The Notable Defensemen Set to Hit the Market

ESPN.com recently released the list of notable defensemen that are set to hit the market. I've just looked at this list and it seems like they are some pretty worthy defensemen that are worth taking when the July 1st period comes. So here's the list and my guess of teams that could possibly take these guys.

Christian Ehrhoff, New York Islanders
Even though Christian Ehrhoff was traded from the Canucks to the Islanders, it was surprising to me that the Canucks couldn't offer a long-term contract to one of the best defensemen the team had in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Now, whether or not the Islanders try to sign him to something before July 1st is completely up in the air. If he decides not to stay with the Islanders, teams like the Stars or Senators might try to make a move on getting Ehrhoff.

Tomas Kaberle, Boston Bruins
This guy was a factor in proving that Boston was the Stanley Cup Champion. The question is: Where will he go so he can get another chance at the Cup? He's probably not going to Vancouver, the team that he beat, but teams like Tampa Bay or Detroit would be happy to have this guy providing the defense they need to succeed.

Bryan McCabe, New York Rangers
I wouldn't be sure which teams would want Bryan McCabe. In fact, I didn't even know he was traded to the Rangers from the Panthers until I saw the article on ESPN.com. He's a very reliable defenseman with the ability to make pokechecks when they are needed. Teams like Los Angeles, Colorado, or Chicago need some help out on defense, so look for one of them to go after Bryan McCabe. Fans probably who watch McCabe know better about which teams want McCabe then I probably would know.

James Wisniewski, Montreal Canadiens
I like Wisniewski because he has proven to be both a superb defenseman as well as a threat on offense. I would look for Anaheim to try to get him back after trading him away, because they have the talent now to ask for a player that can play at both positions. If not, Montreal might resign him, or he could go to Vancouver, where they could use his skills.

Ed Jovanovski, Phoenix Coyotes
It's hard to believe Jovanovski would leave Phoenix after spending such a long career there. Now will he find another place to take his talents to? I would say teams like Vancouver and Winnipeg would be willing to take a chance on bringing a veteran defenseman to help out with their defensive needs.

Jonathan Ericsson, Detroit Red Wings
It hurts me to hear that Jonathan Ericsson is now an unrestricted free agent. But if Nick Lidstrom is to come back, the Red Wings have to let some people go. But will Ericsson? Perhaps. Teams like Tampa Bay, Boston, or San Jose need some defensive help and Ericsson would help provide that.

These are the list of other defensemen that are worthy of note. They don't necessarily have the biggest impact as those that I have listed above.
Andy Greene, New Jersey Devils
Roman Hamrlik, Montreal Canadiens
Scott Hannah, Washington Capitals
Niclas Wallin, San Jose Sharks
Sami Salo, Vancouver Canucks
Brent Sopel, Montreal Canadiens
Steve Montador, Buffalo Sabres
Andreas Lilja, Anaheim Ducks
Steve Eminger, New York Rangers

We will be seeing some big changes going on during the free agent period. Will defensemen leave to take bigger roles with different organizations? Or will old clubs find ways to keep defensemen on their team? We'll see July 1st, when the free-agent period opens. Until then, cross your fingers, puckheads, to see which defensemen end up on your team.