Written by Chris Wassel | 29 June 2008

Anaheim Ducks: Considering the recent fork they just stuck in Todd Bertuzzi, don't expect much else out of the Anaheim camp this summer other than a long term contract for RFA Cory Perry and a possible trade of Mathieu Schneider for some secondary scoring along with a depth move here and there. Potential trade partners? Canadiens, Devils, Rangers, Bruins, Lightning, Coyotes, Blackhawks and Blue Jackets.

Atlanta Thrashers: The primary target for the Thrashers would be on offensive defenseman with some experience under his belt, to go along with Bogosian and Enstrom and they have plenty of money to attract names that might not otherwise put Atlanta high on their list of destinations. And despite claims of Brian Campbell wanting to play for a team closer to home, my feeling is that he will ultimately go to the highest bidder and the Thrashers may just be the team. Beyond that, Rolston, Ryder and perhaps even Bertuzzi might be in their sights as they look to pick up a line mate to Kovalchuk in replace of Marian Hossa. Should they find that the struggling franchise may not wet the appetites of the people on their list, an offersheet is definitely not out of the question. Don Waddell desperately wants to keep his job.

Boston Bruins: The biggest rumor out of Boston, has to do with Hossa being the front runner in their FA shopping list this offseason. However, having not yet putting Glen Murray on waivers to trigger the buyout process, it appears that Chiarelli might take a more conservative approach in improving his team. And given that they already have so many of their players locked into the next season contractually, they might just skip the FA frenzy completely and instead focus on a trade or two.

Buffalo Sabres: Now with the Sabres finally having some cap space to play with, expect them to try their hardest in filling the void Brian Campbell's departure left them. Although it is rather unlikely they will seriously make a bid for him to return, I feel that either John Michael Liles or Ron Hainsey will be high on Regier's list. Should they not fall into plans, we may very well see the Sabres offer up either Afinogenov or Connolly in order to trade for a defenceman, and focus on adding a top 6 forward via free agency instead. Also coveted by the Sabres would be a goaltender to share time with Miller, that may have to take over for him in a year's time should Miller move on to Detroit as been rumored. In essence, the Sabres may want to take a page out of Larry Pleau's book, when he traded for Mason to be the successor to Legace. Auld, Lalime and Holmqvist might be their most realistic options.

Calgary Flames: There isn't a whole lot of room for incoming free agents. Word has it that the Flames might be looking for an agitator with the ability to score once in a while. However guys like Avery, Ruutu or Tucker may be too pricy for them. Look towards a Matt Cooke along with a depth defenseman of some kind.

Carolina Hurricanes: Here is another team looking for a powerplay quarterback, although they might not have what it takes to compete in free agency. Expect this team to make a blockbuster deal. Perhaps with the Oilers, most likely centering around Pitkanen, with Cole most likely on his way out. The Canes might also look into acquiring another pugilist, as plans with newcomer Hordichuk haven't proved successful. Raffi Torres is a possibility.

Chicago Blackhawks: With youth on the rise in Chicago, it shouldn't be as hard for Tallon to convince free agents to join his cause. Although, there isn't a whole lot of positions open. I doubt that Chicago will be able to compete for the services of Campbell, but guys like Redden or Streit should be doable. Also do not count out the possibility of trading for a Pavel Kubina or a Matthieu Schneider to shore up the powerplay. Beyond that, look for a top 6 winger to be brought into the fold via free agency.

Colorado Avalanche: The Avs could quite possibly be this year's Anaheim Ducks. Waiting for guys like Sakic, Forsberg and Foote to let them in on their future plans, there is no telling what will happen on July 1st where this team is concerned. And this uncertainty just might cost them Liles, whom there were some reports that they were interested in bringing him back. With so few roster spots locked in for this next season, along with a very dry free agent crop, the Avalanche might be in for a rough season. Having already made the controversial move to bring back Tony Granato in the head coaching position, the team can ill afford to take any steps back in 08/09. One thing is for sure, a starting netminder needs to be had. Huet has few to compete with, meaning he may strike gold this summer.

Columbus Blue Jackets: Columbus may prove to be one of the more desperate teams in this offseason, as patience is quickly running out as far as their first ever playoff appearance goes. They have a ton of cap space and could be major players as far as overpaying Ryan Malone and/or Brian Campbell is concerned. You can also expect them to be in the hunt for a Brian Rolston or a Brendan Morrison to play alongside Rick Nash. If these free agents pass up the big bucks to join a relatively young and inexperienced crew, offersheets are foreseeable. And when it comes to Pascal Leclaire, should an offersheet come back their way, they will have plenty of resources to match it.

Dallas Stars: There isn't a whole lot of room for expensive free agents where the Stars are concerned. And with their top 2 defenders approaching UFA status next season, I doubt you will see much more than the odd insignificant move made here and there. Should Sean Avery find out that his circus act will keep him from landing a major raise, the Stars could be willing to take him on at a modest price.

Detroit Red Wings: Having already won the Cup with a team who's major parts are coming back next season, do not expect Ken Holland to open his wallet too wide. Especially with names such as Zetterberg, Franzen, Hudler and Sammuelsson up for new contracts next year, not to mention the possibility of Ryan Miller joining the team next season. If the Wings do go big this season, it will be for the short term. Meaning names like Sundin, Federov or even Jagr make much more sense than a Hossa, or Malone do. Do expect them to seek out a defender to replace Stuart this summer. A guy like Matvichuk might make a lot of sense.

Edmonton Oilers: Expect them to be a restless team this offseason. If Pitkanen and Stoll cannot be re-signed, look for them to be traded. As far as free agency goes, I doubt they will be a major player when it comes to the likes of a Ryan Malone. However, Edmontonians may see the return of Georges Laracques, along with a guy like Darcy Tucker in an attempt to toughen up this young club. And yes.... offersheets are definitely out of the question this summer.

Florida Panthers: Having traded Jokinen at the draft, the blueline appears to be set. As well; the goaltending. The forwards? Not so much. But while they might be talking about Belak luring Mats Sundin down to the sunshine state, I find that rather unlikely. I do suspect that Florida will be hot on the heels of a Brian Rolston. But the chance of them convincing him to join them, remains to be seen. Look for another offseason targeting tier two forwards in the Dvorak mold.

Los Angeles: One of the more puzzling things during this offseason swap meet, will be the direction the Los Angeles Kings decide upon. Having got nothing game-ready back in return for Cammalleri, the questionable future of Rob Blake, and the glaring hole in the starting goaltender department, there is no telling what free agents would be willing to join a team that has yet to name it's new head coach. Simply put? Your guess is as good as mine.

Montreal Canadiens: Embarking on their 100th anniversary, Montreal is not going to step back this season in it's attempt to become a true contender. Having already traded for Tanguay and given the exclusive rights to try and sway Mats Sundin, Gainey has already been a very busy man. I still believe that they will successfully land Sundin (if they haven't already by the time I am finished writing this post). I am also expecting them to land a defenseman to replace the departing Streit. Marik Malik is a real possibility.

... to be continued...

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