Free agency is only days away… what better way to pass the time than a little guessing game? I am going to post 15 of the top UFAs, and all DobberHockey readers are free to guess where each player signs, and for how much. If you want to go the extra mile, why not include an explanation as to why you think a certain team fits a certain player the best?

(This list is not in any particular order)

Example format:

Ryan Suter – Minnesota Wild, 10 years and $80 million

Here is the list:

1. Ryan Suter

2. Zach Parise

3. Alexander Semin

4. Ray Whitney

5. Olli Jokinen

6. Shane Doan

7. PA Parenteau

8. Jiri Hudler

9. Jaromir Jagr

10. Jason Garrison

11. Jordin Tootoo

12. Matt Carle

13. Brad Boyes

14. Sheldon Souray

15. Dustin Penner

Guess away!

My picks:

Suter - Detroit

Parise - Pittsbugh

Semin - Colorado

Whitney - Dallas

Jokinen - Dallas

Doan - Philadelphia

Parenteau - Colorado

Hudler - Columbus

Jagr - Detroit

Garrison - Vancouver

Tootoo - Edmonton

Carle - Colorado

Boyes - San Jose

Souray - Long Island

Penner - Anaheim

Comments (21)

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Isle B. said:

	... Suter - Detroit Parise-Pittsburgh Semin - Moscow Whitney - Carolina Jokinen - Minnesota Doan - Chicago Parenteau - Montreal Hudler - Moscow Jagr - New York Rangers Garrison - Vancouver Tootoo - Columbus Carle - Philadelphia Boyes - Unsigned Souray - Unsigned Penner - Toronto
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June 30, 2012
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5hole said:

	UFA's 1. Ryan Suter - Det 2. Zach Parise - Pit 3. Alexander Semin - KHL 4. Ray Whitney - Tb 5. Olli Jokinen - Dal 6. Shane Doan - Van 7. PA Parenteau - Car 8. Jiri Hudler - Cgy 9. Jaromir Jagr - Nj 10. Jason Garrison - Tb 11. Jordin Tootoo - Mtl 12. Matt Carle - Phl 13. Brad Boyes - Clb 14. Sheldon Souray - Unsigned 15. Dustin Penner - Win
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June 30, 2012
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angus said:

	... Great lists, gents. Really well thought out.
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June 30, 2012 | url
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Fighting_Emu said:

	... By the way Hansels list takes the cake!
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June 29, 2012
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Fighting_Emu said:

