vyborny at center would be very interesting. There are a whole host of other free agents that I did not include the Reinprecht's of the world that I would consider a definte cut below the above mentioned list, but obviously there would be some useful role players that could fill out a roster rather adequately.

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 Wow, good job Wright!

 Marc Savard is an interesting name. He has been improving every season now. Arnott is big and can shoot. Kubina would be great. Definately some good players to be had.

So I take it that no one is really interested in having Vinny in a Habs jersey...we would have to trade for him of course.

AB Habman wrote:

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Key Lime wrote: So I take it that no one is really interested in having Vinny in a Habs jersey...we would have to trade for him of course.  Key Lime, I would love to see Vinny as a Hab but what are the chances. If the Cap increases, Tampa should be able to keep him.

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I'll settle for Brad Richards then, unless they have enough cap space to keep all their top players.