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Yeah, I hear ya on Gaborik. I don't know that he's going to be all that more expensive, he's making 7.5 next season. The 7 - 8 million range seems to be right around what most of the elite players are making under the new CBA and salary cap. It's a little worrisome that they haven't extended him yet..
I also agree with you about Rolston/Demitra. I think they'll take a run at both of em, in the end they may only get to keep one. I think Radio and Fridge will be back. Foy and Simon I'm not sure about. Foy hasn't played much since he's been up here, tough to gauge the Wild's interest in him. Simon could probably win a contract by having a positive impact in the playoffs. I think all the RFA's will be back. I know a number of people on here are down on Butch because of his size, and his first few years here I totally hated on him for the same reason. He used to get knocked off the puck so frustratingly easilly. For whatever reason though, he's been a lot tougher on the puck last couple seasons (especially this one). And that's when guys can even lay a finger on him! I think he's going to be even better next couple years and I hope we can keep him.
The defensemen are the biggest question mark for me. It's feasible that Carney, Hill, Nummelin, and Foster (I hope that wasn't a career-ender.. but it was a bad injury, and if he does make it back, who knows when that will be) won't be back next season. Could be some new faces on the blue line next season.
In terms of who they might go after in free agency, don't really have an idea. Pretty sure they're going to have to do something on the defensive front. On offense it looks like Pouliot is going to stick around, the Ryan Jones kid out of Miami may be up, Colton Gillies may make a push. There may even be a Clutterbuck sighting if we lose a Radio or Veilleux. So they have some things they can do if we lose some guys there. Hossa would be awesome, but could be tough to make that work salarywise.
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