2009 free agency outlook, Part II

by Spector

Updated: August 5, 2008, 1:42 PM EST 10 comments

Montreal Canadiens

Komisarek has emerged as one of the league's best shut-down defensemen so expect the Habs to re-sign him before next summer. Koivu has long been a Canadiens mainstay but might have to accept less money to stay in Montreal, while contract extensions for Kovalev and Tanguay depend on their performances this coming season.

Nashville Predators

Sadly, Sullivan could be forced into retirement as his back has been slow to recover from surgery which sidelined him last season.

New Jersey Devils

Madden will likely be re-signed if he wants to stay, and if Oduya continues to improve he could earn a new contract. Holik could be playing his final season while Gionta will need to replicate his 48-goal performance of 2005-06 to earn a new deal.

New York Islanders

Comrie's future could be determined by his willingness to remain in the New York area and the Islanders performance. Guerin, Sillinger and Weight probably won't be re-signed after this season and all three could face retirement.

New York Rangers

Both Kalinin and Mara will need strong performances this season to stay with the Rangers beyond this season which might not be easy as they could lose playing time to Marc Staal and Dan Girardi.

Ottawa Senators

Even if Gerber plays well, the Senators may be in the market for an upgrade in goal next summer. Neil remains a popular gritty forward and could be retained if his salary demands are reasonable.

Philadelphia Flyers

This season will be the last for Hatcher with the Flyers and he may be forced into retirement due his battered knees. Knuble could be dealt in the coming months. Biron could be re-signed, but Niittymaki's future with the Flyers seems uncertain.

Phoenix Coyotes

Continued improvement by the Coyotes could keep Morris in Phoenix if his asking price is right. Reinprecht had his best performance in years last season and another could land him a contract extension.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Gill found a new lease on life after being dealt to the Penguins from the Maple Leafs last season and could be re-signed if he continues to play well. Another solid season from Sykora could net him an extension. Recently-acquired Satan, whose production has been declining since the lockout, will have to proof his worth. Sydor could be traded in the coming months.

San Jose Sharks

With the depth of younger talent on the Sharks these four could all find themselves hitting the open market next summer, with Blake and Roenick possibly facing retirement.

St. Louis Blues

Legace has had an up-and-down tenure with the Blues marked by inconsistency and injury which could affect his chances for a long-term extension. McDonald had 36 points in 49 games with St. Louis. If he can improve on those numbers, he could be re-signed. Tkachuk appears content in St. Louis and could remain for the right price.

Tampa Bay Lightning

This could be the final NHL seasons for Recchi, Roberts and Kolzig while Gratton and Kuba could be facing their final seasons with the Lightning.

Toronto Maple Leafs

Antropov had his long-awaited breakout performance last season and a healthy 2008-09 season should keep him in Toronto. Bell is facing his last chance to regain the promising form he once had during his days with the Chicago Blackhawks. This could be Joseph's last hurrah both in Toronto and the NHL.

Vancouver Canucks

New Canucks GM Mike Gillis didn't exactly give the Sedins a big vote of confidence during the press conference this past spring announcing his hiring. If the Canucks struggle this season the twins could be shopped. Ohlund might be willing to waive his movement clause by the trade deadline should he opt for the open market next summer.

Washington Capitals

Fedorov was rejuvenated after being dealt from the Blue Jackets to the Capitals and a solid 2008-09 performance could earn him another one-year deal. Kozlov, however, could find himself competing for ice time with the Caps younger forwards which could make him expendable.