My final group of free agents to analyze will be combined between defense and goaltenders. While there is an impressive number of defensemen hitting the market, there are only a few goaltenders available to be signed.
Despite being deep, I feel the defensive market only has a bit of cream which has risen to the top. As for the goalies, there isn’t much of anything to write home about from top to bottom. If you wish to read part one or two of this set of posts, click here for centers and here for wingers.
Defensemen
Ryan Suter – Age: 27 – 11-12 team: Nashville – 11-12 Cap Hit: $3,500,000
While Zach Parise is also going to be among the biggest fish landed this weekend, Suter is probably the most sought after commodity on the market this year. He is going to be due a raise in the $7M category and could possibly creep above $8M depending on who is bidding. He is an all-around talent who can be an anchor for any team’s blue line for a number of years.
Justin Schultz – Age: 21 – 11-12 team: Wisconsin (NCAA) – 11-12 Cap Hit: none
A rare occurrence, Schultz did not come to terms with Anaheim and will be a very young unrestricted free agent. Reports entering the weekend indicate that he is down to only a few teams, but he will still be sure to hit for an impressive pay day. There are certainly some question marks with no professional experience behind him, but he is NHL-ready and will be a mobile threat right away.
Matt Carle – Age: 27 – 11-12 team: Philadelphia – 11-12 Cap Hit: $3,437,500
Carle is still be courted by the Flyers and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him re-sign in Philly. The acquisition of Luke Schenn likely spells the end for either Carle or Pavel Kubina, but the Flyers seem to be high on Carle. I’ve never thought much of him when he hasn’t played with Chris Pronger, but that’s just me. Still, he is offensively gifted and has plenty to offer at a young age. If Philly doesn’t lock him up, he will get an impressive raise.
Jason Garrison – Age: 27 – 11-12 team: Florida – 11-12 Cap Hit: $675,000
Garrison became a high-priority target this year with a breakout offensive season. I’m not sure how sound he is in his own end, but I’m sure he is better than Erik Karlsson. The Panthers may not be interested in retaining Garrison just because they have a number of young, talented defensemen in their system. I expect to see at least $3M thrown at Garrison.
Bryce Salvador – Age: 36 – 11-12 team: New Jersey – 11-12 Cap Hit: $2,900,000
If he was even four years younger, Salvador would be due a massive pay day. However, with only four years until 40, I wouldn’t expect to see much movement for the stay-at-home defenseman. His playoff performance will certainly draw some extra attention, but I question him as an option just because he has probably already hit his ceiling.
Sami Salo – Age: 37 – 11-12 team: Vancouver – 11-12 Cap Hit: $2,000,000
Salo is an affordable option if you’re looking for some power play help. However, like Salvador, there isn’t much room under a ceiling that will be declining as each season goes by. I would only expect to see him get one or two years from any deal thrown his way since he is a good power play option for teams searching for a band-aid.
Carlo Colaiacovo – Age: 29 – 11-12 team: St. Louis – 11-12 Cap Hit: $2,125,000
It seems like just yesterday that Colaiacovo had been spurned by the Leafs in an attempt to buy up more talent. Low and behold, Colaiacovo has become a steady option with a few more years to give. While I’m not too high on him as an all-around defender, I think he will be a good option for a number of teams.
Michal Rosival – Age: 33 – 11-12 team: Phoenix – 11-12 Cap Hit: $5,000,000
I would imagine the Coyotes will need to re-sign at least one of their pending UFAs before the market opens. However, I don’t know is Rosival is one they will want. He is a good offensive defenseman who actually can play a bit of defense. He seemed to do quite well in Dave Tippett’s system this season. However, he is not worth $5M, he may not be worth $4M at this point.
Cory Sarich – Age: 33 – 11-12 team: Calgary – 11-12 Cap Hit: $3,600,000
Sarich seems to be on the back-nine of his career after having a number of very impressive seasons early on. I doubt he would get north of $2.5M, but teams may be desperate. He is still sound in his zone and can offer quality hockey for a few more years.
Others to watch: Bryan Allen (31, $2,900,000), Pavel Kubina (35, $3,850,000), Scott Hannan (33, $1,000,000)
Goalies
Antero Niittymaki – Age: 32 – 11-12 team: San Jose – 11-12 Cap Hit: $2,000,000
Nitty was shelved in Worcester (AHL) all year due to a lingering injury and a log jam in San Jose’s crease. With the ability to restructure a deal that is more cap friendly, I would expect him to get plenty of attention. 
Scott Clemmensen – Age: 34 – 11-12 team: Florida – 11-12 Cap Hit: $1,200,000
Clemmensen may be the best 1B/2A goalie on the market this season. He is a solid pick for any team hoping to platoon their goaltenders. With a very affordable price tag, I can see him getting a slight raise to provide quality depth in a new city.
Martin Biron – Age: 34 – 11-12 team: New York Rangers – 11-12 Cap Hit: $875,000
The Rangers are reported as being interested in retaining Biron for at least next season. He has certainly become a full-time backup with the ability to be counted on for stretches of time. If you’re a Sabres fan, he is the opposite of Joceyln Thibault or Patrick Lalime. I’d love for the Sabres to bring him back, but it would require trading one of their goaltenders.
Al Montoya – Age: 27 – 11-12 team: New York Islanders – 11-12 Cap Hit: $601,000
Montoya is a curious case because he has finally established himself as an NHL goaltender. While he lost his starting gig to either Evgeni Nabokov or Rick DiPietro, he will probably get some interest from teams searching for a 1B option. Tampa, Florida (if they don’t get Luongo) and a few other goaltending deficient teams will probably test the waters on Montoya.
Dan Ellis – Age: 32 – 11-2 team: Anaheim – 11-12 Cap Hit: $1,500,000
Ellis is in a similar boat as Montoya. While he is no longer in the same ballpark as other starters, he is certainly capable of carrying the load for a team over a lengthy course of time. He definitely falls into the 1B/2A category and is best suited to platoon with another goaltender. His injury history could be concerning.
Others to watch: Jonas Gustavsson (27, $1,350,000), Chris Mason (36, $1,850,000), Cristobal Huet (36, $5,625,000)
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