FA Frenzy 2 8. Hudler- Between his year in the KHL and all the years buried behind the superstars in Detroit I think one word describes this adorable little midget: underrated!! Hes very tenacious on the puck, great off the wall and sees the ice very well. In fact youd never know how rare a commodity playmaking wingers were based on the 3 (Parentau and Whitney being the other 2) available in this years free agency crop. I think hes looking for a place where he has a clearly defined top six role. I think Tampa and Colorado have definite room there as well as a couple of goal scoring centers in Stamkos/Duchene that would be a great fit for Huds. 9. Jagr- Back to the Rangers!! I actually dont think he extends with Philly because the consensus opinion was that he fit so well there- yet he insists on testing the waters anyways. Kind of risky on a team that deep especially considering how much players like Giroux/Voracek have already stepped it up. Im also not buying this Pittsburgh idea either- as feelings were a little less than amicable on both sides after he signed with the Flyers. I think Jagrs a bit of a mercenary- maybe not in the truest sense of the word as he is a great guy to have in the locker room- but when it comes to the Benjamins Jaromirs gots to get paid. NYR isnt afraid to spend and has something to sell if they miss out on the Nash sweepstakes (as they have already apparently been crossed off Parises list). He goes to a top contender in a city he is familiar with. 10. Garrison- I think hes a tad overrated myself- many Edmonton fans are excited about the prospect of landing him but considering his age and the season he put up he'll want decent money and even more decent term. This could end up being a misplay by the oil long term. Im thinking Tampa/Carolina make a play and Nashville might be a darkhorse depending on the price as a Suter replacement- although again term is a problem there as the preds have an embarassment of talent on the backend coming down the pipeline. Also any team in on the Suter Hunt may have this guy as their plan B. So in closing I basically have no idea where he goes but wherever it is- I still feel its a mistake- he'll be overpaid and signed for too long. 11. Tootoo- I actually read most of this guys biography and have a little more respect for him than the average fan. Hes a pretty big deal and to Canadian aboriginals as the first Inuk and also the first player out of Nunavut to play in the NHL. I think hes going to sign with a canadian team and his rough style fits with a lot of whats going on in Calgary. He'll be a thorn in the canucks sides and as a bonus should probably balance out the diving calls per game when the two teams meet. 12. Carle- Kind of the same boat as Garrison although you know a little bit better what you'll be getting. Solid defensive minutes and sporadic bursts of offense. At this point hes probably the better option (in my opinion anyways)- and will likely be looking for less. I think the same list of teams pursuing Garrison will be interested and who ever signs him will probably end up with the better deal as they wont have to invest in the same potential. 13. Boyes- So hard not to agree with the CLB train of thought. Youd have to be pretty desperate at this point to roll the dice on Boyes who almost seems to be cheechooing his way out of the league. From Boyes standpoint I think its really a definitive year in terms of establishing that hes still a servicable NHL player and unless he can milk a long term contract out of Howson it could end up being a disaster on both ends. 14. Souray- This ones tougher- keep in mind he already turned down a significant extension offer from the stars. To be honest Souray is not earning a lot of brownie points around the league- lol! We do know he is uber competetive but plays a game that is a bit outdated, has declining footspeed, and maybe one of the biggest egos in the league. I think he'll be one of the last holdouts while his agent tries to convince him hes not going to get what he thinks he desserves and in the end will opt for the most competetive team in the mix that has a hole on their backend PP. Ill say Tampa- where his age and tenure will be thought of as positives and on his end they are most likely a playoff team (assuming the Lindback experiment doesnt explode). When its all said and done still not sure its a great fit though as Souray doesnt strike me as a great leader/dressing room guy- for all the youth that tampa has collected. On the plus side a 1a-Stamkos one timer, and 1b-Souray cannon- on the pp would give opposing goalies nightmares. 15. Penner- Penner realizes a good thing when hes got it this time around and extends in LA for a slight discount. Meanwhile California Ihops quarterly profits have doubled y next season... Sorry about the obligatory pancake joke- its just so hard not to when a guy literally sustains an injury eating pancakes!

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June 29, 2012
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Fighting_Emu said:

FA Frenzy I think the guesses put forth have been great so far so Im going to try and go off the board and make a few contrarian picks for kicks. 1.Suter- I know Detroit/Pitt have to be the front runners but, Im going to say he does Lebron it up a little bit and sign in Minny for all the current speculation about being great friends with Parise and being close to home. I think the situation is much diefferent than the Heat though- two great hard working players joining a non-playoff hockey team isnt going to upset league chemistery like it did in the NBA. 2. Parise- See Suter above, although he is truly the hometown boy having played in the Shattuck-St Marys program that his father worked. It would be an unprecented coup for Minny if they could pull this off- so the odds are obviously quite slim- lol! Realistically hes probably in the same Det/Pitt discussion as Suter. 3. Semin- So much talent- so little drive. Its a shame- any team that signs him will end up losing because he just doesnt have that competitive streak you need in the post season (imho anyways). For that reason Ill say KHL- but I dont have any insider info. Hes going to want money/term/preferential treatment but the book is already out on this guy and fans/scouts/gms have already soured on his lack of compete. If he stays hes likely going to a team absolutely desperate for topline talent- Im thinking Columbus or Calgary here. 4.Whitney- I think the Wizard is being pursued by the same group of teams interested in PArtentau and even Hudler although winning now is likely a lot higher on Whitneys list of priorities. Im going to say Tampa. Great fit with a shoot first center in Stamkos, a shot at being a contender by next year, great weather, an active senior citizens community- Tampa and Whitney are perfect fit! 5. Jokinen- I actually think he had a pretty solid year all things considered and in the right role (for the right money) could be a great 2nd line option. Im going to go with the consensus again and say Anaheim. Ryan gets traded, Sellanne re-signs, Saku shifts to the wing, they form the all Finn second line (dubbed the finnish finishers) and I see a hell of a lot more duck jerseys around Thunder Bay! 6. Doan- He could be the veteran presence, proven winner and archetypal leader that Edmonton needs to make a big step next year. In that regard he is absolutely perfect for that dressing room and can still pack a whallop on the ice as well. On his end he would have to be pretty sure thats the case because at 36 hes not getting any younger and likely has eyes for the cup. Also edmonton has some glating holes on the backend which might take them out of the running for Doan as they focus their free agent dollars/attention there. 7. Parenteau- Pitt just makes too much sense with Malkin and Neal. Hes also the second tier gamble that the penguins seem to love to make. Barring that I also dont think a NYI extension after the 1st is out of the question either. Such a mixed opinion on this guy- have no insight on that- but will definitely be interesting to see what happens if he lands on a line that doesnt include John Tavares.

