2009 free agency outlook, Part I

by Spector

Updated: August 4, 2008, 3:26 PM EST 43 comments

Anaheim Ducks

Schneider is expected to be traded, perhaps prior to the start of the upcoming season and Niedermayer could retire next summer. GM Brian Burke will likely attempt to retain Beauchemin and Pahlsson, but Morrison will need to have a strong season to land a contract extension.

Atlanta Thrashers

Williams was on pace for a career-best performance with the Blackhawks last year before suffering a season-ending injury. If he can bounce back, expect the Thrashers to try hard to re-sign him.

Boston Bruins

Thomas goes into this season as the Bruins starting goalie and if he can hold off challenges from Fernandez and prospect Tuukka Rask they'll re-sign him. Fernandez and Axelsson could be traded before next summer.

Buffalo Sabres

While there is lots of talk of Afinogenov being shopped this summer, but so far there are no deals. Even if he bounces back from last year's sub-par performance, the Sabres might not re-sign him. The injury-prone Connolly probably won't be re-signed and Spacek might also be allowed to walk, but the Sabres could attempt to re-sign Kotalik.

Calgary Flames

Aucoin is considered trade bait despite his no-trade clause and probably won't be re-signed. Bertuzzi will need a strong performance to earn another contract with the Flames, and if Cammalleri shines as expected, Flames management will likely retain him.

Carolina Hurricanes

An energetic, checking line forward with decent scoring skills, LaRose wil likely become an affordable re-signing for the Hurricanes.

Chicago Blackhawks

Havlat has the skills to be a top scorer, but is also more fragile than china. With youngsters Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews emerging as stars, Havlat might not be retained even if he has a strong year. Khabibulin might not even be with the Blackhawks by the start of the season, while an aging Lang will likely be allowed to hit the open market.

Colorado Avalanche

Injuries have hampered Leopold's development since joining the Avalanche and another injury-filled season could see the end of his time in Colorado. If Raycroft can regain the form that made him rookie of the year in 2004, he could earn himself a contract extension. Laperriere is a gritty veteran but he could become expendable in the numbers game.

Columbus Blue Jackets

The stock of these two veterans has been in steady decline since the lockout and barring a significant improvement, both could not only find themselves out of a job with the Blue Jackets next summer, but also out of the NHL.

Dallas Stars

Boucher had a career season in 2006-07, but was sidelined for most of last season by injury. He could end up the odd man out as younger defensemen push for roster spots. Lehtinen and Zubov have been Stars for a long time and for the right salaries could remain in Dallas.

Detroit Red Wings

Hossa will likely hit the open market next summer as his signing with the Red Wings is merely his attempt to win a Stanley Cup. Franzen and Zetterberg, however, are now the priority signings for Wings management, so don't expect those two to be available next summer.

Edmonton Oilers

A strong season could earn Cole a new contract with the Oilers. Garon appears the strongest candidate for the job of starting goalie and he could earn a contract extension also. This will likely be Roloson's final season in Edmonton.

Florida Panthers

The good news for Panthers management is they avoided arbitration this summer with Bouwmeester by re-signing him to a one-year contract. The bad news is that barring a remarkable turnaround in their on-ice fortunes they'll be forced to either trade him before next summer or risk losing him for nothing to the UFA market.

Los Angeles Kings

LaBarbera showed promise as the Kings starting goalie last season, posting a .910 save percentage backstopping one of the league's worst defensive teams. Another strong performance could earn him a new contract. Calder's scoring touch has vanished in the last two years and if he doesn't find it soon, he won't return with the Kings.

Minnesota Wild

Wild management intends to start contract talks with Gaborik this summer, likely worth around $8.5 million per season, but it might take more than a big contract to sway him into staying. Backstrom will likely be re-signed, while Bergeron will need a career-best season to stay in Minnesota.