Since establishing a new collective bargaining agreement, NLL teams have been busy locking up prospects for their potential 2014 roster. Here are a few of the notable names still unsigned.
The defending champion Rochester Knighthawks, who recently signed draft picks Mark White and Taylor Northway, have two key members of their championship team remaining as unrestricted free agents in Brad Self and Mike Accursi. Peterborough, ON native Self, a dangerous transition player, posted 22 points last season while leading the Knighthawks in looseballs with 96. Veteran Accursi, who has been a member of championship Rochester teams in 2007, 2012 and 2013 and features five total Champion’s Cups on his resume, is also currently an UFA.
Despite applying the franchise tag to Colin Doyle, other members of the Toronto Rock offensive cast still require contracts. Josh Sanderson, who in five seasons with the Rock has notched over 60 points in each season while twice surpassing the 100 point plateau, makes up half of Toronto’s UFA list along with Roger Vyse. Toronto’s restricted free agent list also features core players such as offensive duo Garret Billings and Stephan Leblanc, as well as goaltender Nick Rose.
Philadelphia has an extensive list of RFA’s with ten, including three year Wing Max Seibald. After being placed on Philadelphia’s physically unable to perform list for the 2013 season with a broken foot, the former Cornell star fell into injury trouble during the summer with the MLL’s New York Lizards and could potentially miss additional time for the Wings.
Edmonton have just one UFA, but it comes in the form of Ryan Ward. The righty led the Rush in scoring last year with points (75) and assists (54), while finishing fourth in goals (21).
Buffalo’s UFA list features a trio of veterans in Mike Hominuck, Derek Suddons and Tracey Kelusky. Despite putting up 21 points on a struggling Bandits squad last season, Hominuck has been a journeyman in his nine year career and could venture elsewhere. Suddons is a key component to the Bandits d-core, while Kelusky was limited to just seven games last season due to injury.
Vancouver’s notable free agents are all restricted, but includes a pair of B.C. natives in prolific scorer Athan Ianucci and the recently acquired Ilija Gajic.
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