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June 29, 2012
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McFly said:

... 1. Ryan Suter - NJ, 7 years - 41 M 2. Zach Parise - Chicago, 8 years - 60 M 3. Alexander Semin - Pittsburgh, 1 year - 5,5 M 4. Ray Whitney - Colorado, 1 year - 3.5 M 5. Olli Jokinen - Dallas, 3 years - 14 M 6. Shane Doan - Florida, 2 years - 8 M 7. PA Parenteau - Calgary, 5 years - 22 M 8. Jiri Hudler - Vancouver, 2 years - 6.5 M 9. Jaromir Jagr - Detroit, 1 year - 3.5 M 10. Jason Garrison - Dallas, 4 years - 9.5 M 11. Jordin Tootoo - Philadelphia, 5 years - 8 M 12. Matt Carle - Edmonton, 5 years - 25 M 13. Brad Boyes - Minnesota, 4 years - 14 M 14. Sheldon Souray - Washington, 1 year - 3 M 15. Dustin Penner - Montreal, 3 years - 10 M

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June 29, 2012
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Rollie1967 said:

... 1.Suter- Detroit 2. Parise- Minnesota (after Bettman screws up and forgets which teams hes running) 3. Semin- Dallas 4.Whitney- Phoenix 5. Jokinen- Anaheim 6. Doan- Vancouver (again Bettman screws up) 7. Parenteau- Pittsburgh 8. Hudler- Dallas 9. Jagr- Philly...or maybe Detroit 10. Garrison- Nashville 11. Tootoo- Calgary 12. Carle- Philly maybe NYR 13. Boyes- Columbus? 14. Souray- Philly 15. Penner- LA

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June 29, 2012
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Czechline said:

	Mueller Probably spelling wrong, but isn't Mueller worth being on the list... Probably low-risk/high-reward signing.
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June 28, 2012
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A1Sports said:

... 1. Ryan Suter, PIT - 7 years, 54 million (7.7) 2. Zach Parise, NJ - 6 years, 45 million (7.5) 3. Alex Semin, DET - 3 years, 21 million (7.0) 4. Ray Whitney, CAR - 2 years, 7 million (3.5) 5. Olli Jokinen, ANH - 1 year, 2.5 million (2.5) 6. Shane Doan, DET - 2 years, 8 million (4.0) 7. PA Parenteau, OTT - 4 years, 17 million (4.25) 8. Jiri Hudler, WSH - 4 years, 15 million (3.75) 9. Jaromir Jagr, PHI - 1 year, 3.75 million (3.75) 10. Jason Garrison, STL - 4 years, 15 million (3.75) 11. Jordin Tootoo, TOR - 2 years, 3.25 million (1.6) 12. Matt Carle, DAL - 3 years, 13 million (4.3) 13. Brad Boyes, TOR - 1 year, 3 million (3.0) 14. Sheldon Souray, WSH - 2 years, 7 million (3.5) 15. Dustin Penner, LA - 4 years, 17 million (4.25)

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June 28, 2012
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dmvincent said:

