Free Agent Spotlight: Koivu and LaRose

Thanks to Ryan for saving our collective hides....the internet is a lovely place except when it goes out for half a day. Well onward....




SAKU KOIVU

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 182
Shoots: Left
Age: 34

2008/09 Salary: $4.75 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $4.0-5.0

2008/09 Stats: 65 GP, 16 G, 34 A, +4
Playoff Stats: 4 GP, 0 G, 3 A

Possible Suitors:
1. Anaheim
2. Minnesota
3. San Jose
4. Montreal
5. Washington

Favorite: Anaheim
Dark horse destination: Washington

Even though Koivu has pretty much passed his prime, he can still be a very good #2 center with the right team. He’s produced .82 points per game since the lockout. Montreal’s long-time captain seems to be heading elsewhere in the next week or so. Anaheim and Minnesota are the 2 favorites if you ask me. Does he go to SoCal to join his good friend Teemu Selanne?? Or to the State of Hockey where his brother Mikko plays?? His consistency and leadership will still get him a considerable contract… and with the Ducks being a good #2 center away from competing for a division title (or more), I think Saku heads to the west coast.

Current Prediction:
Anaheim Ducks (3 yrs, $13.2 mil)
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CHAD LaROSE

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 181
Shoots: Right
Age: 27

2008/09 Salary: $0.875 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $1.75-2.5

2008/09 Stats: 81 GP, 19 G, 12 A, +6
Playoff Stats: 18 GP, 4 G, 7 A

Possible Suitors:
1. Carolina
2. Colorado
3. Buffalo
4. Ottawa
5. Nashville
6. Pittsburgh
7. Los Angeles
8. Edmonton

Favorite: Carolina
Dark horse destination: Pittsburgh

Anyone looking for a cheap and versatile top-nine forward?? Meet Chad LaRose. He’s an interesting player on the market this summer. LaRose had a solid postseason as he played with Staal & Whitney at times. I really like what had can bring to the table… a lot of effort & heart. He’ll play in all situations, and even scored 19 goals this year. He’s just 27, so there’s a chance his numbers could just keep going up. As of now, I’m assuming he will re-sign with the ‘Canes. But if he doesn’t, numerous teams will be after him. I might over-value LaRose, but for around $2 million a year, he can be a valuable piece to any puzzle.

Current Prediction:
Carolina Hurricanes (3 yrs, $6 mil)