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Goalie

Chad Johnson- He has a bit of a history with Torts from his brief stint with the Rangers sand he's shown is a serviceable backup. He should sign somewhere at around 6-750K, which is a good number for a backup given Vancouver's cap situation.

Leland Irving- I don't think he ever got a real shot in Calgary/AHL. The guy was a first round pick and played pretty well for Calgary last years when he was call upon. He'll likely be given another shot for around 600k.

Dan Ellis- The hardest part about locking up Dan Ellis will be whether or not he wants to battle for the backup job in Vancouver or be handed one elsewhere. Because of that, I think he'll be out of Vancouver's price range and sign for around 1.5 million somewhere. Still, I'd offer him 1 million to compete for the backup job if he's interested.

Thomas McCollum- I'm really surprised that Detroit gave up on this kid already. While I'm not sure he'll ever be a star, but he has the demeanor to be a solid backup goalie, who can give you 20-30 games at the NHL level. I offer him a one way deal and worst case scenario for McCollum; he'll make good money to be a 1B goalie in Utica. Two years, 700k per. He's likely the No. 1 guy I target.

Jason Labarbera- Like Ellis, Labarbera is another guy that will likely have to take a discount to play in Vancouver. I've always liked him as a goalie ad would be willing to give him about a million per for two years.


Defence

Tomas Kaberle- No telling how many teams will be lining up for him and I personally think it's a long shot that he wants to play out west, but Kaberle would make an excellent sixth or seventh D-man. He would help out the power-play and he brings with him a wealth of experience. I'd be willing to go 2-3 years at 1.5 million per.

Steve Montador- He's a Vancouver guy who would make a great sixth or seven D-man. He's a pretty tough customer and he's that ever elusive right-handed. Sold, although, I do have concerns over a concussion history. I'd offer two years at 900k per season.

Theo Peckham- I loved the way he used to play out in Edmonton and I'm kind of shocked that they are letting him go to free agency. He's tough, physical and nasty player that I think will excel under Torts. A perfect six, seven or eight guy. I'd offer two years at 900k per and let him show his worth.

Colten Teubert- In 2008 I had very high hopes for Teubert – I still remember he was my second choice after Hodgson. I know he's bounced around a bit, but at 23 years-old, I think he has a ton of upside to be a quality NHL defenceman. 6'4, 210 pound, right-handed guys don't grow on trees. Give him a shot to come home and let him develop under Torts, who seemed to work wonders with the defenceman in New York. Teubert is the No. 1 D that I'd go after, three years, 900k per.

Scott Hannan- In the playoffs, I felt Hannan played exactly how you expect a third pairing guy to play. He's a hard working, character guy, who is no fun to play against. I'd give him a bit of a raise on that million he made last year. Two years, 1.25 million per.

Jonathon Blum- Another guy that I still think has too much upside to not at least talk with. I loved the way he played in Junior and would welcome him back to Vancouver in a second. He's in the same boat as Tuebert, three years, 900k per.

Jordie Benn- He's a solid, reliable, right-handed defenceman, who I'd like nothing more than to see on the west coast. At 25, there is still a bit of room to grow in his game and he would be a welcome sixth or seventh defenceman. I'd offer him two years at 750k per.


Who's on your shopping list?


Well that's a wrap.

Ian


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