NHL Free Agency Approaching

July 1st is a huge date on the calendars of NHL fans everywhere. This is the date that the free agency period opens, and unrestricted free agents seek big dollars while teams look for the next player that could help lead their team to a title. This season is set to be another interesting one in terms of the names on the market. However, we'll look at who the locals might go after.

We'll start first with the Rangers, who have all eyes on Dany Heatley of the Ottawa Senators. While this isn't a free agent signing, the Rangers are seeking to make a trade to obtain the two-time 50-goal scorer. Heatley's numbers aren't what they were, but he still has the finishing ability that the Rangers have severely lacked.

To obtain him though, Rangers fans might have to succumb to the fact they might lose one of their beloved young talents. It has been rumored that either Brandon Dubinsky or Ryan Callahan would go to Ottawa in a deal. Other possibilities to be included are a big contract, namely that of Michal Rozsival, Scott Gomez, or Nik Zherdev and a first round draft pick. Ottawa wants a fair return and says they'd wait till after Heatley is due $4-million tomorrow, but I would be shocked if that happened. One side will have to budge first, and in my mind, Ottawa would be that side.

As for free agent possibilities, the big name has been Marian Gaborik of the Wild. Gaborik is a tremendous talent, possessing great speed and scoring ability. He would be a big help to the Rangers because of that. However, Gaborik has been spending a lot of time injured lately and may experience the same problems in NY. Other names that have surfaced are Marian Hossa and Ilya Kovalchuk. To me, the Rangers have a better shot at Hossa. He helped bring the Penguins then the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup finals, though he lost both years, and has a tremendous scoring ability. The Rangers would be smart to bring him in as he is less likely to be injured and has played in the Atlantic Division before.

As for the Islanders, they already cashed in with their biggest acquisition of all: John Tavares. Taking him first in the draft was the dream of the fans and Isles management made it a reality. I can't see any other player on the free agent market providing the type of excitement and energy as well as production that Tavares could bring. However, here are some thoughts.

The Islanders really need a back-up goalie that can help do a solid job in case Rick DiPietro is injured once again. To me, the best fit would be Ty Conklin. Conklin was Marc-Andre Fleury's back-up and then Chris Osgood's over the last two seasons, and went to the Stanley Cup Finals both years. He's a great goaltender that would be a solid back-up to DiPietro and could take over no problem if DP struggles or is hurt. Craig Anderson of Florida is another option, as he has a strong skill set and great save percentage.

As for other positions, their other big need is an enforcer to help protect Tavares. They could go after Colton Orr, who is a free agent after serving as the Rangers' enforcer for several seasons. Another option is Chris Neil from Ottawa. Neil has been a tough player against the Isles in his career and Orr served well with the Rangers. Either would be a fine addition for the Isles.

So that's what local fans can expect. I can see the Rangers getting Heatley, but I am not sure if it is worth it to get him if you have to give up Dubinsky or Callahan. Several teams need good, young cores. I would consider giving up Marc Staal before I gave up the other two since the Rangers have tremendous depth of young defensemen with talent. To me, Heatley would be a better addition than Gaborik, but is it worth it to trade away the talent rather than just signing one? I say no, but I'm no GM.