FA Spotlight...Mr. Havlat!

MARTIN HAVLAT

Height: 6’2”
Weight: 217
Shoots: Left
Age: 28

2008/09 Salary: $6.0 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $6.0-6.75

2008/09 Stats: 81 GP, 29 G, 48 A, +29
Playoff Stats: 16 GP, 5 G, 10 A

Possible Suitors:
1. Chicago
2. Washington
3. NY Islanders
4. Edmonton
5. New Jersey
6. Montreal
7. Los Angeles
8. Vancouver

Favorite: Chicago
Dark horse destination: Montreal

Contrary to Marian Gaborik, Havlat was finally able to stay healthy in his contract year. He had a career year, racking up a career-high 77 points (led CHI) in a career-high 81 games. Havlat also had a stellar postseason, scoring a handful of clutch goals. He’ll obviously be one of the more coveted UFA’s on the market in a couple weeks… there could be 15-20 suitors in line for his services. What a difference a year makes! He couldn’t stay out of the trainer’s room, after 1 healthy year, will be raking in the moolah.

From what I hear, it’s about a 50/50 shot if the ‘Hawks bring Havlat back. It’ll definitely go right up to midnight of July 1 as to whether Chicago will decide to offer him a contract. A healthy Havlat could make Washington a legit Cup contender. The Isles could look to him to be John Tavares’ go-to-guy. I also believe the Oilers could be a good fit, and look for Montreal to possibly make a push… they might be able to offer him the biggest money.

Current Prediction:
Chicago Blackhawks (5 yrs, $31.25 mil)