NHL Free Agency and buyout period

The NHL free agency period will begin this Friday and the big name on everyone's list will be Stars centerman Brad Richards.

Richards, 31, is a former Conn Smythe, Lady Byng and Stanley Cup trophy winner. He can be a dominating presence of the ice and is truly a number one center. Richards has informed the Dallas Stars that he will go to market and test free agency, and several teams including Toronto, Philadelphia, and the New York Rangers are expected to be in play for his services.

The contract term is expected to be a long term contract with an expected 7 million dollar per season cap hit. Richards can immediately improve any lineup and I expect that Richards will not be a first day sign. The Rangers specifically will likely waive and buyout the remaining contract year of Chris Drury to make room for Richards and many people in the sport believe that with Richards ties and former success with Rangers coach John Tortorella will give the Rangers the leg up in negotiations.

The Panthers and goaltender Tomas Vokoun will likely talk about an extension, but it appears that Vokoun may go to market. Vokoun is expected to be courted by Colorado, Florida and Phoenix, and could command a similar salary and term to his last contract. Vokoun had a solid year for a bad Panthers club last season, but with the Panthers aggressive GM Dale Tallon, and their cap space, Vokoun could return and finish his career in South Florida.

Joni Pitkanen, Tomas Kaberle and Eric Brewer are likely to hit the market also, but Brewer is supposed to be close to new terms with Tampa Bay.

As I am writing this, Kevin Bieksa has re-upped with Vancouver on a five year deal and Brooks Laich has accepted a long term contract extension with the Washington Capitals.