Mr. Hossa...Your FA Spotlight

Thanks again to Ryan as we have been battling intermittent internet failure all day long.




MARIAN HOSSA

Height: 6’1”
Weight: 210
Shoots: Left
Age: 30

2008/09 Salary: $7.45 million
Projected 09/10 Salary: $7.25-8.0

2008/09 Stats: 74 GP, 40 G, 31 A, +27
Playoff Stats: 23 GP, 6 G, 9 A, +5

Possible Suitors:
1. Edmonton
2. Detroit
3. Anaheim

Favorite: Edmonton
Dark horse destination: NY Islanders

Going into the postseason, it seemed to be a sure thing that Hossa would be donning the Winged Wheel for years to come. But after a finals series where he disappeared and failed to score, my guess is that he won’t be going back. It was an experiment by Wings GM Ken Holland, and it worked well, but I couldn’t sign him to a long-term contract when the team is cap-strapped already. It doesn’t make too much sense unless Hossa takes a big pay cut.

There will be many suitors wanting Hossa’s services, but it may come at a lower price tag than originally thought. His market likely took a small hit with a disappointing playoff. Who will be first in line?? I think Montreal is an instant connection with his old coach Jacques Martin there, but I can’t see him coming close to that spotlight. Then you turn to one of the front-runners from last summer… the Oilers. They reportedly made a huge offer, but Hossa didn’t follow the cash. He may this year, and Edmonton is my current destination for him. Look out for the Ducks, Islanders, and possibly the Rangers as well.

Current Prediction:
Edmonton Oilers (6 yrs, $43.5 mil)