Free Agency approaches

[Canadian Sabres]

Alot has happened sicne the Sabres playoff hopes were dashed. The LA Kings won their first Stanley Cup in their 44 year history. The draft came and gone with Nail Yakupov going to the Oilers first overall.. The Sabres selected Mikhail Grigorenko out of Russia and Zemgus Girgensons from lalallalalalalalaala Latvia after striking a deal with the Flames for their 14th overall pick.

July 1st Free Agency is now upon us with a good crop of players set to go to Free Agency

Zach Parise - The Devils captain said two days after losing in the Stanley Cup Final that he would like to return to New Jersey, but the closer it gets to Sunday, the more likely it appears that Parise will at least test his market value in free agency. He is sure to like what he hears from various teams because he would be the most coveted free agent forward available and perhaps in line to secure an average annual salary of $7 million or more.

Ryan Sutter - He's been living in the shadows of Predators captain Shea Weber, so you can understand why Suter has informed Nashville general manager David Poile that he plans to see what is out there for him starting Sunday. However, Suter is not ruling out a return to Nashville and Poile remains optimistic the team can offer him everything he wants, including a lucrative long-term contract.

Shane Doan - While it seems ridiculous that Doan would play for any other team (he's only played for one franchise in his entire 17-year career), if he does get to Sunday it is possible that the captain's run with the Coyotes could be done.

Doan has said he wants to return to Phoenix and Maloney wants him back. Doan is 35 years old, so he will get a multi-year contract. The questions are will it be from the Coyotes and will it be before Sunday at noon ET?

Alexander Semin - The word "enigmatic" has been used in front of Semin's name for years now, but it is usually followed by talented. Nobody denies how good Semin has been and still can be if he puts his mind to it, but the problem is for far too long he has been looked at as a player that only gets it going when he wants to and doesn't produce in the clutch.

Jason Garrison - Garrison was third behind Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson and runner-up Shea Weber for goals by a defenseman with 16. He also had 17 assists and was a plus-6 while averaging nearly 24 minutes per game. He scored nine power-play goals and three game-winning goals. If, for instance, the Red Wings strike out on Suter, they may turn their focus to Garrison.

Jaromir Jagr - He was the consummate teammate and professional in Philadelphia and teamed with Claude Giroux and Scott Hartnell to form one of the best lines in the League. Jagr had 19 goals and 35 assists for 54 points in 73 games after spending the three previous seasons in Russia. He enjoyed Philadelphia and said it was the most fun season of his career.

Dustin Penner - If he makes it to Sunday, Penner is an intriguing guy for a lot of teams to look at. He's a power forward in the most obvious way (6-foot-4, 242 pounds) and he can put the puck in the net (135 career goals in 489 games). He also re-energized what looked like a dying career not long after coach Darryl Sutter took over in L.A.

Ray Whitney - He's 40 years old, but that doesn't mean much in today's NHL. Whitney proved that this past season as he led the Coyotes with 77 points and was named a second-team All-Star at left wing.

Olli Jokinen - He is rarely injured and normally effective. He's coming off his best statistical season since he put up 71 points for Florida in 2007-08. Since then, Jokinen has played for the Coyotes, Flames, Rangers and then the Flames again. He's coming off a two-year, $6 million contract. It's not ridiculous to think Jokinen could get at least that this summer.

PA PArenteau - Parenteau was cast aside by the Ducks, Blackhawks and Rangers before he finally caught on with the Islanders and showed what he can do at the NHL level. He had 53 points in 2010-11, earned himself a one-year contract extension, and then delivered 67 points in 2011-12. Now he'll make it to Sunday as an unrestricted free agent to find out what he's really worth.

Parenteau, who benefitted by playing on John Tavares' wing, has said he would like to remain an Islander. However, he also might be a good consolation prize for a team that needs a scoring winger that doesn't sign Parise.

So who do you take a flyer on if your GM Darcy Regier?

Lets have a look at the needs and wants of the Sabres

Needs: More goals

Wants: A scoring forward

Means: $11,645,477 in cap space with 19 players already signed

Restricted free agents Tyler Ennis and Patrick Kaleta were extended qualifying offers, giving the Sabres 11 forwards under control for next season. The Sabres don't have a ton of cap room, but they could use the services of Alexander Semin, Olli Jokinen or PA Parenteau in an effort to boost the offense.

I dont think the Sabres will likely take a Flyer on any more Russians so we can rule out Semin, Parenteau could be a great fit with 2nd line

RW - PA Parenteau

Center- Derek Roy (if he's not traded)

LW Villie Leino

Alot of things could happen if the Sabres decide to purse the likes of Bobby Ryan or Zach Parise... IMO I would love to see these as a possible line next year

Line 1:

RW - Thomas Vanek

Center- Zach Parise

Left Wing - Bobby Ryan

Line 2

RW - PA Parenteau

Center - Jason Pominville

Left Wing - Villie Leino

Line 3

RW - Stafford

Center - Cody Hodgson

LW - Marcus Folgnio (or as I call him Folgino)

Line 4

RW - Patrik Kaleta

Center - Mikhail Grigorenko

Left Wing: Nathan Gerbe

I dont know what will happen its just something I would like to see next year or some day

ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN BE OPTIMISTIC!

tell me what you would like to see as POSSIBLE lines next year

AND who will the Sabres sign??

THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS!

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