NHL Free Agency Preview Update

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Free agency officially kicks off at 1:00 this afternoon. In a class with a stud at each position, everyone is focused on three or four players. After they go, the dropoff is pretty steep. Now is the time to sit back and trust in your team's general manager.

As an update from the earlier Free Agency Preview, the Flyers have re-signed goaltender Michael Leighton. It is likely that they will pursue another goalie in free agency, however don't expect to see blue chip free agent Evgeni Nabokov become a Flyer. Leighton will earn $3.1 million over the next two years in addition to the $925,000 Brian Boucher is set to make in 2010-11. Nabokov is reportedly seeking at least $5 million per season, rendering his services too expensive for a Philadelphia team with only 15 skaters currently under contract. Considering the Flyers' remaining cap space, a cheaper alternative, possibly Ray Emery, makes a lot more sense.

The biggest name available this year is without a doubt left winger Ilya Kovalchuk. He has faced criticism since becoming a member of the New Jersey Devils at the trade deadline, despite scoring at a point per game pace on a brand new team. The Devils are keen on securing his services for a few more years, but are hamstrung by the salary cap. They will be forced to choose between Kovalchuk's six straight forty goal seasons and dependable defenseman Paul Martin's +51 over the last three years. If the Devils are unable to re-sign the 27 year old Russian phenom, he will likely head west. Rumors continue to list Los Angeles as the favorites to get him under contract, but don't sleep on the Avalanche. With a dynamic group of young centers, Colorado would love to bring in an explosive winger like Kovalchuk. With over $30 million in cap space, they certainly have the funds to do so, assuming the front office is willing to spend some dough.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are connected to two of the biggest available names on defense. Veteran Sergei Gonchar remains committed to returning to Pittsburgh. Fans love his offensive ability (259 points in 322 post-lockout regular season games), but are frustrated by his diminishing defensive skills (-3 in five seasons with Pittsburgh) and brittleness (77 missed games in the past two seasons, not a typo). GM Ray Shero is willing to let Gonchar and his $5 million salary walk in favor of bringing in the younger and more dependable Dan Hamhuis. Traded twice in one week, Hamhuis has chosen to hold off on a deal until July. Negotiations with the Penguins are reportedly progressing, but Hamhuis will most definitely entertain offers from several teams in the upcoming days.

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Which teams will walk away with each blue chipper? Are these guys truly the best available this year? Are elite goalies really worth the money, or can teams find success with lower-level journeymen? Let your voice be heard by leaving a comment (click "# comments") or email the guru at FANTASYguru37@gmail.com.