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Hotstove: Which UFA Should Teams Stay Away From?

June 29, 2016, 10:11 AM ET [26 Comments]
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Todd Cordell: Matt Martin

For me it is Matt Martin and I'm not sure it's close.

He has scored more than eight goals once in his career. He has recorded more than 14 points once in his career. When he's on the ice the Islanders have been out shot and out scored on a yearly basis.

Despite all that there is talk he is going to get a multi-year contract worth a good amount of coin.



His perceived value is much higher than his on-ice value. As such some team is going to overpay a 4th liner in both years and dollars.

Ryan Wilson: David Backes

He is already on the wrong side of 30 (32 years old) and his offensive production took a steep hit last year. He was down to 1.37 points per 60 (4th line level). The last two years were the first two years that he was a negative relative possession player on the Blues. Somebody is going to give him money and term. Don't be that team. Let the Ryan Kesler contract serve as a warning.

Peter Tessier: Eric Staal

Run away from Eric Staal. As sad as that is to say it seems like time and wear and tear have caught up with senior Staal brother. That being said I don't believe he or his agent believe he will command near the salary that he has had in his last contract but this is his last time to really cash in.

Basically he won't be cheap and he will want some term 3-5 years I would think. IF those are the conditions I'd go shopping elsewhere and look for value in under-appreciated players. Staal is not the franchise player of earlier years and unless the term is safe, not smart to pay high for accessory pieces now.

John Jaeckel: David Backes

I know Blues fans won't like this, but I think he's been a bit of an albatross in a team leadership role. Pretty good player, but his demeanor on the ice and in the dressing room always seems to be that of a spoiled baby. That said, if he went to a team with strong team leadership in place, so it isn't expected of him, then maybe he acclimates and contributes.

I also think stupid, silly money and term for Milan Lucic would be a mistake. His going to Edmonton reminds me a little bit of Dustin Penner going there. Maybe that's not fair. And Lucic brings a nice combination of size, skill and snarl. But I'm not sure he's the proven veteran leadership the Oil needs with all the young talent they have. Maybe so. I just wouldn't break the bank or go crazy long in term.

James Tanner: Kris Russell

Here is his Hero chart.

View post on imgur.com


He is one of the worst players in the NHL, and yet, some misguided team is going to give him a ridiculous contract and consider him "a top four defenseman" which he isn't. He's a 7th D.

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