Note: The salary cap for next year is expected to be about the same at $56mm. This is the amount that will be assumed in my analysis.  UFA- unrestricted free agent. RFA- restricted free agent.

Eastern Conference

Carolina Hurricanes

UFA:  Eric Cole (F), Chad Larose (F), Ryan Bayda (F), Dennis Seidenberg (D)

RFA: Tuomo Ruutu (F), Jussi Jokinen (F), Anton Babchuk (D)

Analysis:

The Canes made a surprising run to the Eastern Conference Finals only to get trounced in four games by the eventual champion Pittsburgh Penguins. After two tough seven game series they fizzled out, with only the first game being the real close in either in score or play. (And let’s not forget they had uber-choker Bill Cowher cheering them on). With about $42mm committed for next season expect the Hurricanes to keep most of their roster.

Plan:

Cole has always been a driving force for the Hurricanes and they seemed substantially better after his return, so expect GM Jim Rutherford to give him an extension. RFA’s Ruutu and Babchuk are both young and played important roles, while Jokinen after becoming lost in Tampa Bay had a resurgence in Carolina just like Sergeir Samsanov and Joe Corvo before him so expect him to stay around, especially given his overall poor play last year that will kill interest elsewhere. Larose will be seeking a substantial raise and whether or not Carolina is willing to pay him remains to be seen. One thing you can count on is the Canes not to be going after any big name players like Jay Bouwmeester or Marian Gaborik; they never shell out huge money to free agents.

Western Conference

Chicago Blackhawks

UFA: Martin Havlat (F), Samuel Pahlsson (F), Nikolai Khabibulin (G)

RFA: Ben Eager (F), Kris Versteeg (F), Cam Barker (D),

Analysis:

The Blackhawks youth carried them farther than anyone (myself included) really gave them credit for, only looking out of place when facing the Red Wings. The Hawks are in a bit of a precarious position in that this year and next they have key RFA’s that comprise the team’s core up for contract, and this essentially leaves no room to bring in outside additions lest they want to run into cap trouble.

Plan:

For all the speculation neither Havlat nor Khabibulin will be back. The former is too expensive and the latter’s performance paired with already paying Crisotbal Huet over $5mm a year means the Hawks won’t be able to retain him. Expect extensions for Versteeg and Barker before July 1^st hits and other teams can throw offer sheets. Don't expect anything more than depth signings as next year Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Andrew Ladd and Duncan Keith all have their rookie contracts expiring. The Hawks will need the room to resign them all.