The non-playoff team agenda
Only a small percentage of NHL executives are still involved in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Their peers are either helping players unpack their lockers after a hard-fought playoff run, or have already had a couple weeks of free time before they begin preparation for the 2011-12 season.
One of the only advantages of bowing out of contention for Lord Stanley’s Grail before the postseason even begins is the wealth of time you inherit while other teams duel it out. This time can be used effectively via coaching interviews, extensive talks with players and agents and some plain old pondering of one’s roster.
With an interesting free agent class and plenty of organizations looking to shake up their rosters in an effort to improve, it’s time to start honing in on individual team needs.
Dallas Stars
Lingering ownership issues mean re-signing superstar forward Brad Richards will be improbable. Richards is 31 years old and in a position to receive what could be the last major contract of his career. The Stars can’t give that to him. It’s time to focus on building around Loui Eriksson.
Calgary Flames
The Flames are tightly pressed against the cap and have a long list of players with cumbersome no-movement and no-trade clauses, meaning new GM Jay Feaster will have difficulty making any substantial changes. Signing Curtis Glencross after his breakout 24-goal season was a nice move, but giving him a no trade clause has left many scratching their head.
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Carolina Hurricanes
The Hurricanes have important pieces in place, including Eric Staal, Jeff Skinner and Cam Ward. However, they will have a major hole to fill on the blueline if Joni Pitkanen departs via free agency. Look for the ‘Canes to replace Pitkanen quickly if he opts to jump ship.
St. Louis Blues
The Blues took a major step back this season after a playoff berth in 2010. This prompted them to trade former first overall selection Erik Johnson to the Avalanche in a surprising blockbuster. The Blues have ample cap space, but exhibiting patience with their young, talented group of players is a more reasoned response.
Minnesota Wild
The Wild are set to address their head coaching vacancy over the summer. There have been reports that both Craig MacTavish and Ken Hitchcock have interviewed for the position, but watch out for Mike Yeo. The man has led the Wild’s AHL affiliate, the Houston Aeros, to the Calder Cup Final.
New Jersey Devils
The Devils are also in the market for a new head coach after John MacLean failed and Jacques Lemaire retired. In addition, the Devils must re-sign star forward Zach Parise before July 1. Otherwise, preying GMs could be bold enough to present him with an undeniable offer sheet.
Toronto Maple Leafs
It’s no secret that the Leafs greatly crave a true No. 1 center after Tyler Bozak proved incapable of handling such a role during the 2010-11 campaign. The Leafs will certainly target Dallas’ Richards, but, if outbid on the talented pivot, expect Toronto to explore the trade market in an aggressive fashion.
Columbus Blue Jackets
The Blue Jackets have lacked a power-play quarterback since entering the league, which has led to one the league’s worst power-plays. Tomas Kaberle is an attractive option if the Bruins decide to pass on him after an underwhelming postseason. Otherwise, Joni Pitkanen or Christian Ehrhoff could be void-filling targets.
Atlanta Thrashers
Aside from ownership, uncertainty the Thrashers’ biggest concern is signing captain Andrew Ladd to a long-term deal. The two sides were reportedly close to a deal, but talks are on hold until the ownership situation settles. Determining if Zach Bogosian still fits into their long-term plans is also a priority.
Ottawa Senators
Bryan Murray did a great job unloading veterans at the trade deadline and starting the rebuilding process. However, there is still a lot of work necessary if he expects to overhaul their roster. The main strength of the Senators farm system is their defence, so the Sens will hope to select a skilled forward such as Sean Couturier or Ryan Strome on draft day.
New York Islanders
The Islanders ostensibly solved their goaltending woes after Al Montoya came over in a mid-season trade. Furthermore, New York was a tough team to play after the All-Star break and is simply waiting on a few top prospects to develop and join their young core.
Florida Panthers
Tomas Vokoun will hit the free agent market on July 1. Speculation has emerged over the Czech ‘tender, whether he will indeed take to the market or resign with the rebuilding Panthers. Highly touted prospect Jacob Markstrom could use at least another year in the AHL, so signing a stop-gap goalie such as Jose Theodore will be essential.
Colorado Avalanche
A surprise playoff appearance in 2010 raised expectations, yet the Avalanche disappointed wildly a year later, winning only six of their last 36. However, Colorado is young and flushed with talent at center. Adding a scoring winger would be nice, but finding a reliable goalie is imperative.
Edmonton Oilers
The 2010-2011 season started with great optimism as Taylor Hall, Jordan Eberle and Magnus Paajarvi joined the Oilers. At the end of the tunnel, however, was last place once again. Another high draft pick will certainly help the Oilers in the future, but trading soon-to-be free agent Ales Hemsky — an unlikely scenario — would be a true accelerator to the ultimate re-build occurring in Alberta.
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