TSN TV Schedule TSN2 TV Schedule
Columnists

The top unrestricted free agent blueliners

{eot}
Darren Dreger
6/29/2008 5:41:04 PM
Decrease Text SizeIncrease Text Size
Text Size

There are many compelling storylines swirling around this years group of soon-to-be unrestricted free agent defencemen.

The domino effect will be in play, with most teams in the market for high-end blueliners circling Brian Campbell and Wade Redden.

TSN asked a group of 12 general managers, coaches and player agents to submit a list of the defencemen expected to generate the most attention on Tuesday.

Needless to say, Campbell and Redden are 1-2.

The Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers and San Jose Sharks are in on the hunt, however many more teams are expected to join the bidding when the market opens.
 
Michal Rozsival ranks high among general managers in search of a 'go-to' defenceman. Rozsival chews up big minutes and can score, a combination that guarantees he's a hot commodity.

Pittsburgh's Brooks Orpik scored high, with some pointing out that one spectacular shift in the third period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup final when he registered five hits as an example of the type of physical presence he can provide.

Brad Stuart and Nik Kronwall made for a formidable pairing in helping the Detroit Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship. Stuart would prefer to stay in the west and won't have any trouble finding a team to pay him between $3.5 million and $4.5 million.

Montreal's Mark Streit and former Hab Ron Hainsey received similar support, placing them both in the Top 10. Streit recorded 34 power play points, tied for second among defencemen and is expected to go quickly in the $3 million to $4 million range.

Rounding out the list are Mike Commodore and Jeff Finger.

Commodore provides Stanley Cup experience, sound defence and some muscle - he loves to battle.  Finger is a prototypical late-bloomer who Colorado would like to keep in the mix, however because of the attention he's receiving as a quality puck-moving defenceman, Finger may be a top 10 unrestricted free agent.

Darren Dreger

Podcasts

NHL Insider - February 4

Did the Thrashers get enough for Ilya Kovalchuk? NHL Insider Darren Dreger breaks down the deal.

NHL Insider - January 12

NHL Insider Darren Dreger discusses the end result of Alex Burrows' tirade on referee Staphane Auger.

NHL Insider - December 10

NHL Insider Darren Dreger breaks down the potential sale of the Coyotes to the Ice Edge group.

Follow Us!

There's a new Twitter feed that will make you a real TSN.ca insider! Follow twitter.com/TSN_Sports_Buzz to get updates on the latest blogs, best videos and more!


More about TSN on Twitter...

poker
Click here

Photo Galleries

Photo Gallery

Super Bowl XLIV - See the best images from the biggest game of the NFL season. Launch Gallery

tsn ie8
hockey pool

Podcasts

Rapid Fire Reporters 2.0 - February 7

The Reporters preview the Olympic hockey tournament and discuss the role goaltending could play.

The Reporters - February 7

The Reporters discuss the Super Bowl, the Olympic hockey tournament, blockbuster trades and more.

Off the Record - February 5

Former NFL running back Tiki Barber is Up Front and the panel talks about their predictions for the Super Bowl.