| Michael Sonday. 21st January, 2008 - 2:42 pm
 In the hopes of winning a Stanley Cup many teams will be interested in signing free agent Peter Forsberg. For one NHL team, the Minnesota Wild, the signing of Forsberg would be a match made in heaven.
Forsberg, a 13-year veteran of the NHL, announced last week he will begin to skate and compete for Sweden at the LG games held in Stockholm on February 7th-10th. If his ankle holds up, Forsberg and his agent, Don Baizley, will begin to weigh offers from NHL teams.
"I will definitely choose a team that is guaranteed to reach the playoffs, that has a chance to win the Stanley Cup," Forsberg said.
Many teams will be interested in Forsberg, a hard working two-way forward, but Jacques Lemaire’s defensive system in Minnesota would best fit Forsberg’s attributes. The addition of Forsberg would solidify the Wild’s defensive play and add much needed depth at center.
The Wild is 8-13-1 against Western Conference playoff teams so far this year. The Wild need a physical force that is willing to go into corners and battle for the puck. Forsberg is not just a talented player but would be a piece of the puzzle that fits in Minnesota.
Last season the Nashville Predators acquired Forsberg from the Philadelphia Flyers in exchange for Ryan Parent, Scottie Upshall, and Nashville 's first and third round pick at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. This was a steep price to pay for a rent-a-player. This season the Wild could acquire Forsberg for no assets other than his salary.
Forsberg is still a risky investment because of his long history of numerous different injuries, including his ankle which is the main focus of concern this season. Forsberg will probably demand a deal that signs him through next season so the Wild would have to plan their salary cap space accordingly. The Wild have around $3.8 left of cap space this season, but have many players that are going to be free agents this summer so next season may be a problem. If the NHL salary cap does increase to the projected $55 million for next season, the Wild will have some money to play with.
The Wild might have a difficult time signing Forsberg due to many teams being interested. The Vancouver Canucks, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Ottawa Senators are teams rumored to have interest in the 34-year old forward. When Forsberg officially makes himself available, more teams are expected to pursue him.
With the rising expectations in Minnesota after last years first round playoff exit, the signing of Forsberg would be popular among the fans and take the franchise to the next level. The thought of Forsberg, one of the greatest passers of the last 20 years, centering a line with Gaborik and Demitra would be a nightmare to all other NHL teams. In addition the move would benefit the power-play and the penalty-kill, a factor that is even more important in the playoffs than the regular season.
Vary rarely is there a player that fits a particular system the way Forsberg fits in Minnesota. The Wild should take the risk and sign Forsberg. Good things will be sure to follow. |