	Predictions! Just an FYI, I have set up a Trade and FA predictions contest on the forum! http://forums.dobbersports.com/showthread.php?t=135070
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June 28, 2012
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Bender said:

Free Agents 1. Ryan Suter - Nashville, 7 years and $52.5 million 2. Zach Parise - Minnesota, 8 years and $64 million 3. Alexander Semin - Calgary, 5 years and $ 32.5 million 4. Ray Whitney - Detroit, 2 years and $7.5 million 5. Olli Jokinen - Dallas, 3 years and $16.5 million 6. Shane Doan - Phoenix, 4 years and $18 million 7. PA Parenteau - Montreal, 2 years and $5 million 8. Jiri Hudler - Vancouver, 2 years and $6.25 million 9. Jaromir Jagr - Washington, 1 year and $3.5 million 10. Jason Garrison - Washington, 3 years and $8.1 million 11. Jordin Tootoo - Dallas, 1 year and $1.25 million 12. Matt Carle - Edmonton, 5 years and $22 million 13. Brad Boyes - Columbus, 4 years and $16.4 million 14. Sheldon Souray - Dallas, 1 year and $3.1 million 15. Dustin Penner - Anaheim, 3 years and $9.6 million

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June 28, 2012
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mormerod said:

... 1. Ryan Suter-Detroit. ( 8 years, 7 mil cap hit) I think Kenny wants him more than Parise. It's not often a player can step into Detroit and not be behind anybody. He likes the area, wants to win, and is a family oriented guy. This organization gives him what he needs. 2. Zach Parise-NJ.(10 years 8 mil cap hit) He made it to the finals, he likes it there, if they can come up with $9 mil per, he stays. Detroit and Minny are probably his options if they can't. 3. Alexander Semin-Stars. ( 3 years 5.5 mil hit) He wants to be a go to guy, and he will there. They have the money, and will take the risk as they don't have a shot at the big prize. 4. Ray Whitney-TB. (2 years 4 mil hit) He has a home in Florida, and he would make an excellent line mate for Stammer. A pass first winger should want to play with the best goal scorer in the league. 5. Olli Jokinen ANA. (2 years 3.5 mil hit) They need a #2 C badly, and there are no other choices. His size and board play fit into the system very well. His L shot would complement Getzlav's R. 6. Shane Doan. ( 3 years 5 mil hit) I'll go out on a limb and say Boston. They haven't filled the hole left by Recchi, and they proved they missed that veteran presence. With the hole Thomas crap going on, leadership will be needed in spades to get them through. 7. PA Parenteau- ( 3 years 4 mil hit) He'll look around, and probably return. Unless someone offers much more than NYI, then he'll go. But he must take a lesson from the Anson Carters of the world. Don't abandon chemistry. If someone does offer him a better deal ,it will probably be VAN. He would be a decent fit with the Sedin's and allow Burrows to play with Kesler on the 2nd line where he belongs. 8. Jiri Hudler-( 6 years 5 mil hit) He will betray his old team and go with Nashville. They need scoring, and he'll be locked in a top 6 spot. He'll ease the loss of the curfew cretins. 9. Jaromir Jagr- PENS. ( 1 year 4.5 mil hit) The signing of Crosby made it clear that the money wasn't cleared up for praise. He almost went back last year, and I believe a chance to play with Crosby will be the deciding factor. 10. Jason Garrison-ANA. (3 years 4 mil hit) After trading Vishnovski, they need some more offence. He would fit in with the group, and they don't have a shot a Suter. 11. Jordin Tootoo-EDM.(2 years 1.8 mil hit) He's the role player they need. And he can skate with anyone. He sure won't be afraid of Edmonton winters, either. 12. Matt Carle-TB. ( 5 years 5 mil hit) He would be a top pairing guy, and his playmaking would be welcome on the top PP unit. 13. Brad Boyes. Somewhere off the radar. CLB maybe? ( 2 years 3 mil hit) They will probably need some pop after dealing Nash. I could see them writing him a cheque. 14. Sheldon Souray- SJ. ( 2 years 4 mil hit) A lefty for the point is on the wish list. They're still a contender, but have room on D for the vet. 15. Dustin Penner-VAN. ( 3 years 4 mil hit) See PA Parenteau. All the same reasons, but I think the power game of Penner may be the better choice along the Sedin's. He plays a similar style to them as far as cycling goes.

