NHL Free Agency Preview: Forwards

July 1 is a significant day in the National Hockey League. It's the day that unrestricted free agents are finally able to negotiate with any team they want. Even with a fading economy, it's a safe bet that money will be spent, and it will probably be spent freely by at least some teams. With this big day in mind, FanHouse offers up a position-by-position look at the top free agents, as well as some guys you may want your team to avoid.

Whether your team is looking to score goals, stop the other team from scoring goals, or find someone to set up its own top goal-scorers, there's a good chance that the right free agent can be found in this year's crop.

Marquee Name

Daniel Sedin and Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks. The twin brothers from Sweden are reportedly after matching $63 million, 12-year contracts from Vancouver. If they hit the open market Wednesday (looks likely at this point), they'll command upwards of $7 million a year.

The brothers are equal parts talented and durable. They simply never miss games, and they are valuable players in all phases. You're not looking at a pair of one-dimensional, stereotypical European players. Instead, these guys are capable of being huge factors at both ends of the rink.

Not only are the Sedins the best forwards on this list, but they may also be the safest bets, no matter what kind of money they end up getting.

Proven Talents Set to Strike it Rich

Marian Gaborik, Minnesota Wild. Yes, Gaborik has been saddled with major injury issues in recent years. Yes, he was potentially very dumb to turn down $78 million over ten years from the Wild a year ago, especially now that Minnesota is switching to a more offensive-based style.

All that said, Gaborik is an attractive name. He's likely to leave Minnesota, despite new general manager Chuck Fletcher's best efforts. Among the rumored possibilities for Gaborik is Vancouver, though Ian MacIntyre doesn't think it will happen.

I mean, what's not to like about Gaborik?

He has played 103 games fewer than the Sedins in the last three seasons.

He has played close to a full campaign only once in the last five seasons, while the slacker Sedins have missed seven games between them during that time.

... He has grumbled about the defensive-style he was forced to play in St. Paul and reportedly wants to go somewhere he can freewheel. And, hey, which coach wouldn't love to be saddled with that attitude?

... And there's more.

Gaborik's agent, Ron Salcer, has some kind of blood feud going with Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis, who relieved Salcer of client Pavel Bure when the former Canuck became exasperated with his team and agent more than a decade ago.

MacIntyre also refutes rumors flying around that Gaborik has bought a house in Vancouver.

If it isn't Vancouver, someone is going to get themselves a top goal-scorer when Gaborik makes up his mind.

Marian Hossa, Detroit Red Wings. Hossa took a chance last year, turning down long-term offers from Pittsburgh and Minnesota, among others, to sign a one-year deal with the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings. His reasoning, of course, was that his odds of winning a Cup were better with the Wings.

As you know, it didn't work out, as Hossa got to watch his old team skate with the Cup at Joe Louis Arena.

Now, he may have to find a new team, as it appears he won't be working out a deal with Detroit before free agency begins.

Certainly, you have to look at Minnesota as a potential landing spot again. The Wild tried to land Hossa last summer, and now are run by former Pittsburgh executive Chuck Fletcher, who got a first-hand look at Hossa's talents during last year's Cup Finals run. With Gaborik probably gone, they'll need a front-line scorer, and Hossa may fit very well.

Mike Cammalleri, Calgary Flames. While Cammalleri is likely looking at a hefty raise from the $3.6 million he made this year, he's still a top free agent. The cap-shackled Flames are not likely to find a way to bring him back, and his abilities as a top center should create an impressive bidding war.

Bargain Bin

Chad LaRose, Carolina Hurricanes. LaRose proved his two-way value during the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as he was a huge factor defensively while chipping in some huge goals for the underdog Hurricanes. He made just $875,000 last season, so he's in line for a huge raise. That said, he isn't likely to break the bank, and he could be a great addition to a playoff contender.

John Madden, New Jersey Devils. He might not be the same player he was five years ago, but even at age 36, Madden will make someone's penalty kill a lot better. Chances are he won't make anywhere near $3 million in 2009-2010, and he shouldn't after a seven-goal contract year. For a team in bad need of a defensive forward, he wouldn't be a bad signing at all.

Saku Koivu, Montreal Canadiens. While many would say the smart money is on him joining brother Mikko in Minnesota, it might not be the best fit. Koivu's offensive skills have dwindled somewhat, and the Wild's attempt to transition to a more offensive-oriented system seems to scream for a more dynamic talent up the middle than what Saku Koivu can provide. He could, though, center a third line on a good team and still find a way to make the guys around him better. There is no question he would add character to any team in the league.

Steve Sullivan, Nashville Predators. Impressive in his comeback from back problems, Sullivan is not the kind of guy who appears in for a big pay day. Instead, Sullivan looks to be more of a short-term deal player, but his offensive abilities make him attractive. Remember, he may be 34, but he missed nearly two full seasons. If he's healthy, he could easily be capable of playing like he's younger because he has "fewer miles on the tires" than other players his age.

Buyer Beware

Martin Havlat, Chicago Blackhawks. I loved how Havlat played in the postseason. I thought he played a huge role in Chicago's run to the Western Conference Finals. I'm leery of Havlat because he was injured for a good chunk of his first two seasons as a Blackhawk, and only put it together in time for his contract year.

Surely, it's just a coincidence.

Erik Cole, Carolina Hurricanes. Instead of being a huge piece in Edmonton's return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Cole became a non-factor in Edmonton, tallying just 27 points in 63 games. The Oilers didn't hesitate to send him back to Raleigh in a three-team deal at the trade deadline.

Back with his old team, Cole was okay down the stretch, but then went goalless in 18 playoff games, picking up just five assists. He may be looking for a raise on the $4 million he made in his walk year, but why would anyone want to give it to him?