Scouting the Free Agents: Marian Hossa
It’s no surprise that the talk of last year’s free agency will once again be a hot topic come July 1st. In today's sports its downright shocking that a player in his prime would sign a one year deal, especially when they had to turn down an 8 year 90 million dollar contract in order to accept it. But that’s what again free agent Marian Hossa did last season, a move that was scrutinized and debated right up until the Finals. He did it for a shot at the Cup and that’s exactly what he is currently playing for.
Hossa once again had an impressive year, scoring 40 goals and adding 31 assists for 71 points in just 74 games. He has registered 80 or more points in 4 of his last 6 years, he registered 100 once (in 2006-2007). He has really started showing up for the playoffs scoring 6 goals and adding 8 assists in this year 18 games and in his career he now has 75 points in 93 playoff games.
Since Hossa is one of the better snipers in the league you can bet that he puts up power play goals. He notched 10 this year and has 77 power plays goals in his last 6 seasons. He would most definitely help the power play become more lethal, and he would fit the bill of a player that other teams have to watch out for. Hossa generally avoids the injury bug, especially since he has played in 72 or more games for the past ten seasons.
The deal Hossa put his name on was a one year 7.25 million dollar contract. You can be relatively sure that he will receive the same amount of dollars this year, although I do believe he will sign more than a one year deal. There have been rumors of Detroit wanting to resign him but they may not be able to offer him the kind of deal he wants, especially with the huge raises they just gave to Zetterberg and Franzen.
This time being a GM isn’t going to be easy. Can Hossa help? Yes. Will he flounder under the bright lights of Broadway? No he is currently succeeding in Hockeytown. But can you justify offering another 5-7 year deal for a player that is turning 31? Can the Rangers afford to offer anyone, even perennial superstar Marian Hossa, a deal that long with Redden, Drury and Gomez taking up nearly half the cap? You’re call. Have at it in the comments!
