Free Agent Madness

It begins today at noon.

The NHL free agent frenzy is pretty wild, with most of the big names signing within a few hours, and just about everyone of consequence gone within one day.  With the Flyers passing on Stamkos (thank goodness), the Flyers will be looking to make some signings.  Exactly how much money they feel like they can spend is uncertain, because they may still dump salary.

Possible FA targets;
-Brad Richards - Hard to see the Flyers fitting him in, though it wouldn't be as difficult as signing Stamkos.  A top quality center, he will command a long term deal in the vicinity of $6m/year.  Someone like the Rangers may outbid the others for him, though the Flyers have popped up as an interested party.
-Erik Cole - Probably my top choice for the Flyers to sign.  Physical winger who can score his share of goals, though he has had injury problems in the past.  It won't break the bank to sign him either.
-Simon Gagne - Familiar face would have to take a steep paycut from his expiring $5m/year deal the Flyers signed him to.  In my opinion his days as a go-to goal scorer are gone because a level of aggression is gone from his game, and you can't score consistently without driving the net and going to scoring areas.  Still could be a quality 2-way forward IF he can avoid injuries.
-Michael Ryder - His name has come up as a possible target of the Flyers.  He can score some goals in the NHL, but "Easy Ryder" does find his way into coaches' doghouses at times.
-Michael Handzus - Another familiar face, who had some good seasons with the Flyers a few years ago.  Big and slow, but maybe a good option as 3rd-line center?  Would need to agree to a paycut too.
-Jamie Langenbrunner - A valuable 2-way winger for some time, his career is on the decline but may interest teams as a cheap veteran.
-John Madden - On the verge of retirement, had several good seasons a PK and faceoff specialist.  Might not be looking for much money.
-Jaromir Jagr - Former MVP wants to come back to the NHL at 39 after three seasons in Russia.  Could be a bargain as you'd think he's still good for 50 points or more with his skills, regardless of age.
-Ville Leino - He's a UFA now.  I think the Flyers would like him back, but only at less than $3m/year.  Someone else will probably give him more than that.

Someone always overpays on UFA day, and it may be even worse this year with several teams needed to spend to reach the cap floor.  If a real bidding war erupts for a particular player, the Flyers will not be able to keep pace, but they have a little bit of money to spend and hopefully can find some value.