With the Wings having locked up there goaltending position with Miller and Kirk, its time to start looking at the offense and defense. As camps start in the next couple weeks and roster size shrinking, there may be players released that may be invited to camp.
The new CBA has been in place for just over a week and players have been signed at such a pace that the ink can’t flow through the pen quick enough. There are still some notable unrestricted free agents along with restricted.
Notable restricted free agents Matt Vinc, Joe Walters, Cory Vitarelli (Rochester), Garrett Billings, Nick Rose, Stephan LeBlanc(Toronto), just to name a few. But with these restricted free agents the team has a few days to match any offer, so I do not see any of these players leaving. But there are some big noteable unrestricted free agents that could help the Wings.
Defense. Chris White—Toronto is a beast on defense, and Buffalo fans are still wondering why they let him go. White was a big part of the defense that helped the Rock to the division title again. White would be a big help on the young Wings defense
Richard Morgan–Colorado at 6’8 260lbs he is one of the biggest players in the NLL. Slotted at the transition position he registered 6G/5A last season. Morgan can be a help on the defense with his obvious size. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to bring Morgan in for a try to see what he can do.
Offense. Josh Sanderson—Toronto This is one I be signing immediately. In 09-10 he registered 103/104 pts respectively. Last three seasons Sanderson has averaged 63 points (24G/39A), not to mention his strength on the power play. He would be a huge asset for the Wings.
Ryan Ward—Edmonton A former Wing (2004-2005) was traded to Minnesota in 2005 and played there until the Rush acquired him in 2010. This past season he matched his career high in point (75–2007). Ward would be a big help on the right side of the Wings offense, but I think his chances of returning will be slim. Edmonton needs to keep him as Corey Small is lost for the season with torn knee ligaments suffered in the WLA finals this summer. If Edmonton doesn’t keep him, look for him to return to Minnesota as they need someone to replace Ryan Benesch who they traded to Buffalo. Ward also still has residence in the twin cities.
Scott Evans—Toronto From 2004-10 he caused havoc when with the Rochester Knighthawks, and in 2011-12 with the Edmonton Rush he was a force in leading the Rush to the finals in 2012. Last season with Toronto he was lost in the mix of all the scoring talent of the Rock. Bringing Evans here could be a spark to not only the offense, and the way he has played in past years, but he could be that spark in the locker room that gets the fire going a bit higher.
Philadelphia Wings Restricted Free Agents:
Max Seibald Pat Heim
Kevin Buchanan Steve Holmes
Ned Crotty Brett Manney
Brandon Francis Jeff Reynolds
Kyle Hartzell Ryan Hotaling
UnRestricted Free Agents
Mike McLellan. Kyle Sweeney. Mike Thompson