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June 28, 2012
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Death_from_above said:

... Ryan Suter - Detroit, 5 years @ 8.0 cap hit Zach Parise - New Jersey, 5 years @ 7.5 cap hit Alex Semin - KHL Ray Whitney - Nashville, 2 years @ 5.0 cap hit Olli Jokinen - Buffalo, 2 years @ 5.0 cap hit Shane Doan - Vancouver, 3 years @ 5.5 cap hit PA Parenteau - Ottawa, 3 years @ 4.0 cap hit Jiri Hudler - N.Y. Rangers, 3 years @ 3.75 cap hit Jaromir Jagr - Calgary, 1 year @ 4.5 cap hit Jason Garrison - Tampa Bay, 5 years @ 5.25 cap hit Jordin Tootoo - Winnipeg, 2 years @ 2.0 cap hit Matt Carle - Philadelphia, 3 years @ 4.5 cap hit Brad Boyes - Detroit, 1 year @ 1.8 cap hit Sheldon Souray - Florida, 2 years @ 3.0 cap hit Dustin Penner - IHOP...no kidding..., 2 years @ 3.0 cap hit

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June 28, 2012
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davidgoodburn said:

	Schultz Schultz isn't on the list because he has to sign an ELC so he won't get big bucks he'll only get to choose the best opportunity for his personal life, playing time and winning.
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June 28, 2012
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Zangief said:

	Schultz Not throwing Schultz on there Jangus?
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June 28, 2012
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MikeV said:

... Ryan Suter - Detroit, 12 year deal with a $7.0 million cap hit (front loaded) Zach Parise - Pittsburgh, 8 years @ 7.7 cap hit Alex Semin - Detroit, 3 years @ 4.7 cap hit Ray Whitney - Carolina, 2 years @ 4.5 cap hit Olli Jokinen - Columbus, 3 years @ 4.75 cap hit Shane Doan - Toronto, 4 years @ 5.0 cap hit PA Parenteau - Montreal, 6 years @ 4.5 cap hit Jiri Hudler - Vancouver, 3 years @ 3.75 cap hit Jaromir Jagr - Edmonton, 1 year @ 4.5 cap hit Jason Garrison - Islanders, 4 years @ 4.5 cap hit Jordin Tootoo - Winnipeg, 2 years @ 2.25 cap hit Matt Carle - Islanders, 5 years @ 6.0 cap hit Brad Boyes - Detroit, 1 year @ 2.3 cap hit Sheldon Souray - Carolina, 2 years @ 3.0 cap hit Dustin Penner - Winnipeg, 3 years @ 3.3 cap hit

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June 28, 2012
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mormerod said:

