NOT QUITE DONE YET

Within three days both the NHL and NBA crowned their respective champions. It marked the true birth of a legend in Sidney Crosby as he led his team into a hostile Detroit, the hotbed of hockey and proved that Penguins can fly. Then two nights later, Kobe tried to write his own legacy by willing the Lakers onto their 15th championship. But now that arenas all across North America have gone quiet and the dust is just settling we turn our attention to the offseason of both leagues before we pack it in for summer. There may be trades, cuts and of course the drafts but everybody wants to know where the big names are heading through free agency. Every year there are huge signings that drastically change the landscape of the game.

NHL
The NHL should hit the ground running this season as everyone is anxiously waiting for Canadian Junior Jonathan Tavares to go to the Islanders. But until then, FREE AGENCY! The best goaltender on the market is Nikolai Khabibulin who could potentially land with a team that is in need of a quick fix during a rebuilding year. Players whose best years are behind them such as Mats Sundin and Alexander Tanguay may have to settle for pay cuts during these economic times but would provide a good deal of experience and skill to their teams.

There are some stars will be dedicated on working something out with their current team such as Martin Havlat in new look Chicago, the Sedin Twins in Vancouver and Marion Gaborik in Minnesota. Montreal defensemen Mike Komisarek could be headed for Philly in exchange for Danny Briere. Young stars such as Mike Cammalleri and mega-defensemen Jay Bouwmeester will be eyeing big dollars in big markets.

Finally the biggest free agent, Marian Hossa will be looking for the type of paycheck that the Penguins and Redwings will not be able to write. In an attempt to capture a Stanley Cup he found himself on the wrong side both years. His Cup hunting days may be over because he may be headed for Long Island or Northwestern Canada for a lot of money. No more pay-cuts for cups for Hossa because that didn’t seem to work.

NBA
Even the promise of a big contract this summer may not ease the sting of being selected by the Clippers for Blake Griffin. This June it will be a draft that is decked out with college stars. But across the hallway into the Lakers locker room resides the NBA Championship trophy. This year the Lakers will have to reevaluate the team and figure who is going to stay on board for the 2010 title defense. Kobe Bryant says he is staying put and we believe him. Permanent free agent Lamar Odom got his ring now looks to resign with the purple and gold. The Lakers’ Trevor Ariza saw his stock rise during the NBA playoffs this season and wouldn’t mind some more money in the bank.

Sixers guard Andre Miller and Jason Kidd will be a hot commodity to teams in need of an experienced point guard. The Bird-man Chris Anderson would be a fun guy to have in the arena and could provide some amusement to the fans of a lucky city. Ron Artest resurrected his career as he took the champion Lakers to the brink in the second round. Carlos Boozer seems to be the biggest name that will definitely be wearing a different uniform next season. Ben Gordon is available but will need to add more dimensions to his game to get more money in the long run.
Finally Hedo Turkoglu impressed many people this season as he helped lead the Magic down a murderer’s row this offseason flying past the Celtics, Cavs and Lakers. His clutch shooting would be clutch in any city. It would be in Orlando’s best interest to resign him.

And then they’re off it should be a fun offseason. And now we are done until the fall!