... 1. Ryan Suter-Detroit. I think Kenny wants him more than Parise. It's not often a player can step into Detroit and not be behind anybody. He likes the area, wants to win, and is a family oriented guy. This organization gives him what he needs. 2. Zach Parise-NJ. He made it to the finals, he likes it there, if they can come up with $9 mil per, he stays. Detroit and Minny are probably his options if they can't. 3. Alexander Semin-Stars. He wants to be a go to guy, and he will there. They have the money, and will take the risk as they don't have a shot at the big prize. 4. Ray Whitney-TB. He has a home in Florida, and he would make an excellent line mate for Stammer. A pass first winger should want to play with the best goal scorer in the league. 5. Olli Jokinen ANA. They need a #2 C badly, and there are no other choices. His size and board play fit into the system very well. His L shot would complement Getzlav's R. 6. Shane Doan. I'll go out on a limb and say Boston. They haven't filled the hole left by Recchi, and they proved they missed that veteran presence. With the hole Thomas crap going on, leadership will be needed in spades to get them through. 7. PA Parenteau- He'll look around, and probably return. Unless someone offers much more than NYI, then he'll go. But he must take a lesson from the Anson Carters of the world. Don't abandon chemistry. If someone does offer him a better deal ,it will probably be VAN. He would be a decent fit with the Sedin's and allow Burrows to play with Kesler on the 2nd line where he belongs. 8. Jiri Hudler-He will betray his old team and go with Nashville. They need scoring, and he'll be locked in a top 6 spot. He'll ease the loss of the curfew cretins. 9. Jaromir Jagr- PENS. The signing of Crosby made it clear that the money wasn't cleared up for praise. He almost went back last year, and I believe a chance to play with Crosby will be the deciding factor. 10. Jason Garrison-ANA. After trading Vishnovski, they need some more offence. He would fit in with the group, and they don't have a shot a Suter. 11. Jordin Tootoo-EDM. He's the role player they need. And he can skate with anyone. He sure won't be afraid of Edmonton winters, either. 12. Matt Carle-TB. He would be a top pairing guy, and his playmaking would be welcome on the top PP unit. 13. Brad Boyes. Somewhere off the radar. CLB maybe? They will probably need some pop after dealing Nash. I could see them writing him a cheque. 14. Sheldon Souray- SJ. A lefty for the point is on the wish list. They're still a contender, but have room on D for the vet. 15. Dustin Penner-VAN. See PA Parenteau. All the same reasons, but I think the power game of Penner may be the better choice along the Sedin's. He plays a similar style to them as far as cycling goes.

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June 28, 2012
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phaneuf_fan_3 said:

... 1. Ryan Suter - Detroit 7 yr 7.5 mil per 2. Zach Parise - Pittsburgh 7 yr 7.5 mil per 3. Alexander Semin - Detroit 2 yr 5.5 mil per 4. Ray Whitney - Phoenix 1 yr 4 mil 5. Olli Jokinen - Calgary 2 yr 4 mil per 6. Shane Doan - Phoenix 1 yr 4.5 mil 7. PA Parenteau - Minnesota 2 yr 2.5 mil per 8. Jiri Hudler - Kings 3 yr 4 mil per 9. Jaromir Jagr - Philly 1 yr 4.5 mil 10. Jason Garrison - Vancouver 5 yr 4.5 mil per 11. Jordin Tootoo - Sharks 3 yr 3 mil per 12. Matt Carle - Philly 4 yr 4.25 mil per 13. Brad Boyes - Pittsburgh 2 yr 2.5 mil per 14. Sheldon Souray - Boston 2 yr 3 mil per 15. Dustin Penner - Kings 3 yr 4 mil per

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June 28, 2012
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leaftodd said:

my take 1. Ryan Suter Pittsburg - 8 years 56 mil I think the clearing of Mich's salary and slot was purely for him 2. Zach Parise - New Jersey 7 years 62 mil Wants to win and can't get much closer than NJ last year. He will not King James 3. Alexander Semin Traktor 4 years 20 mil Self explanatory 4. Ray Whitney Clg 1 year 3 mil Clg just will not rebuild 5. Olli Jokinen Tor 1 year 3 mil Wont land anything else close to a #1 c and i'll cry a bit inside each game. 6. Shane Doan NYR 2 years 8 mil Wants to win and join a team made for his style of play. 7. PA Parenteau Pit 5 years 20 mil Turn down market value and a shot to play with sid? No chance. 8. Jiri Hudler Dal 3 years 9 mil Dls owner wants to make a splash but will be left with also rans. 9. Jaromir Jagr Cal 1 year 3 mil See Ray 10. Jason Garrison Edm 3 years 9 mil Time to shore up the D with a cannon 11. Jordin Tootoo SJ 2 years 4 mil Rough style of play is what that team lacks 12. Matt Carle Phi 4 years 20 mil resigns 13. Brad Boyes Clb 1 year 2 mil only team who takes a chance on this reclamation project 14. Sheldon Souray Dal 2 years 4 mil takes less for longer than currently offered 15. Dustin Penner LA 3 years 9 mil Wont pass up a chance to make a little less and stay on a winner in a town he likes.

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June 28, 2012
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